Münchner Christkindlmarkt 2026: Christmas tree from Sauerlach

Münchner Christkindlmarkt 2026 will have a festive centrepiece from Sauerlach this year: a white fir tree about 22 metres tall has adorned Marienplatz since 3 November. The City of Munich has announced the tree’s origins and installation in an official press release. The lights will be switched on for the first time at the opening of the Christmas market on 20 November.

Münchner Christkindlmarkt 2026: tree from Sauerlach

According to the city, the white fir tree is about 50 years old. It was donated by the municipality of Sauerlach in the district of Munich. This continues the tradition of a place in the region providing the large Christmas tree for Marienplatz. You can see the tree in front of the New Town Hall even before the market opens.

More than 3.000 LED lights make the tree visible from far away after dark. The city gives 3 November as the date it was installed. For visitors, it offers an early taste of the approaching Advent season. The tree also makes a central meeting point for a stroll around the market.

First lighting on 20 November

On Friday, 20 November 2026, the lights are due to come on for the first time at 17 o’clock. This coincides with the opening of Münchner Christkindlmarkt. According to the city, the bells of Alter Peter and music by Argeter Musi will accompany the ceremony. Representatives of the City of Munich and the donor municipality of Sauerlach will attend.

If you would like to experience this special opening, allow some time for your journey to Marienplatz. The first lighting is a regular programme item and is particularly suitable for a first visit. Afterwards, you can explore the Christmas stalls around the town hall.

How long will the Christmas tree be lit?

The lights are not due to go out on the market’s final day. Instead, the city has announced that they will remain on until 6 January 2027. After the first illumination, they will be lit every day from around dusk, at about 16 o’clock, until 7:30 o’clock the following morning. The tree is due to be taken down on 11 January.

This means you can admire the decorated tree even after Christmas Eve. However, the Christmas market itself runs only from 20 November to 24 December 2026. The market is closed on Totensonntag, 22 November. Keep this difference in mind when planning your visit.

Münchner Christkindlmarkt 2026: more information

You can find the full event details and opening times in our listing for Münchner Christkindlmarkt 2026. Details about the Christmas tree and opening ceremony are also available in the city’s press pack. This lets you check the official information again before your visit.

Featured image: existing event image, as separate permission to reuse the press photo has not been confirmed. Source: press release from the State Capital of Munich dated 03.11.2026 (press kit).