The twinkling lights at the city’s Christmas markets are among the most beautiful aspects of Munich’s pre-Christmas season. Everything is aglow and sparkling—whether on stalls, streetlights, or Christmas trees. It gets even more beautiful when the glow of the lights is reflected in the water and shines twice as bright. This romantic sight awaits you again this year at the Lichterhäuschenfest during the Blutenburger Weihnacht.
Christmas market set against a castle backdrop
If you’d like to visit a Christmas market at a castle, you don’t have to make a special trip to Kaltenberg (and pay an admission fee). With the Blutenburg Christmas, there’s also a Christmas market in Munich set in front of a castle that you can visit for free. On the first weekend in December, you can celebrate winter festivities here for four days. This year, the Blutenburg Christmas Market takes place from Thursday, December 3, through Sunday, December 6. In the castle’s inner courtyard, various stalls will serve you delicious treats and hot drinks such as mulled wine or Feuerzangenbowle.
There’s a different program every day, ensuring plenty of variety. On Thursday, the Blutenburg Brass wind quintet will perform at the opening. Friday brings the highlight: the St. Lucy and Lantern Festival, while the castle chapel hosts a church service. On Saturday, you can showcase your musical talent at the open sing-along, while your children will be delighted by a visit from St. Nicholas. Last but not least, Sunday afternoon features storytime, and the festivities conclude with another musical performance.
The Lichterhäuschenfest as a highlight
Because it lasts only four days, the Blutenburg Christmas is a special event in its own right during Advent. The absolute highlight, however, is the St. Lucy and Little House of Lights Festival on Friday. St. Lucy of Syracuse was an Italian martyr who cared for refugees and the persecuted. They hid in dark caves, to which St. Lucy brought food. To keep both hands free while still being able to see, she is said to have placed a wreath of candles on her head. To this day, the Saint Lucy Festival is celebrated in her honor, especially in Scandinavia, on the winter solstice.
You don’t need to travel all the way to Scandinavia, though—just stop by the Blutenburg Christmas instead. Here, on Friday starting at 5 p.m., Lucia makes a festive procession around the castle pond and hands out gingerbread. Behind her, children and adults follow carrying homemade, illuminated lanterns and little houses of lights. Together, you’ll place the lanterns on the water, transforming it into a sparkling sea of lights—a truly beautiful sight!
You can take part in the Little Light House Festival for free and without prior registration. You can make your own little light house on November 18 at the International Youth Library at Blutenburg Castle. There’s a fee of €6 per child. If you don’t have time that day, you can buy a craft kit to make at home at the Children’s Library for €6 as well. If you still haven’t had enough of lantern parades after St. Martin’s Day, be sure to stop by the Little Lantern Festival.
📅 Dates:
- Make a little light house: Wednesday, November 18
- Lichterhäuschenfest: Friday, December 4
- Blutenburg Christmas: Thursday, December 3, through Sunday, December 6
💶 Price information: Free admission, light-up huts €6
