Magical forest Christmas: insider tip for Munich’s Advent season!

Magical forest Christmas: insider tip for Munich’s Advent season!

With the hustle and bustle of Advent approaching, it's time to look for festive events that will increase the anticipation of Christmas even further. The Christmas markets in and around Munich are particularly recommended, as they invite you to relax and marvel with their charming flair and diverse offerings. Among these stands out Halsbach Forest Christmas which takes place in the middle of the picturesque nature of the Altötting district between Munich and Burghausen.

Forest Christmas starts on Friday, November 28th, 2025 and opens its doors until December 14th. On the festive weekends, numerous wooden huts enliven the forest clearing. The Christmas market is open daily: during the week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. For a small entrance fee of 6 euros, with children up to 12 years of age having free access, you can wander through an Advent village with over 100 stalls.

A feast for the senses

There is a lot to discover here! From decorative Advent wreaths to handmade wooden items to delicious international cuisine and mulled wine, every taste is catered for. Anyone looking for something special can look forward to a colorful entertainment program. Readings, brass music, chainsaw artists and even a piano concert provide entertaining variety and are not to be missed.

Getting to the Halsbach Forest Christmas is also convenient, whether by car in about 1.5 hours from Munich, or by public transport to nearby Burgkirchen an der Alz. A free bus runs regularly to the event. And if you want to take even more time, you can take a detour to the beautiful town of Burghausen with its impressive castle and fantastic view over the city.

Munich’s Christmas markets at a glance

In the state capital itself, the Christmas markets boast an extensive selection. The Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz, which will take place from November 24th to December 24th, is an absolute classic and offers traditional Bavarian charm. Special experiences such as workshops for children and lively music bring a festive atmosphere to the city center.

• Viktualienmarkt: 21. November bis 5. Januar (geschlossen an Sonntagen)
• Eiszauber am Karlsplatz: 21. November bis 11. Februar mit einer beliebten Eisbahn.
• Weihnachtsdorf in der Residenz: 17. November bis 22. Dezember mit handwerklichen Workshops und Puppentheater.
• Tollwood Winterfestival: 25. November bis 23. Dezember mit kulturellen Highlights und allerlei Leckereien.

In addition, there are a variety of other markets such asPink Christmas Marketin the Glockenbachviertel, which celebrates the LGBTIQ* community from November 24th to December 22ndHaidhausen Christmas market, which features local music and children's programming from November 25th to December 23rd.

The Christmas season offers magical moments in many places in and around Munich. Each market has its own character and promises an unforgettable experience. A hot mulled wine, the festive atmosphere and a few contemplative hours in good company make the Advent season really complete. All you can say is: go to the markets and enjoy the festival!