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
- 19 November to 23 December 2026, Wednesday to Sunday, plus Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 December (confirmed by the organiser)
- Opening hours
- Wednesday to Friday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 8:30 pm, 21 to 23 December 11 am to 8:30 pm
- 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 large markets are fixed. The market at the Chinese Tower opens one day before the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz 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 except 22 November |
| 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 | 19 November | 23 December | Wednesday to Sunday |
Source: the organiser's website, as of 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Christmas market at the Chinese Tower start in 2026?
On Thursday, 19 November 2026. It runs until Wednesday, 23 December, and is open Wednesday to Sunday, plus 21 and 22 December in Christmas week. The organiser has confirmed these dates.
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.