A man is wearing a red knitted hat on a winter day in Munich.

Event calendar January

January: ice skating and warming up

Munich residents like to toast the new year with a Feuerzangenbowle (hot drink). Otherwise, January – in keeping with the good intentions – will be one thing above all: very sporty!

Overview:

- Typically Munich
- More great events
- Concerts
- Events for families and children
- What else is happening

 

Events in January 2025: Typically Munich

 

“Münchner Feuerzangenbowle“ at the Isartor

It is the last one in the city to be tasted again: The Christmas market “Münchner Feuerzangenbowle“ at the Isartor traditionally lasts until January. At the charmingly illuminated Isartor, bright light from the flames shoots into the night sky above a bowling kettle, it steams and smells – a particularly cosy atmosphere. At the Feuerzangenbowle, also called “Krambamboli“, a sugar loaf soaked in rum burns, caramelises and drips into the hot red wine underneath. In an open-air exhibition in the historical setting, visitors can also learn interesting facts about current events. For example, pictures and texts on the history of immigration to Munich are projected onto the inner walls of the Isartor to show how positive cultural exchange has been and still is for the city.

Münchner Feuerzangenbowle, November 25, 2024 to January 6, 2025, Isartor

 

More great events in January 2025

 

Holiday on Ice: New Show

At Holiday on Ice in the Olympic Hall, the world's best skaters perform impressive formations and stunts on the ice that leave guests breathless. A magical event with thrilling music and a great light and laser show. Details of the new show are yet to be announced.

Holiday on Ice, January 4 to 7, 2024, Olympiahalle Munich

 

Elisabeth - Musical at the Deutsches Theater

Following its acclaimed open-air production at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the musical about the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi, is now coming to Germany - and to the stage of the Deutsches Theater. The musical by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay tells the story of Sisi's life: of her ascension to the throne as a 16-year-old fun-loving young woman, her suffering at the hands of the strict etiquette at court and finally of her attempts to break out of the gilded cage.

Elisabeth, 7 January to 2 February 2025, Deutsches Theater

Concerts in January 2025

You can find a well curated selection of concerts in Munich on Munich - City of Music.

 

Events for families and children in 2025

 

Lumagica Munich

Lumagica, the fairytale forest of lights, has already opened its doors at Cavalluna Park Munich since the end of October 2023. More than 300 handmade, luminous objects and installations await visitors on a 1.5-kilometre-long circular path. Immerse yourself in abstract elements and interactive light productions that invite you to linger and participate. In the Cavalluna-Park, the theme of the horse takes centre stage and is staged in a fascinating way.

Lumagica Munich, Dates for 2024/25 to be announced, Cavalluna Park Munic

 

Cavalluna Kids WinterWünscheLand

The show palace is transformed into a wintry wonderland in which the boy Robert must reclaim his imagination on an adventurous journey. Of course, he has energetic and funny companions at his side: fairies, wizards and villains or majestic horses, sweet ponies and speedy trick riders. Music, stage design, colourful costumes, fire effects, stunts and a western number round off the programme.

Cavalluna WinterWünscheLand, December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025, Showpalast Munich in Fröttmaning

 

What else is happening in Munich in January 2025:

A trip to ring in the new year: Ice skating on Wesslinger See

Wesslinger See is the smallest lake in the Fünfseenland (Five Lakes' District) to the south of Munich. It is often sarcastically referred to as the “Wesslinger Badewanne” (Wesslinger Bathtub). Because it has no streams running in or out of it, it is usually the first lake in the region to freeze over. This tends to coincide perfectly with the new year, which has resulted in a wonderful tradition. On New Year’s Eve, the locals take their first steps onto the lake to set off fireworks before returning with their ice skates the next morning.

The jetty next to the kiosk is the best place to access the ice. The popular small fast-food stand is open in good weather over the winter, supplying skaters with hot punch and sausages. From Marienplatz, Wessling is around 35 minutes away on the S-Bahn (suburban railway). It's then just a short walk from the station to the banks of the lake. If you’re worried about the strength of the ice, stick close to the banks where it tends to be thicker and less likely to break. The rescue organisation Deutsche Lebensrettungsgesellschaft recommends staying off the ice unless it is over 15 centimetres thick.

