Munich
München48°08′ N 11°34′ ECityPop. 1,505,036Bavaria
Munich suits a first-timer who wants five markets within a short ride of each other and direct trains to Augsburg and Regensburg; the main market on Marienplatz runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026, and its square gets very full on Advent evenings.
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Who should base here
Base in Munich if you want several markets inside one walkable old town and a rail hub for day trips to Augsburg and Regensburg. The city market on Marienplatz opens on Friday 20 November in 2026, three days before the date the old rule would have given.
Take the train from Munich
- Munich to Augsburgfastest 26 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
- Munich to Nurembergfastest 1 h 11 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
- Munich to Salzburgfastest 1 h 27 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
Munich's season centres on Marienplatz, where the city's own Christkindlmarkt fills the square under the New Town Hall from Friday 20 November to 24 December 2026. The medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz and the Christmas village in the Residenz courtyard sit north of it, close enough to link on foot. Tollwood on the Theresienwiese is the evening option, with organic food stands and doors open until 23:30 from Tuesday to Saturday.
Plan one Sunday around the Krampus run on 13 December 2026, when more than 300 Krampus and Perchten figures walk from Augustinerstraße to the Old Town Hall between 15:00 and 17:00. On Wednesdays at 16:30, a free half-hour carol sing gathers in front of St. Michael's church on the Neuhauser Straße.
Quick answers about Munich
When do the Munich Christmas markets open in 2026?
The main Munich Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz opens on Friday 20 November 2026 and runs to 24 December. The medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz opens the same day, and Tollwood follows on 24 November.
Which Munich Christmas market stays open latest?
Tollwood on the Theresienwiese stays open latest, until 23:30 from Tuesday to Saturday in 2026. The Marienplatz market closes at 21:00.
Is Munich a good place to stay?
Base in Munich if you want several markets inside one walkable old town and a rail hub for day trips to Augsburg and Regensburg. The city market on Marienplatz opens on Friday 20 November in 2026, three days before the date the old rule would have given.
How do you get to Munich?
The city says there is no parking near Marienplatz; use the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to Marienplatz station.
Within 12 km
Places to stay nearby
