Bavarian Holiday Magic: A Family Guide to Munich, Germany in December
December in Munich, Germany is nothing short of enchanting, with festive lights, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and charming Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Our family of four embarked on a winter adventure to experience the magic of Munich’s Christmas markets, and the trip did not disappoint.
A Festive Arrival
Our journey began at Munich Airport, where we were delighted to find a small Christmas market right outside the terminal. The festive atmosphere set the perfect tone for our trip, with twinkling lights, warm treats, and even a surprise encounter with roaming Krampuses. While their eerie masks and jingling bells gave the evening a spooky touch, the experience was thrilling and unique.
Savouring Bavarian Flavors
Munich is known for its hearty Bavarian cuisine, and we indulged in some of the best during our stay. One of our favorite dining experiences was at Wirtshaus in der Au, where we savored their dumpling trio, pretzel with cheese spreads, and a perfectly cooked steak. The Hofbräuhaus was another highlight, with its lively atmosphere, traditional music, and delicious food. The pork shank was a standout, while the kids happily devoured their spaetzle. Delicious German lagers were enjoyed at each meal, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of Bavarian cuisine.
For a quick and tasty meal, we visited Viktualienmarkt, where the frankfurters and bratwursts from the market stalls were simply divine—just the thing after a long day of strolling through the Christmas markets. Breakfast was a cozy affair at Fritz Mühlenbäckerei, where we enjoyed friendly service along with fresh pastries, pretzels and coffee. We also warmed up at Sweet Spot Kaffee, which served some of the best coffee we had during our trip.
Exploring Munich’s Christmas Markets
The heart of Munich’s holiday charm lies in its Christmas markets, and we explored them thoroughly. We started at Marienplatz, where the main square, set against the backdrop of the stunning Rathaus, was filled with festive cheer. Aromas of spiced glühwein filled the air, and we found a stand near the towering Christmas tree that quickly became our favorite spot for the warm drink.
We continued our stroll heading towards Karlsplatz exploring the large variety of holiday stalls that had everything from creative ornaments, savory treats such as kasespaetzle and pretzels, and giant cookies that became an instant hit with our little ones. Once we arrived at Karlsplatz the kids were delighted to find an ice-skating rink. It was the perfect way for them to burn off some energy while we literally soaked in the atmosphere as mild temperatures and cloudy skies delivered light rain.
Comfort and Convenience at Hilton Munich City
For our stay, we chose the Hilton Munich City, which comfortably accommodated our family in two side-by-side rooms with a shared doorway. This setup allowed us to enjoy much-needed separation after the kids went to bed, giving everyone a chance to rest and recharge for the exciting days.
A Winter Wonderland to Remember
Our time in Munich was filled with magical moments—whether it was sipping glühwein in the glow of the market lights, savoring delicious Bavarian specialties, or ice skating at Karlsplatz. The city’s festive charm, warm hospitality, and timeless traditions made this a trip we will never forget. If you’re looking for a perfect winter getaway for the whole family, Munich in December is an unforgettable experience.
Explore more great Germany and Austria travel experiences!
