Marienplatz hosts Munich Christmas Market from 20 November

Marienplatz hosts the Munich Christmas Market from 20 November to 24 December 2026 in Munich, Germany. The market, organised by the Capital City of Munich through its Department for Labour and Economic Development, returns to the square in the city centre.

Munich Christmas Market opens on 20 November

The 2026 market begins on 20 November and continues until 24 December, according to the official market programme. It is closed on 22 November for All Souls’ Day, then resumes as part of the Christmas season.

The programme includes live Advent music from the New Town Hall balcony from Sunday to Thursday. Soloists, choirs and wind ensembles perform there during the market period, while the organisers also list the Krampus run for 13 December 2026 from 3pm to 5pm.

The Krampus procession is organised and financed by the city department in cooperation with the Sparifankerl Pass group. The official programme gives a route through the pedestrian zone, including Rindermarkt, Petersplatz and the area around the Old Town Hall.

Marienplatz connects the market with Munich history

The market has held a permanent place in Munich city centre since 1972. Its history reaches further back: the organisers trace its roots to medieval Saint Nicholas markets, while the first documented Munich reference to a Nikolaidult dates from 1642.

The setting combines the market stalls with the neo-Gothic New Town Hall and its balcony music programme. A large Christmas tree is placed in front of the town hall, and the official information describes it as 25 metres high with 3,000 candles. That arrangement links the seasonal event directly to the square’s best-known civic building.

The neighbouring churches and markets extend the visit beyond the main square. St Peter’s hosts the Kripperlmarkt, a nativity market whose tradition in Munich dates to 1757. The Christmas programme therefore brings together the square, the New Town Hall and the religious folk-art tradition around St Peter’s.

Music and family activities join the market programme

The programme also lists Carols under the Christmas Tree at St Michael’s on Neuhauser Straße. The sing-along takes place on Wednesdays from 25 November and on 2, 9 and 16 December 2026, with music led by Traudi Siferlinger, Monika Drasch and Johann Zeller.

In the New Town Hall, the Himmelswerkstatt offers a hands-on Christmas activity for children aged six to twelve from 26 November to 13 December 2026. The activity takes place in the Ratstrinkstube, with the meeting point at the Fischbrunnen by the town hall entrance.

Visiting Marienplatz: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The Munich Christmas Market takes place from 20 November to 24 December 2026 at Marienplatz and in adjoining parts of Munich’s pedestrian zone.
• The market is closed on 22 November 2026; the official programme also places the Krampus run on 13 December 2026 in the city centre.
• Public transport is recommended because the official organiser states that there are no parking facilities around Marienplatz.
• The square is surrounded by pedestrian streets, while the Krampus route includes Rindermarkt, Petersplatz and the Old Town Hall area.

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Frequently asked questions about Marienplatz

When does the Munich Christmas Market take place at Marienplatz?

The market runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026 and is closed on 22 November 2026.

What happens at Marienplatz during the Christmas Market?

The programme includes town hall balcony music, a large Christmas tree and the Krampus run on 13 December 2026.

Where is Marienplatz and how do you get there?

Marienplatz is in central Munich. The organiser recommends public transport because there are no parking facilities around the square.