Many of Munich’s Christmas markets and winter festivals offer more than just traditional German delicacies.Tollwood in particular is known for its wide range of international dishes. But if you want to experience other cultures in connection with winter and Advent, not just in the culinary field, you should visit these two special markets in Munich.
Latin American flair: the Mercado Navideño
Southern Germany meets South America at the Mercado Navideño in the Villa Flora. The listed Biedermeier building has been in Sendling since 1874 and has been used for many purposes over the years. Since 2017, it has served as an event location for concerts, weddings and the Latin American weekend.
The latter also includes the Mercado Navideño, which takes place this year on the last weekend in November. Here, German and South American Christmas culture come together in the indoor and outdoor areas of Villa Flora to form a fantastically festive symbiosis. Taste your way through the food trucks, dance to the hot rhythms of the DJs and admire the art on display. At the salsa dance course and Zumba, you can get active yourself and put your sense of rhythm to the test. Or you can remain a spectator at one of the other dance performances.
The little ones can look forward to Santa Claus as well as the traditional piñata and will be captivated by the storyteller’s tales. They get their money’s worth with face painting and handicrafts and can get creative. Children under the age of 11 do not pay admission, all others need tickets in advance or can purchase one at the box office if available. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a lead.
📍 Location: Villa Flora, Hansastr. 44, 80686 Munich
📅 Dates: November 29-30, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
💶 Price information: 6€
Journey to the Far East with the winter edition of Japandult
If you want to continue your journey around the globe, your next stop will take you to the land of the rising sun. Japandult has been held twice a year in Munich since 2013 and brings East Asian culture to the Bavarian capital.
You can expect traditional handmade goods from Japan, Japanese cuisine such as ramen or onigiri and a varied program. Look forward to concerts, dancing and demonstrations of katana martial arts. You can try your hand at numerous workshops, such as origami folding, manga drawing or calligraphy. In the Furoshiki workshop, you will be shown how to wrap your Christmas presents – which you can of course also buy directly on site – in an appealing and sustainable way.
This year’s Winterdult offers you two time slots to choose from and visit the market, one at 12 noon and one at 3 pm. Tickets are only available online, there is no box office. Children under 10 years have free admission.
📍 Venue: Alte Kongresshalle, Am Bavariapark 14, 80339 Munich
📅 Date: December 14 from 12 noon
💶 Price information: Tickets from €16