Munich – Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz 2026

Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof München 2026 invites you to the Kaiserhof of the Munich Residenz from Monday, 16 November, to Tuesday, 22 December 2026. The nostalgic market is located in the heart of Munich, near Odeonsplatz, and admission is free. According to the organisers, highlights include a life-size nativity scene, a fairytale forest, a Christmas pyramid and artisan market stalls. It is closed on Totensonntag, 22 November. On the final market day, 22 December, the market closes exceptionally early, at 20 o’clock.

Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof, Munich 2026: Dates and opening times

The official Christmas village website and the Bavarian Palace Administration confirm the season from 16 November to 22 December 2026. The stalls normally open daily from 11 to 21 o’clock. However, the Christmas village is closed on Sunday, 22 November 2026, for Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead). In addition, on Tuesday, 22 December, the shorter opening hours of 11 to 20 apply. No other general closing days have been announced for the rest of the period. This means you can plan your visit within the weeks mentioned.

Christmas market in a historic residence

The Kaiserhof of the Munich Residenz provides a distinctive setting for the Christmas market. According to the Bavarian Palace Administration, there is a chapel, a life-size Christmas nativity scene and a Christmas pyramid. There is also traditional handicraft and a music programme. This gives the market a different feel from a large Christmas market in a public city square. You’ll find it in the courtyard near Odeonsplatz. The market is explicitly aimed at families with children too.

Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof, Munich 2026: Fairytale forest and children's programme

There is a free fairytale forest especially for younger visitors. According to the current programme from the organisers, a puppet theatre takes place there on four dates: Monday, 23 and 30 November, and Tuesday, 8 and Monday, 14 December. Each performance runs from 15 to 16 o’clock. The organisers also offer free face painting for children on 24 November and 1, 9 and 15 December, each time from 16 to 18 o’clock. These are special events on individual dates and are not available every day.

St Nicholas visits in December

According to the organisers, St Nicholas also visits the Christmas Village twice. His visits are scheduled for Sunday, 6 December, and Monday, 7 December 2026, both from 17 o’clock. Small gifts will be handed out while stocks last. You can also browse the festively decorated stalls and look for Christmas gift ideas. The food and drink on offer includes various hot dishes and drinks. The current market website does not guarantee a complete list of individual traders or menus.

Admission, location and how to get there

Admission is free, as expressly confirmed on the organisers’ website. The market is in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz, Residenzstraße 1, 80333 Munich. You can easily reach it by public transport via Odeonsplatz. However, bear in mind that the Residenz has several courtyards and the Christmas market is located only in the Kaiserhof. Paid food and handcrafted goods are not included in free admission. It’s worth arriving early, especially on busy Advent days.

Official information about the Christmas Village

The organiser publishes the complete opening hours and children's programmes for the Christmas village. The date is also confirmed in the official event listings of the Bavarian Palace Administration. The photo used here is from an earlier edition and is explicitly labelled as an archive image. You can find more Munich Advent events using our funfair finder.