Marienplatz hosts Munich Christmas Market from 20 November

Marienplatz in Munich will host the Munich Christmas Market from 20 November to 24 December 2026, giving the central square a fixed Advent programme. The market returns to its permanent city-centre setting beside the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, with a one-day closure on 22 November.

Munich Christmas Market starts on 20 November

The market is organised and managed by the City of Munich Department for Labour and Economic Development. The 2026 programme runs from 20 November through 24 December, and the operator confirms that all stalls close on 22 November for All Souls' Day.

The earlier opening date is the main change for this season. The programme includes live Bavarian folk music, wind ensembles, singers and choirs from the town hall balcony, while a Krampus run is scheduled for 13 December 2026. The market's 2026 programme and dates also list a children's Himmelswerkstatt in the New Town Hall and carol singing near St Michael's Church.

Advent music begins on the balcony from 5.15pm from Sunday to Thursday, according to the operator. On 13 December, the Krampus procession is planned from 3pm to 5pm, with the route passing through Munich city centre and reaching the area around the square.

Marienplatz links the market to Munich history

The Christmas market has occupied Marienplatz permanently since 1972. Its roots reach further back: the operator traces the tradition to medieval St Nicholas markets, while the first documented Munich Nikolaidult is recorded in 1642.

The setting connects the current programme with several established parts of the old town. The New Town Hall provides the balcony for the music, St Peter's Church is a short walk away, and the nearby Kripperlmarkt focuses on nativity scenes and accessories. The Munich tourism description places the market within the historic square and records its permanent location since 1972.

This relationship between venue and programme is unusually direct: the town hall is not simply a backdrop, but the source of the live music heard during the market. The Himmelswerkstatt also uses rooms inside the New Town Hall, bringing a family programme into the building that defines the square.

Visiting Marienplatz: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The Munich Christmas Market takes place at Marienplatz and surrounding old-town areas from 20 November to 24 December 2026.
• The market is closed on 22 November 2026, so visitors should plan a visit on another day within the published period.
• Advent music is scheduled from the New Town Hall balcony, and the Krampus run takes place on 13 December 2026 through Munich city centre.
• Marienplatz is served by Munich S-Bahn services and U-Bahn lines U3 and U6, with the square directly outside the New Town Hall.
• The nearby Kripperlmarkt at St Peter's focuses on nativity scenes, figures and accessories, extending the Christmas programme beyond the main stalls.

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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 closes on 22 November 2026.

What is the programme at Marienplatz in 2026?

The programme includes balcony music, a Krampus run on 13 December 2026 and the Himmelswerkstatt in the New Town Hall.

Where is Marienplatz and how do you get there?

Marienplatz is in central Munich, outside the New Town Hall, and is served by S-Bahn services and U-Bahn lines U3 and U6.