Christina Ostner Over the course of three days, I was able to explore more than 10 Munich Christmas markets. I loved it so much that I had to rank my top five! Visiting during the holidays felt like home and a true celebration of my German heritage. Every Christmas market here had its own unique charm. I had the pleasure of visiting the markets with my German friend Lena. She took time off from her busy schedule as a goldsmith to come down to Munich for a girls weekend.
These were not my first Christmas markets in Europe. In 2015, I toured with Disney on Ice during the holiday season and I enjoyed markets in Poland, Croatia, and Czech Republic, to name a few. Germany is notorious for their markets, so I had very high expectations.
I was anticipating every market to have handmade goods with a large variety. Surprisingly, a lot of the vendors have similar off the shelf products in their huts. However, after visiting markets in Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein later on this trip, I found this to be a trend in most Christmas markets. I even saw some of the same exact goods repeated in different countries! “Handmade”… sure…!
However, my favorite markets were the ones with true artisans and merchants actively working on their craft in front of guests. One market even had a blacksmith hammering away in the crowd. Talk about ambiance! While the quality of the goods varied, we found good Glühwein (German mulled wine) flowing and bratwurst everywhere we went. Vegan ones too!
And the Munich Christmas Markets decor: unmatched! I was on the lookout for beautiful market huts to inspire my own designs at Enchant Christmas. I would have filled my phone storage if I had taken photos of every perfect hut. Every strand of garland was placed with intention. Rooflines worthy of description in a Brothers Grimm fairytale lined each stall up and down every market.
How could I possibly choose just one favorite?!
In order to provide a less biased ranking, I considered the following factors when deciding my favorite Munich Christmas Markets:
Ambiance /5 (Crowds, festiveness, entertainment.)
Food and Beverage /5 (Quality, affordability, and variety of offerings.)
Goods /5 (Quality, affordability, variety of offerings, and authenticity/craftsmanship.)
Market design /5 (Cohesiveness of market huts, quality and abundance of decoration, attention to detail.)
= /20
My Top Five Munich Christmas Markets
#5 Sendlinger Tor
Ambiance 4/5
Food and Beverage 5/5
Goods 3/5
Market design 4/5
=16/20 B-
This market is situated beneath the 14th century remains of the original Munich city wall. This, in combination with the holiday decor, helps transport you back in time. The market feels authentic and cozy. Because of its smaller size I found it to be less crowded both times that I visited compared to the bigger/better known markets. Delicious churros and currywurst!
Tied for #3 Marienplatz Square
Ambiance 4/5
Food and Beverage 5/5
Goods 4/5
Market design 4/5
=17/20 B+
You cannot walk into Marienplatz and see the Rathaus and Christmas tree and not say, “wow!” The neo-Gothic architecture is the perfect backdrop to this large marketplace. Because of its history, central location and reputation, this market draws large crowds. I noticed a lot of the huts to have repeated goods, which took away some of the authenticity for me. Still, the sights and smells did more than compensate for this! Lots of vegan and vegetarian options! If you’re looking for Lebkuchen and German-looking ornaments (that may or may not be hand painted but are more affordable) then this is your market.
Tied for #3 Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz
Ambiance 5!!!/5
Food and Beverage 5/5
Goods 3/5
Market design 4/5
=17/20 B+
If I was to rank the Munich markets based on vibes alone, Pink Christmas would take the trophy! This LGBTQ+ market is pure FUN. Situated in Stephansplatz, the market huts surround a central stage with live entertainment. From singing drag queens to DJs, expect the Glühwein to leave you dancing and signing along with the rest of the crowd. Bonus: the Glühwein is served in Pink Christmas-branded rainbow steins. Take my Pfand (deposit)!!! I kept my mug as a colorful momento of this market.
#2 Munich Residenz
Ambiance 5/5
Food and Beverage 5/5
Goods 4/5
Market design 5/5
=19/20 A
The puppet nerd in me loved this one! The market features several animatronic puppet shows telling Bavarian stories of Christmas. Another popular market, it was a little difficult to navigate the crowds here, even during the day time. The reason for the foot traffic was obvious, however! Design-wise, the Christmas pyramid framed by the palace walls along with every little Christmas detail makes this market stand out. Even the garbage cans are themed to look like gingerbread houses. If I could only bring my nieces to one market, this would be the one! For small children (and adults!), this market definitely served the most Christmas magic!
#1 Medieval Christmas at Wittelsbacher Platz
Ambiance 5/5
Food and Beverage 5/5
Goods 5/5
Market design 5/5
=20/20 A+
The Medieval Christmas market in Wittelsbacher Platz is my winner! It has a completely different atmosphere than the others. Artisans work live in front of guests as they prepare their handcrafted goods for sale at charming medieval huts. For lovers of cosplay, this is your market! Merchants and even some guests wear medieval garb to look the part. The Käsespätzle was phenomenal. I had my first ever roasted chestnuts here and they were so yummy. I loved the handmade nature of all of the goods here. This market felt authentic and had an incredible atmosphere.
Favorite Munich Christmas Markets Ranking Summary:
1. Medieval Christmas
2. Munich Residenz
3. Tie: Pink Christmas + Marienplatz
5. Sendlinger Tor
Munich Christmas Markets Superlatives
Vibes:
Most Fun: Pink Christmas
Most Intimate: Sendlinger Tor
Best Decor: Munich Residenz
Best Vendors: Medieval Christmas
Food and beverage:
Favorite Glühwein: Pink Christmas
Best Brats: Marienplatz
Most Vegan Options: Marienplatz
Sweetest Treat: Sendlinger Tor
Other noteworthy Munich Christmas Markets worth a visit:
-“Eiszauber” at the Karlsplatz-Stachus: featuring ice skating with a variety of theme days/nights
-Munich Feuerzangenbowle: traditional fire-tongs punch located behind the Schrannenhalle
I hope you, too, can find your holiday spirit while exploring the European Christmas Markets! Check out my Viator Shop for some tour options that will take your trip from ordinary to extraordinary! Looking for holiday magic in the US? Learn more about Classic Christmas here!
