Munich Christmas Market
Want to experience the holiday spirit abroad? Plan on a visit to the Munich Christmas Market and other European Christmas Markets!
Christmas Markets are a staple of the German-speaking world and find home throughout central Europe as well; these community markets are filled with song and laughter, sweet treats and crafts. The tradition of Christmas markets in Germany dates back to the 14th century, with St. Nicholas markets. However, after the Enlightenment and religious reform, the ‘Nikolaimarkt’ was renamed the ‘Christmarkt,’ and eventually became the Christkindlmarkt. There is no finer example of a Christkindlmarkt today than the renown Münchner Christkindlmarkt. But why is it named as such? The name comes from the tradition of the Christkind.
The Christkind is a Christmas gift bearer in Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany and other countries in central Europe, just as Santa is for the U.S. It may be depicted as a sprite-like or infantile angel, or in some instances, especially in heavily catholic communities, as an incarnation of baby Jesus. The Christkind comes in the afternoon or evening on December 24th to deliver Christmas gifts.
Holiday shopping takes on a greater sense of meaning in Europe. Every year during the advent season (late November to December 24th) the city of Munich erects a beautiful sprawling market in the Marienplatz in front of the town hall in the spirit of the Christkind. This market is filled with various activities, food and drink stalls, as well as Christmas decorations and unique gifts available for purchase from several vendors. There is something for everyone!
Consider the Kripperlmarkt – Kripperl is a diminutive nickname for Krippe, which means crib, or manger in German. At the Kripperlmarkt, you can purchase nativity scene sets, handcrafted from various materials such as wood, clay, and metal. You can also buy decorations for your nativity scene made from moss, straw, bark and other natural fibers, to give your nativity set a rustic charm.
While you’re perusing the stalls or grabbing a bite to eat, take in some Christmas music! From the balcony of the town hall, traditional Bavarian Christmas music will reach your ears. A live band plays cheerful tunes. If you want to join in the music yourself, you can do that too; caroling and singalongs also find their place at the market. There’s plenty of ways to get involved in the market and community atmosphere.
Looking for a little more excitement? Take in the 500-year old tradition of the Krampus run! This parade spans the market and is filled with people dressed as the mythological creature Krampus, who is a devilish goat-like figure meant to encourage children to behave around the holiday season, and dispensing punishment to those who don’t. A little more intense than a lump of coal! Krampus is always accompanied by Bishop Nicholas, a symbol of generosity in the holiday season.
Every Christmas Market is different, with its own unique vendors, events, and traditional flair, but they’re all equally beautiful and worth taking the time to visit! Find the perfect gift for a loved one, indulge in warm drinks and sweet snacks, and find a reason to celebrate the season.
Feeling that holiday cheer yet? You still have some time to book a trip for this holiday season! Visit the Munich Christmas Market on our Old World Christmas Market Escorted Tour: It’s an incredible 6-night tour of Zagreb, Ljubljana and Munich, and you’ll be able to explore a winter wonderland in each. Departure date is December 5th 2025.
Don’t wait! Our booking window closes soon. And keep our Christmas Tours in mind for next year too!
