Between autumnal beauty and winter anticipation: November in Munich enchants us with its reddish-gold leaves, which transport us to an autumn wonderland, while the growing chill slowly but surely gets us in the mood for winter. The Christmas markets begin at the end of this month and let us enjoy the pure Christmas spirit.
But even before then, there are great events taking place in the Bavarian metropolis that delight us culturally, culinarily, and with entertainment. We want to make sure you don’t suffer from FOMO, so we’ve put together a list of the 11 best things to do this month —all of which are also perfect for a wonderful family day out.
It’s almost that time of year again, and Munich’s Christmas markets are opening their doors. In the heart of the city, the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz and the Christmas Village at the Residenz create a festive atmosphere that makes the anticipation of Christmas palpable. In the Olympic Park, the Märchenbazar invites you to linger with its boho tents, and Wittelsbacherplatz takes on a medieval vibe.
Surrounded by the magic of twinkling lights, you can enjoy culinary delights —from fragrant gingerbread and roasted almonds to spicy bratwurst and mulled wine. You can also look forward to cultural performances, including rousing music and dance shows. And of course, there’s plenty of shopping to be done!
Experience a spectacular journey through the past, present, and future of Formula 1® at the Formula 1® exhibition in Munich—featuring original race cars, interactive highlights, and exclusive insights into the fascinating world of the pinnacle of motorsports.
Queer Literature Festival
for the full festival pass
So much for a gray November: We’re kicking off the month with a burst of color. At the Queer Literature Festival, queer writers will read from their latest works, whether novels or comics. You can look forward to inspiring insights, gripping stories, and plenty of opportunities for conversation and a sense of community.
Winter Retreat
The counterpart to the summer venue is back in action this month. The courtyard right in the heart of downtown transforms into a cozy oasis of winter togetherness. Sip the first mulled wine of the season while enjoying delicious street food and comfort food. Live DJs provide the musical accompaniment to get you in the mood. Whether with friends or for an after-work get-together, the Winterquartier is one of Munich’s hot spots in the fall and winter.
A cozy candlelit concert featuring your favorite music—is there a better plan for the cold season? With a diverse selection of music that offers something for every taste and dreamlike venues that show you the city at its best, it really doesn’t get any better than this.
From Queen vs. The Beatles to Adele’s soulful songs, all the way to Beethoven and Mozart —Candlelight presents it all in a classical arrangement like you’ve never experienced before.
Of course, Munich’s most popular winter sport can’t be left out! The city’s curling rinks invite you to make the most of the cold season for exercise and fun with family, friends, or coworkers. With a rented curling stone and target in hand, it’s time to get in a good mood and let the game begin! Hot mulled wine is served on the side—perfect for a few enjoyable hours on the ice.
Just like every year, the Tollwood Winter Festival is taking place again this year. Soon, the Theresienwiese will once more be transformed into a colorful winter festival with an atmospheric Christmas market. The festival offers a diverse program featuring art, music, theater, and cabaret. You can burn off some energy on the curling rink, discover new treasures in the tents, or even get a tattoo!
The focus on sustainability and environmental awareness is also reflected in the culinary offerings, which include numerous organic and fair-trade products. The cultural program impresses with a diverse mix of live music, theater performances, acrobatics, and performance art.
Experience “Sleeping Beauty” in a magical combination of ballet and lighting technology. “Ballet of Lights” brings the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty” to Munich as a spectacular light show, combining classical ballet with glowing costumes, modern technology, and Tchaikovsky’s music.
Music fans are in for a treat this month, as several music stars from Germany and abroad are stopping in Munich to play concerts for you. Fans of timeless rock can look forward to a massive anniversary highlight with Placebo. Meanwhile, Jungle will provide danceable funk and soul grooves, while music legend Bob Dylan strikes his usual poetic and nostalgic notes.
Food & Life
Foodies among you should keep the end of the month free, because the Food & Life fair is coming back to Munich. Whether sweet, sour, or savory; vegetarian, organic, or meat-based; alcoholic or non-alcoholic— connoisseurs of good food will find something to their liking here. Sample the wide variety of offerings, discover new trends, and be inspired by the live cooking demonstrations. While you’re at it, you can pick up a few delicacies as Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
Munich Book Fair
Fall is the perfect time to snuggle up and lose yourself in a good book. If you’re still looking for inspiration on what to read next, the Munich Book Fair is the place for you. The book fair features over 10,000 books across a wide variety of genres, which you can use as inspiration for your next reading adventure. Special readings and workshops are offered for school groups.
