I used to do a lot of my travelling in winter because I’m very crowd-averse. Munich in December didn’t quite go along with the plan. It’s one of the busiest times of year here, and also one of the best, as long as you know where to find the quieter corners.
In short: December is one of the best times to visit Munich, as long as you treat the Christmas markets as part of the trip rather than the whole point.
My take: I’d send most people to Munich before Nuremberg. In Nuremberg you see the market and move on, but in Munich you could stay five days and still not run out of things to do.
Munich in December
Munich is not one of those cities that closes down in the colder months. If anything, I’d say December is one of the busiest times of the year in Munich. I’ve been to Munich several times in winter, to visit a friend who lived here and on a few trips with my family. I’m very crowd-averse, and Munich in December is never quiet. But it’s a big city, and there’s always somewhere calmer to duck into.
The festive season brings a unique energy to the city, which is reflected in the bustling streets and busy shops. Every Munich neighbourhood has its own Christmas market, and there are many worth visiting in the city centre. These markets are often more than just shopping venues; they become social hubs where people gather to enjoy hot drinks and seasonal snacks. Particularly after work and on the weekends.
This includes the fun Tollwood Winter Festival, one of the most popular winter events, held at the huge Theresienwiese showgrounds. This is also where the annual Oktoberfest is held. Tollwood differs from the Christmas markets, offering an eclectic mix of art, culture, and international cuisine. It offers an alternative way to celebrate the season, attracting a diverse crowd looking for something a bit different. Tollwood runs from late November until just before Christmas, with a New Year’s Eve party on the 31st.
Things to do in Munich in Winter
Although January and February can be very cold and wet, there are still many things to do in Munich at this time of year. After visiting Munich several times over the years, I think this list of things to do in Munich should keep you busy for at least a few days.
If this is your first time in Munich, you might like to take a walking tour to give you an overview of the city and its history and culture. This is the most popular walking tour in Munich that is run by a local tour company.
1. Munich Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Munich in December, I suggest starting with the Christmas markets. Get yourself a mulled wine, enjoy the festive atmosphere and take your time planning the rest of your stay.
Every stall lists a Pfand next to its drink prices. It’s a deposit on the mug, not a sneaky surcharge: take the mug back when you’re done and you’ll get the money refunded, usually at any stall. Or keep it. Plenty of people take one home every year because the designs change.
Bring cash, too. Germans aren’t big card users, at the markets or anywhere else, and if you need an ATM, use one inside a bank. The rate is better and it’s safer.
Status: Confirmed
Munich dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: October 2026
Source: Simply Munich
Location: Marienplatz and Rindermarkt
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 8pm
Totensonntag: Closed
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm
Christmas Day: Closed
The main Christmas market in Marienplatz is a stunning place to wander around. It’s the most lively and busiest of the Christmas markets, and it’s well worth visiting. Go in the morning, on a weekday if you can. Evenings and weekends get so crowded it can spoil the experience a bit, but do stop back for a quick look after dark when the lights come on.
You can find handmade crafts and gifts, Christmas decorations, toys and all the classic Christmas foods. Don’t skip the little Nuremberg sausages grilled over open coals. The ones I had at a Munich market were the best of my whole trip, and better than the ones I ate in Nuremberg itself.
If you’re crowd-averse, you might prefer one of the smaller Christmas markets. These still have much to offer but are considerably calmer, particularly if you visit first thing upon opening and during the week. I particularly liked the small market off Odeonsplatz and the medieval-style Christmas market at Wittelsbacherplatz.
After the Wittelsbacherplatz Medieval Christmas market, you could cross the road to enjoy coffee and cake at the historic Cafe Luitpold. Order from the huge display of small cakes or pick up some handmade chocolates. Cafe Luitpold has a cultural calendar full of interesting events centred around music, philosophy and writers. It’s advertised in German, but anyone can go. If you want to take part, I suggest emailing them ahead of time to see what might suit English speakers (unless you speak German, of course).
Another worth finding is the market in the Kaiserhof courtyard of the Residenz, set up like a little Bavarian village. My rule in Munich is to pick two or three markets and spend the rest of your time on the city itself.
2. Tollwood Winter Festival
The Tollwood Winter Festival is more than just a Christmas market. It has quirky stalls, events and an international flavour. Entertainment includes circus acts, live music and a special New Year’s celebration. Themed tents guide you to your interests, so I suggest reading up beforehand and planning what you want to do. Tollwood mixes indoor and outdoor events. Stay warm in the tents or head out to the open-air music shows.
Sustainability is key at Tollwood, so if you’re looking for lower-impact winter events, this is the best place to go in Munich. It’s billed as the alternative to the Christmas markets, and it is different: makers and artists, handcrafted goods and a lot of vegetarian and vegan food made with organic ingredients. I quite liked it. Judging by the crowds, though, it’s not as alternative as it sounds, and it’s definitely not for everyone.
Status: Confirmed
Tollwood Winter Festival: 24th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Theresienwiese
Opening times: 11am to 9pm
Admission: Free
How to get there: Underground U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese.
Tollwood Events: Find out more
3. Museum Quarter
You’ll find many of Munich’s most well-known museums and art galleries near the main train station. These are conveniently located within a few minutes of each other in what’s known as the Museum Quarter.
