Just in time for the end of the year, Munich shows itself from a particularly beautiful side. Christmas decorations adorn the streets and shop windows, and there are plenty of Christmas markets spread across the city center. But which ones are the most beautiful? And what should you definitely not miss in wintry Munich? We have summarized that for you today.
Winter in Munich 2025: The best Christmas markets, activities & excursions in the area
1. Eat Schupfnudeln at the Medieval Christmas Market: For us, an absolute highlight in the run-up to Christmas is the “Munich Advent Spectacular” on Wittelsbacherplatz. At the Medieval Market (that’s its unofficial name) you can not only find Feuerzangenbowle, but also extremely delicious Schupfnudeln in all sorts of different variations. Sweet with applesauce, or with cream and fillet tips.
2. Attend a Christmas concert at Bergson: In the weeks before Christmas, the Bergson Kunstfabrik offers an exciting, diverse program in the innovative Elektra Tonquartier concert hall – from jazz to the Nutcracker and the Oratorio de Noël to a sing-along concert for the whole family. You can take a look at the December program here!
3. Visit the Eibsee: The most beautiful lake in Germany turns into a winter dream come true in the cold season. Nestled in a magical backdrop of snow-covered trees and majestic mountains, the lake radiates a special tranquility. The best thing: In contrast to summer time, you only meet a fraction of the tourists here.
4. Tobogganing on the Wallberg: Is sledding just for children? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! The toboggan run on the Wallberg is over six kilometers long and is so demanding that it is rather unsuitable for small children. To warm up, there are one or two huts with schnapps on the edge of the track. And the views are really great!
5. The Residenz Christmas market visit: THE classic in Munich. And every second Munich resident also mentions the small Christmas market in the inner courtyard as their favorite. Tip: Go in the afternoon and not in the evening, then it won’t be that crowded.
6. Drink hot chocolate in the GötterSpeise: The lovingly decorated shop at Jahnstrasse 30 is the first address if you are looking for good and exceptional chocolate. And therefore also the perfect place for a delicious hot chocolate. How about chili chocolate, for example?
Do you prefer tea? Then you should definitely follow this Tushita teahouse pay a visit to Klenzestrasse 53. Tushita offers a huge selection of teas in a cozy, feel-good atmosphere.
7. Christmas shopping in the city center can be quite tedious, as you are usually traveling there at the same time as 383,928 other people on the same mission. And it’s much more fun to shop for individual gifts in small boutiques away from the hustle and bustle.
Today I would like to give you a few tips for my beloved Glockenbach and the adjacent Gärtnerplatz district: There are pretty things, for example, in Grapes Concept Store at Corneliusstrasse 19 (ceramics, candles and other beautiful little things), at the one already mentioned above Food of the gods at Jahnstraße 30 (the best chocolates, cookbooks and particularly pretty decorative items). Buy yourself happy at Reichenbachstraße 14 (fashion, accessories, books, interior accessories). pleased to meet at Hans-Sachs-Straße 18 (stationery and ceramics) and at Jewelberry at Utzschneiderstraße 10 (detailed jewels).
You can also find individual Christmas gifts from all over the world at the “Market of Ideas” at the Tollwood Winter Festival.
8. And while we’re at it Tollwood are: The Winter Festival is also the perfect place for a nice afternoon or evening with friends. For example at a concert, delicious international food or in the theater tent. By the way, you can find the current program here.
9. Visit the “monte mare lake sauna” at Tegernsee:There are various saunas and steam baths in the lake sauna – and all of them offer a fantastic view of Lake Tegernsee. Our tip for afterwards: eat fondue in the rustic “Kreuther Fondue Stube” of the Hotel Bachmair Weissach.
10. Curling in the English Garden: One of the two lanes at the Christmas market at the Chinese Tower can be rented from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for 100 euros an hour and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 125 euros an hour with up to 10 people. Pssst: During happy hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you only pay 50 euros for one hour!
Which Christmas market is your favorite? What are your favorite activities in wintry Munich?
