Munich's Christmas Markets

Munich is the third largest city in Germany, with over 1.5 million residents.  While the main Christmas Market in Marienplatz square dates back to the 14th century when there were only a fraction of today's residents, many more have popped up around the City. We made a full day of it, walking 9.5 miles around the old town area visiting seven different markets.

Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz Square -- this is the original Munich Christmas market and its oldest.  Taking place in the main square in the shadows of the New Town Hall, a grand Neo-Gothic structure built in 1905.  It is very similar to the other markets we've been too, with lots of food and drink choices as well as vendors.

Viktualienmarkt -- this is the main food market in Munich, with multiple stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables year round.  It also features a large maypole, which is festooned with white lights and visible from many blocks away.  The Christmas market here is small and complements the permanent vendors here on a daily basis making it feel large.

Kaiserhof of the Residenz -- this market is located in the largest courtyard of the Munich Residenz, another former royal palace.  Much of this building was destroyed in the war so what we see today is modern construction made to resemble the original. This is a great market to visit on a windy day as you are shielded in all four directions by the Residenz.

Medieval Christmas Market -- located at Wittelsbacher Platz not far from the Residenz, this market leans into all things medieval.  The costumes, the rustic wooden stalls, the music, and the performers including a court jester, all contribute to this market having the best unified theme.  They even had raptors on display with their handlers.

Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor -- Sendlinger Tor is one of three remaining city gates.  This market dates back to 1886.  It's a small square so the market is small, but it's located at a metro stop which makes it busy.

Pink Christmas -- located at Stephansplatz not far from Sendlinger Tor, this market caters to the LGTBQ+ community.  It was bedazzled in pink lights everywhere, and though small in size, it was big in festiveness.

Haidhausen Christmas Market --  this market in Weissenburger Platz was the closest to our hotel and we started and ended our day here.  Tucked into a square in the Haindhausen neighborhood, it very much had a local feel where all the nieghbors came out and socialized.

In between all of our market visits, we also made a stop at the Hofbräuhaus Brewery (since 1589!) where they claim to be the world's most famous tavern.  This is one of the six major breweries in Munich and a very popular stop for tourists.  The staff are dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits and there's also an Oompah-band playing in the main floor beer hall.  While not a Christmas-themed stop, it was certainly festive, and we enjoyed a respite from the walking while I enjoyed my liter of beer and pretzel.