For €12 you can get a day pass that enables you to visit Munich’s Pinakotheken. The day pass includes access to the Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Museum Brandhorst and Sammlung Schack. There’s also an annual pass if you plan to spend a lot of time here.
The Alte Pinakothek (Old Masters Gallery) is particularly well known for its works by Rubens, including the Dying Seneca, where philosopher Seneca is forced to commit suicide.
At the Neue Pinakothek (New Picture Gallery), there are many popular works by Renoir, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh and my favourite from the day I visited: Edvard Munch’s ‘Woman in Red Dress’.
If you’re planning a visit now, the Neue Pinakothek is closed for a long renovation and isn’t expected to reopen until 2029. In the meantime, some of its 19th-century highlights are on show in the east wing of the Alte Pinakothek and at the Sammlung Schack.
I particularly liked the Pinakothek der Moderne (Modern Art Museum) for its design exhibition. It includes computer design through the decades (Apple is well represented) and an excellent furniture and product design section.
You’ll also find the Museum Brandhorst in this area. This modern museum and gallery houses more than 1,200 works from 1950 to today.
4. Munich Residenz
The Residenz is the historic seat of government in Bavaria. It might not be obvious from the exterior, but inside is an incredibly opulent palace.
Much of the Residenz was carefully reconstructed after the war; today, it’s the most important museum complex in Munich and all of Germany. Don’t miss this.
I went with my parents one winter, and for whatever reason we were the only people there. We wandered through those ornate rooms and halls taking photos as if it were our own house. Mostly what stays with you is the opulence, and how much money was spent for the benefit of so few. The skill of the artisans is something else, though.
If you’re particularly interested in history, this historic walking tour is a great opportunity to learn about the Third Reich and WWII in Munich.
5. Shopping in Munich
Munich has always been one of my favourite places to shop in Germany, and shopping can be one of the best things to do when the weather turns bad in winter. You’ve got all the popular chain stores between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, more upmarket shops at the famous Fünf Höfe shopping centre and window shopping only (at least for me) along Maximilianstraße.
You’ll find smaller independent stores on Sendlinger Straße and in Schwabing. Those are the ones I’d make time for. You can buy the big names anywhere, so skip them and look for the independent shops around the old town, from affordable little places to boutique designers. You’ll come home with something far more memorable.
One of my favourite shops for browsing is Manufactum, which has an odd mix of gourmet food, clothing, office and gardening products. I don’t quite get the connection, but it’s a fun place to walk around or pick up some holiday gifts.
6. Eating Out in Munich
Normally, I would recommend going to Viktualienmarkt to pick up park picnic supplies, but obviously, that’s not the best idea in the middle of winter. Unless of course, you want to have a picnic in your hotel room, which is actually a great idea and something I often do when travelling.
In Germany, they have a thing called abendbrot, which literally translates to evening bread. It’s a simple dinner of sliced cheese, pickles and some kind of spread on bread. It’s an easy, delicious, budget-friendly meal, and I recommend making a trip to the famous Viktualienmarkt to get supplies for an evening when you don’t feel like eating out. There’s also an Eataly next door if you can’t find everything you need at the market.
Taking a food tour in Munich is a great way to experience some incredible Bavarian food while learning about the city. This particular tour takes you through all the great stalls at the market.
Across from Viktualienmarkt is one of my favourite cafes of all time, Cafe Frischhut, where you can get a just-out-of-the-fryer doughnut called schmalznudel. It’s a Munich institution and not to be missed. Here’s how it works: you sit down, order the doughnut of your choice, and wait 3 minutes for it to be cooked and served. You then dip it in the sugar provided at the table. You can have more or less sugar depending on your taste. Whatever way you like it, it’s delicious.
You could always eat at the famous Hofbrauhaus beer garden if you’re feeling particularly touristy. It’s an absolutely classic Bavarian experience. I highly recommend going there at least once, just for the fun of it.
Where to Stay in Munich
I’ve stayed at several hotels in Munich, and there are many great places to choose from. In winter in Munich, I recommend staying at DO & CO Hotel for its central location around the corner from Marienplatz and the Christmas market.
There are more affordable hotels, but these are generally near the main train station. There’s nothing wrong with this area; in fact, I would normally recommend the Schiller5 Hotel near the train station, but in winter, it can be a bit cold to walk the 15 minutes to Marienplatz.
I’ve stayed at Schiller5 myself, and if you end up near the station, there’s a way to avoid the cold. You can do much of the walk into the centre underground, through the shops along the metro stations. Follow the signs, and you’ll get most of the way without stepping out into the snow or rain.
This list of boutique hotels in Munich has more places to stay in both the Old Town and near the train station.
Those are my tips for things to do in Munich. If you’re on an extended visit, you might like to take a Bavaria road trip to explore more of the region.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Arrive by night train: Munich is one of Europe’s big night train hubs, with Nightjet and EuroNight sleepers coming in from Rome, Venice, Florence, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Kraków and Warsaw. I find train travel in Germany reliable and relaxing, and you step off in the city without the stress of driving or the trek in from the airport.
- Let your Tollwood ticket do double duty: a ticket for a Tollwood concert or show also counts as an MVV public transport ticket for that day, so you can get there and back on it. Bring a water bottle too, since you can refill it at the Stadtwerke München water bar on site.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
