The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Munich monkeysandmountains.com /christmas-markets-in-munich

Munich has an unbelievable 24 Christmas Markets! It’s one of the best cities inGermany to celebrate the holiday season.

Christmas Markets all share commonalities. There are vendors selling their wares, and locals meeting over a mug ofGlühwein, but each has its own flair. Before you go, be sure to read my Tips for Making the Most of Your Time at aChristmas Market.

Here are 5 of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Munich:

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Medieval Christmas Market

Medieval Christmas Market

Upon entering the Medieval Market in Wittelsbacher Platz (near Odeonsplatz) you’ll wonder if you’ve just steppedinto a time machine and popped out back in the middle ages. Vendors dressed in medieval clothing sell theirmedieval wares. Glühwein is served in heavy hand-pottered mugs. On weekends, there are a variety of freemusical performances played on long-forgotten instruments dating back to the middle ages. Children especiallyenjoy this market.

Christmas Village in the Munich Residenz

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Christmas Market in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz.

It’s hard to compete with a Christmas market held in the courtyard of a palace. Strategically placed lights provide the

WOW factor on entrance. In addition, this market has the best food of all the Christmas markets in my opinion. It’s apopular meeting spot for locals. You’ll also find a fairytale village which is always a hit with children. Expect singingmoose and minitaure Santa Clauses singing Christmas carols.

Tollwood Winter Festival

I found it impossible to identify just one reason why I love Tollwood Winter Festival so much. Tollwood is acombined Christmas market/exhibition of cultural, political and scientific events. It’s also a hip place to hangout withlive music. The commonality that ties it all together is the environmental focus. I plan multiple trips to Tollwood eachyear. Whether it be to meet friends and listen to free live music at the Tief im Wald Bar (Deep in Forest Bar), thecoolest bar I’ve ever been to complete with a forest atmosphere , or to listen to one of the incredible presentations. Acouple of years ago I saw a film about my idol, Jane Goodall film (famous primatologist who works withchimpanzees). This year I’ll honour of hearing her speak at Tollwood.

I’ve spent more money at Tollwood than I have at all the other Christmas Markets I’ve visited combined. While I’mnot much of a shopper, my favourite Christmas market find was at Tollwood. It’s a handcrafted coffee table built froma Bavarian farmhouse dating back to 1807.

Tollwood is often described as a “small Oktoberfest” since the winter festival is held on the same ground as

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The fairytale village features singing Santa Clauses and angels are a hit with kids.

Oktoberfest. I’ve never seen anything as eclectic, making it a strong contender for my favourite festivals of all time.Only the World Nomad Games are in contention!

The Christmas Market at Marienplatz

This is the oldest and the largest Christmas market in Munich. It’s also the most touristy. While I find it too crowdedfor my liking, it definitely is the most gorgeous. The huge Christmas tree at Marienplatz is always a highlight. Besure to check out the giant Christmas Pyramid at Rinderplatz. You’ll also want to stroll down Kaufinger St. all the wayto Stachaus (Karlsplatz). Here, you’ll find a skating rink. I recommend visiting it, getting your photos, then heading toone of the smaller markets for a mug of Glühwein.

Schwabing Christmas Market for Artisans

This market is charming with hanging lanterns scattered throughout. But what really impressed me about it was theartisans. It has some of the most talented artisans I’ve seen at any Christmas market. There’s also an Art Tentwhere vendors display their larger works of arts. This bohemian type market will be especially appreciated by

anyone with an interest in art, or those looking for a unique gift.

What are your favourite Christmas markets in Munich?

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Tollwood Winter Fesitval

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The Christmas Pyramid is one of the seasonal highlights.

Note: This article was originally published in 2011, but was updated in December 2016.

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