Pre-Christmas time in Munich: 11 things to do to get you in the festive mood

Christmas markets are simply part of Advent and make it so much more beautiful. Stroll through the decorated stalls, enjoy mulled wine and delicacies and find unique gifts for your loved ones. The various Christmas markets offer you a varied program of music and art that will leave you with unforgettable memories. There is also plenty on offer for children, ranging from carousels and talking animals to craft and storytelling sessions.

Lose yourself in the magic of light! Lumagica has been open again since November 15 and invites you to immerse yourself in its sparkling realm. Look forward to over 300 sparkling light installations in Cavalluna Park. Stroll through the glowing paths with your family and be enchanted by each new installation. With so much shining magic, even the biggest Christmas grouch will get into the festive spirit.

If you don’t feel like doing your laps on the ice on your own, then ice dancing at the Prinzregentenstadion is the right thing for you. Every Sunday from 09:30, you can learn the steps for the round dance on the ice and the famous Munich dipferl free of charge. You and your partner glide along on your skates to waltzes and tangos and dance across the open-air ice rink at the Prinzregentenstadion.

Let yourself be enchanted by a special concert experience and attend a Christmas candlelight concert in Munich. Enjoy the rousing melodies of legendary Christmas carols and Christmas film music performed by talented artists while surrounded by soft candlelight. The intimate atmosphere and festive sounds are sure to warm your heart and increase the anticipation of Christmas.

The nativity scene market in St. Peter’s Church is one of the largest of its kind and specializes in Christmas tree decorations and nativity scenes. Over ten stores offer a variety of handicrafts, Christmas decorations and dioramas of all sizes. This local tradition dates back to 1757, when a market of this kind was held for the first time in Alter Peter. Since then, it has been an integral part of the Christmas market.

It has been on the road since 1994 and has been running again since 2024 after a corona break: the Christkindltram in Munich. On this Christmas city tour, you get to see and marvel at a number of sights such as the Isartor, the Maximilianeum and the National Theater. Christmas music plays in the festively decorated streetcar and you are served punch, mulled wine and gingerbread, which you can enjoy on the 30-minute ride.

Discover the floristic world of Munich at Christmas: in numerous flower stores and nurseries, you have the opportunity to take part in exciting workshops where you can design your own traditional Advent wreath. Let your creativity run wild and create a unique piece of jewelry that will make your home shine in festive splendor and become the centerpiece of your Christmas decorations.

Traditional spooky fun at Christmas in Munich: Immerse yourself in the fascinating Bavarian tradition of the Krampus Run! On December 14 from 3 pm, you will have the opportunity to see the terrifying figures of Krampus parading through the streets of Munich together with St. Nicholas. Be impressed by the elaborate costumes and elaborate masks of the 25 groups as they provide goosebumps in a spectacular parade.

At the Fat Cat in the heart of Munich, the “Ballet of Lights” unfolds with a magical reinterpretation of Cinderella. The 60-minute show fuses the grace of classical ballet with state-of-the-art lighting technology to create a visual spectacle. Talented dancers bring the fairy tale to life, accompanied by famous classical compositions. An unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Enjoy mulled wine with a view? That’s possible at Cloud 6 on the roof of the Marriott Hotel City West in Munich’s Westend. Here you can help yourself at the stalls and settle down on the cozy seating for an Advent evening with a lounge feeling. If you fancy something a little more active, you can try your hand at curling. And for a very special experience, book one of the gondolas and enjoy a fondue or raclette over the rooftops of the city with a panoramic view.

Munich has many beautiful Christmas markets, no doubt about it. But you can also visit numerous magical markets in the rest of Bavaria and in Austria that will put you in a contemplative mood. If you feel like spending Christmas on an island, visit Lindau or Fraueninsel, if you’re in a royal mood, go to the Christmas market at Guteneck Castle and if you want to go abroad, Salzburg and Innsbruck are good options. Last but not least, don’t miss the “Best Christmas City” Abensberg.