Germany, Europe

Munich in December

Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz, and Tollwood winter festival.

GoodCold, highs near 39F (4C)

Marienplatz and the New Town Hall, Munich — MunichPhoto: Guido Radig, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Munich. Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz, and Tollwood winter festival.

Weather: Cold, highs near 39F (4C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Munich

December is cold, with highs near 39F (4C) and early dark, but it is one of Munich's most loved months. The Christkindlmarkt lights up Marienplatz, the medieval market fills Wittelsbacherplatz, and a market sets up in the Residenz courtyard. Tollwood runs its winter festival through New Year's Eve. Crowds are high on weekends, though hotel prices stay moderate.

It suits families, couples and anyone who loves Christmas traditions, mulled wine and warm beer halls. It is not for people who want outdoor dining or hiking. Note that the markets close on December 24 and much of the city shuts on Christmas Day and December 26, so plan the festive part for earlier in the month.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Munich this month.

Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz

Stalls of ornaments, gingerbread and mulled wine under the town hall tower, best after dark when the lights are on.

The medieval market

At Wittelsbacherplatz, costumed traders and old-style crafts make this market feel different from the rest.

Tollwood winter festival

Food, music and theater on the Theresienwiese, running until New Year's Eve.

Snow in the Alps

Early ski days and snowy villages are a train ride away, great for a winter add-on.

What to pack for December

An insulated coat for long evenings at the markets
Warm waterproof boots
Gloves you can hold a mug in, plus a hat and scarf
Hand warmers for kids

Our timing tip

Visit the markets on a weekday afternoon, since weekend evenings get very crowded, and keep your mug deposit or return it for the refund.

Book Munich for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Munich
Opens a hotel search for Munich in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Munich
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Munich
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Munich for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas markets

Late November through December 24

Marienplatz, the medieval market, and the Residenz courtyard. Tollwood's winter festival runs through New Year's Eve.

Things to do in Munich

Full guide

Englischer Garten

Bigger than Central Park. Watch the Eisbach river surfers at the park's southern edge, then walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden.

Tickets and tours →

Munich Residenz

The Antiquarium hall and the Treasury are the highlights. A rainy-day half day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Deutsches Museum

Enormous; pick three sections and stop. Weekday mornings avoid school groups less than you would hope.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Pinakotheken

The Alte Pinakothek's Durer and Rubens rooms are the highlight. Sunday admission is heavily discounted, so crowds rise.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Nymphenburg Palace

Summer palace with a huge park and the royal carriage museum. The park is free.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Neuschwanstein Castle

About two hours away. Timed tickets are required and sell out weeks ahead in summer; book online.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

For Oktoberfest, go on a weekday before noon and you can usually walk into a tent. Weekend evenings need a reservation made months ahead.
Book Neuschwanstein tickets online as soon as your date is fixed in summer, and take an early train to Fussen.
Hotel rates during Oktoberfest and major trade fairs can triple. If you are flexible, check both before picking dates.
Visit the Residenz and the Pinakotheken on weekdays; Sunday discounted entry fills them with locals.

Know before you go

Bavaria has more public holidays than most of Germany (Epiphany, Ascension, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day on August 15, All Saints). Shops close, and many sights run holiday hours.
Sunday shopping is largely closed by law. Museums and beer gardens stay open.
Many museums close one day a week, often Monday. The Deutsches Museum is an exception most of the year.
Beer gardens are weather-dependent: they typically open from spring through early fall and close on cold or rainy days.