Normally, we probably only head to the airport in winter to escape the German cold and flee to warmer climes. But even if you’ve already used up your annual vacation days this year, there’s still a good reason to head to Munich Airport during the pre-Christmas season. That’s because the annual winter and Christmas market takes place here starting November 13—and thanks to the covered area, you can visit it no matter the weather.
Live music and romantic light-filled rides
During Advent, festively decorated stalls line up in the Forum of the Munich Airport Center, delighting you with all kinds of delicacies and handicrafts. Mulled wine starts at just €4.50—whereas elsewhere you’d have to shell out up to €18. Europe’s largest covered open-air space ensures that you can enjoy the festive atmosphere even on rainy days. The beautifully decorated fir forest with 280 trees and the festively adorned huts add to the charm.
On the stage in the MAC Forum, a varied daily music program awaits you, taking you on a journey through different genres. Look forward to pop, rock, and gospel, as well as modern folk music. In addition, on December 19, you can watch ice sculptor Christian Schaber at work. If you’re more interested in the history of the airport and want to combine that with a sparkling bus tour, you should book one of the light tours. On your tour across the airport aprons, you can marvel at the glittering lights while listening to the guide’s commentary. This tour is therefore both educational and romantic.
📅 Dates: November 13 through December 27
🕐 Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; on December 24, only until 4 p.m.
Program for Creative Minds and Sports Enthusiasts
The centerpiece of the market is the 625-square-meter ice rink, where you can skate all day long for just €5. Participants in the traditional Munich Ice Dance at the Prinze can practice what they’ve learned here until they drop. On four Wednesdays, there’s an ice disco with a DJ spinning tunes for you. If you’re not so keen on gliding on skates, you can try your hand at curling instead. It costs just €25 per hour and lane.
Those of you who prefer to get creative or want to make a homemade gift shouldn’t miss out on the ceramic painting workshop. Both adults and children can let their creativity run wild here, painting mugs and plates in any colors they like. There are no limits to your creativity. You can then either pick up your finished pieces or have them shipped to you. The painting itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for the ceramics.
Activities for Families with Children
Every Tuesday at the airport Christmas market—just like at Oktoberfest—is Family Day. That means each vendor has at least one discounted item on offer for you. St. Nicholas also visits the Christmas market and hands out candy together with Krampus. In St. Nicholas’s house, you can write your wish list, and Alfredo the Magic Clown will amaze you with his magic tricks.
If you’d like to give back during this reflective season, you’ll have the opportunity to do so on December 5 and 6. On these days, you can pick Christmas wishes from the wish tree for children in need and make them come true. Wrap the gifts and bring them to the Elchstube at the airport’s Christmas market by December 18 so they can reach the children. This way, you can bring them great joy.
