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Short trip to Munich advice

Due to airline availability/cost, we have a short trip planned to Munich during Christmas 2024.
Arrive in Munich 8am Christmas and depart morning of December 30th. I know it’s not long but we enjoyed a similar quick trip to Prague that we felt was worth it. It may be the last trip we take with my son for a while as he will be a senior in high school and plans to join the military.

Any advice for itinerary? We don’t mind getting up early. My son and I love WWII history. My wife wants to go to a Christmas market. We all love the outdoors. My wife refuses to let us do a bike tour, but we usually do a walking tour/hop on hop off bus to get an overview. We really prefer to stay based in a hotel in Munich and don’t want to pack/unpack to stay in other hotels. We will not have a car.

Rick Steves lists trips from Munich, but recommends staying the night (alps, Salzburg, Nürnberg). If we are just taking day trips, which should we prioritize?

Any help with a suggested itinerary for us? We don’t mind long days/ lots of walking. We are usually upset if we don’t get at least 20000 steps while traveling, haha.

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Oh. Forgot to add that if it helps, we can depart a day later on dec 31st but we’d fly from Frankfurt. So that would add a train ride from Munich to Fra. Not sure if that extra day would be worth that cost/time added to our return trip

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21170 posts

All the Christmas Markets in Munich close the day before you get there, except the "Fairytale Market".

The Fairytale Market
Tired of all the traditional Christmas markets in Munich? Then this one is for you. The atmosphere is less Christmas with an alternative vibe and looks more like a typical fair.
The booths offer a wide range of international culinary options, including vegan doners, exotic Indian meals and of course the classic Bratwurst.
And the best part – it’s open on Christmas day!
Märchenbazar Opening hours
From 28 November to 29 December
Daily from 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM (closed on Christmas Eve)
Address: Leonrodplatz, Dachauer Straße 114, 80337 München

Posted by
49 posts

All the Christmas Markets in Munich close the day before you get
there, except the "Fairytale Market".

WOW! that sounds great…but wife won’t be happy if we don’t find a traditional one. I thought I read some stay open through January?

Posted by
21170 posts

Depends on the locality, but they all close in Munich Christmas Eve. That is what Christmas Markets are for, buying Christmas presents. If you are flying into Munich, there is one at the airport that stays open until 12/30, but you will have to hang around the airport before it opens.

Weihnachts- und Wintermarkt Opening hours
From 13 November to 30 December
Daily – from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM
24 December – until 05:00 PM
Address: MAC-Forum, Terminalstraße Mitte 18, 85356 München-Flughafen
munich-airport.com