Munich undoubtedly has many beautiful Christmas markets, but sometimes you just long for a little more nature. If you’re drawn away from the city during the Advent season and want a festive experience at the same time, then you should stop by the Halsbach Forest Christmas. Year after year, the local forest is transformed into a winter wonderland full of magical lights and a fairy-tale program.
Magical Christmas Forest
Halsbach is located in the Altötting district, about 100 kilometers from Munich. Every year, a beautiful Christmas market springs up here around the Waldbühne, attracting visitors from near and far. A total of 100 stalls line the paths of the Halsbach Forest Christmas Market, selling handicrafts, food, and drinks. Hundreds of candles light up the paths after dark and, together with the wooden huts under the trees, create a rustic, cozy atmosphere.
Warm up with soups, sausages, Kaiserschmarrn, mulled wine, and all sorts of other delicacies while you enjoy the magical atmosphere. In addition to German classics, you’ll also find international cuisine, such as dishes from Africa or Asia. Afterward, you can go in search of a few Christmas gifts, which are also available at the stalls. As you wander through the Christmas village, there’s plenty to discover, such as the Energy Tower or the Hexenheisl. And if it gets too chilly, you can retreat to the tea hut or the yurt, for example.
Music, Dance, and More at the Halsbach Forest Christmas
The Halsbach Forest Christmas offers a festive program every day throughout the entire market grounds. On the Waldbühne and at the Keltenhaus, a chainsaw artist demonstrates his skills with the tool, transforming logs into sculptures. In the Klanggarten and at the Energieturm, various musical acts perform, and every hour on the hour, you can enjoy the Wichteltanz. Stories, legends, and musical theater will captivate you and provide great entertainment. You’ll also be amazed by the walking acts—such as Saint Luzia, the Snow Queen, and the Elf Queen—which are sure to make children’s eyes light up.
You can visit the Halsbach Forest Christmas this year from Friday, December 27, through Sunday, December 13. It’s open every day of the week and also serves as a venue for Christmas parties and private celebrations. If you visit the Halsbach Forest Christmas Market as a regular visitor, admission is €8. Children under 12 enter for free, and there’s a discount for groups of 10 or more. You pay the admission fee directly on-site at the Halsbach Forest Christmas Market; there is no online store.
📅 Dates: Friday, December 27 through Sunday, December 13
🕑 Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sat & Sun 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
💶 Pricing information: €8 regular, €6 for groups of 10 or more, free for children under 12
