Chinesischer Turm e.V.Advent in the English Garden
Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower
Most Christmas markets squeeze between buildings; this one has a park to itself. Every Advent, the square around the illuminated pagoda becomes the Christmas market at the Chinese Tower: stalls under bare chestnut trees, mulled wine in the cold park air, and Munich families arriving on sleds when it snows. Many locals call it the city's most atmospheric market precisely because it is not in the city.
- When
- Every year during Advent; the exact 2026 dates are confirmed by the organiser in autumn (in 2025: 20 November to 23 December, Wednesday to Sunday)
- Where
- Around the Chinese Tower, Englischer Garten 3, 80538 Munich
- Admission
- Free
- Special
- Bavarian curling (Eisstockschiessen) lanes, tower brass players, St Nicholas visits
- Getting there
- Bus 54/154 to "Chinesischer Turm"; U3/U6 to Giselastrasse, 15-minute walk
What to expect
The market is smaller and calmer than Marienplatz: craft stalls, food and mulled wine arranged around the tower, with the pagoda lit up as the centrepiece. The signature activity is Eisstockschiessen, Bavarian curling, on rented lanes with friends and a hot drink. On many evenings brass players perform from the tower, continuing the pagoda's oldest tradition into winter, and St Nicholas drops by for the children.
When to come
Weekday afternoons are the quiet, local hour; weekends after dark are the busiest and prettiest. The walk in through the dark English Garden is part of the experience; bring proper shoes, since paths in the park can be snowy or muddy.
Munich's Christmas markets in 2026
The official dates of the other large markets are already fixed. The market at the Chinese Tower is among the first to open in Munich and runs through Advent until 23 December. It differs from the city-centre markets not in the length of the season but in its opening days: Wednesday to Sunday rather than daily.
| Market | Opens 2026 | Closes 2026 | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christkindlmarkt, Marienplatz | 20 November | 24 December | daily |
| Medieval market, Wittelsbacherplatz | 20 November | 23 December | daily |
| Pink Christmas, Stephansplatz | 20 November | 20 December | daily |
| Tollwood Winter Festival | 24 November | 23 December | daily |
| Schwabing Christmas market | 25 November | 24 December | daily |
| Chinese Tower | expected 19/20 November | 23 December | Wednesday to Sunday |
The operator announces the exact 2026 dates in November. Until then this is an expectation, not a confirmed date. In 2025 the market ran from 20 November to 23 December.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Christmas market at the Chinese Tower start in 2026?
The organiser confirms the dates in autumn. For orientation: in 2025 the market ran from 20 November to 23 December, Wednesday to Sunday. We update this page as soon as the 2026 dates are official.
Does the market charge admission?
No, admission is free.
Is it called Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt?
Both. The organiser says Weihnachtsmarkt, many locals say Christkindlmarkt am Chinesischen Turm; it is the same market.
How do I get back to town in the evening?
Bus 54/154 run until late; the walk to Giselastrasse (U3/U6) through the park takes about 15 minutes.