Tollwood Winter Festival & Medieval Market in Munich 2025

Unique Christmas experiences in the heart of Bavaria


Munich is home to some of Germany’s most beloved Christmas markets, but beyond the world-famous Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, visitors will find two extraordinary experiences: the Tollwood Winter Festival and the Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz. Both offer something completely different from the classic Bavarian stalls and bring new flavors, atmospheres, and traditions to the festive season.

Tollwood Winter Festival – Where Christmas Meets Culture

Tollwood Winter Festival

The Tollwood Winter Festival is held annually on the Theresienwiese, the same grounds that host Oktoberfest. Far from a traditional Christmas market, Tollwood is a cultural festival of arts, music, and international cuisine.

Since its launch in 1988, it has become a symbol of creativity and multiculturalism in Munich. Visitors can browse hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts from around the world, sample foods from every continent, and enjoy concerts, theater, and circus performances. The market promotes sustainability and eco-friendly practices, making it one of the most progressive winter festivals in Europe.

Highlights include:

  • International food courts with flavors from Asia, Africa, and South America.

  • Live concerts and performances in heated tents.

  • Art installations and eco-awareness exhibitions.

  • A multicultural New Year’s Eve party.

Google Map – Theresienwiese


Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz – A Journey Back in Time

Medieval Market

Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz – A Journey Back in Time

If Tollwood is modern and global, the Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz is the complete opposite – a trip back in time to medieval Bavaria.

This market, set against the backdrop of the historic Residenz, recreates the feel of a medieval fair, with artisans dressed in traditional costumes, blacksmiths forging tools, jugglers entertaining children, and musicians playing period instruments. The food is rustic and hearty – think roasted meats, flatbreads, and mead served in clay mugs.

Highlights include:

  • Knights, jesters, and medieval street performers.

  • Handcrafted goods like leather, wood, and ironwork.

  • Authentic medieval dishes and drinks.

  • A family-friendly, storybook atmosphere that feels like stepping into another century.

Google Map – Wittelsbacherplatz


🎶 Why Visit Both?

Munich offers something for everyone during the holiday season:

  • Traditionalists will love the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt.

  • Culture seekers will be amazed by Tollwood’s world-spanning variety.

  • Families and history lovers will cherish the Medieval Market.

Visiting all three provides a complete Christmas experience: past, present, and future traditions united in one city.

📍 Practical Information

  • Tollwood Winter Festival runs from November 26 to December 31, 2025 at Theresienwiese, Munich.

  • Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz runs from November 25 to December 23, 2025 in Munich’s city center.

Both markets are easy to reach by public transportation and are highly recommended for visitors spending more than one day in Munich.