Munich Christmas markets run from November 27 until December 24. Marienplatz, in the heart of the city centre, next to the town hall and the Tourist Information Office, sells traditiional Bavarian gifts – wood carvings, Christmas tree decorations, gingerbread (lebkuchen), glassware, winter gloves and hats, beeswax candles etc. There’s a daily concert from the town hall balcony and the revolving figures on the clock perform at noon every day.Go inside the cellar for a typical Bavarian meal in a room with a magnificent ceiling.
The Kripperlmarkt (Manger Market) is just a short walk away, selling wooden cribs and accessories. There are other markets at the Chinese Tower, the Residenz, and a Medieval Market with gospel singing in Wittelsbacher Platz, near the Residenz, as well as many small markets tucked away in the city.
Tollwood Christmas Market is totally different, more of an enormous ethnic festival with musicians, many eating places and lots of tents selling arts and crafts from all over the world, as well as Christmas items. Definitely not one to miss. Get on the tube (U bahn) to Theresienwiese, next stop along from the main station, and also the venue of the Oktoberfest. It opens in the afternoon until late.
Munich is easy to get around. The tickets cover tubes, buses and trams and are available from vending machines and ticket offices everywhere. Enjoy!