Munich Things to Do

Although Munich’s main Christmas market has only been in its present location since 1972, history records similar events in the city dating back more than three and a half centuries, with the possibility that the origins of the event lay further back still.

After a dry, mild fall, there might not be as much snow as normal this year, but central Munich will, as ever, be completely devoted to all things Christmas. Festivities are focused on Marienplatz, where a soaring Christmas tree stands guard in front of the magnificent Neo-Gothic Rathaus.

Many Christian holiday traditions have their root in Germany, and the Old Town in Munich seems to be at their epicenter. Over the holidays, Old Town turns into a cheerful warren of Christmas markets specializing in food, fun and handicrafts. If you’re taking the family to Germany over the holidays, a trip to Munich’s Christmas markets is a fun, festive holiday outing.