Sporty into the new year: Curling on the canal

As soon as the Nymphenburger Kanal freezes over (normally in January), it's time for one of Munich’s favourite winter sports to make its comeback: Bavarian curling (also known as ice stock sport). It doesn't take long to learn the rules; they are pretty similar to bowls. A target known as the Daube is placed on the ice. Each player then launches their ice stock. Simply swing it back gently, take a step forwards and let go. The player whose stock finishes closest to the target wins. Ideally, you should aim to shoot your opponents’ stocks out of the way.

Pitches, including the target and ice stocks, are available to rent right next to the canal. Mulled wine stands are on hand to help you get your eye in. Tip: The thickness of the Nymphenburg ice can vary; the shallow waters in the circular royal gardens freeze quicker than the slightly deeper canal. Services, such as the skating club (on +49 (0) 89 50 93 36), provide updates on the conditions of the ice.

Detoxing after the festivities: A nice hot bowl of soup

When Jack Frost is tapping on the windows, there is nothing better than warming up with a nice hot bowl of soup. One of the best spots for soup is Münchner Suppenküche at Viktualienmarkt. Its menu includes a number of traditional dishes from the Alpine region, such as Leberknödelsuppe (liver dumpling soup), Saueres Lüngerl mit Semmelknödeln (lights with dumplings) or Viennese goulash soup. Vegetarian options are also available. Fresh bread is served as an accompaniment.

Alternatively, pay a visit to Gusto between Arnulfstrasse and Rotkreuzplatz in western Munich. The menu changes on a daily basis. If you're a fan of tomato soup, then we recommend the Bloody Mary with celery, coriander and cinnamon. For perhaps the most creative take on soup in the city then why not visit Urban Soup at Rumfordstrasse 7. Try the Butternut Roasted Chicken, for example, a blend of pumpkin, coconut, parsley and chicken, or the Himalayan Dhal with cumin, fennel, paprika, leeks, red lentils and chilli. Guten Appetit!

Video: simply winter

Winter walks in Munich

When the snow falls in Munich, it's time for a winter walk. We present the nicest routes, from the Englischer Garten (park) to the Isar – and at the same time the appropriate refreshment to warm up culinarily.

A detailed calendar of events can be found here.

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Photos: Christian Kasper, Frank Stolle; Video: Redline Enterprises

Also interesting: What exactly goes inside a museum once the doors have closed, the halls are plunged into darkness and the final visitors have headed home? Our author spent a night in the Museum Fünf Kontinente: Alone with the voodoo masks.

Event calendar
One year in Munich
A young women in front of a ride a the Auer Dult in Munich.

Event calendar

May: Street festivals & backyards

Munich takes to the streets: At the Streetlife-Festival and the Hofflohmarkt the attitude towards life of the city is shown.

Munich takes to the streets: At the Streetlife-Festival and the Hofflohmarkt the attitude towards life of the city is shown.

A young man and are women are climbing up a small hill at the festival Tollwood in Munich.

Event calendar

June: Tollwood & Film Festival

In June, Munich is a big stage: the Allianz Arena hosts European Football Championship matches and the Film Festival attracts visitors with creative film art.

In June, Munich is a big stage: the Allianz Arena hosts European Football Championship matches and the Film Festival attracts visitors with creative film art.

A woman with red long hair is standing and smiling at the Isar River in Munich on a sunny day.

Event calendar

August: Open Airs & Isar

There are films and open-air concerts under the open sky. Otherwise the only thing that helps: a jump into the Isar.

There are films and open-air concerts under the open sky. Otherwise the only thing that helps: a jump into the Isar.

A woman and a man with grey hair are sitting on a bench and eating chestnuts at Hofgarten in Munich.

Event calendar

October: Kirchweihdult & München-Marathon

Stroll around Munich's traditional fair, the Auer Dult, or even jog through the Olympic Park in dirndls and lederhosen on a traditional costume run - that's what Munich has to offer in October.

Stroll around Munich's traditional fair, the Auer Dult, or even jog through the Olympic Park in dirndls and lederhosen on a traditional costume run - that's what Munich has to offer in October.

A young man and a young woman are sitting at a table in the Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum in Munich.

Event calendar

November: Literature festival & cool concerts

The first Christmas markets open in Munich in November.

The first Christmas markets open in Munich in November. There are also literary events and great concerts.

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Panoramic view of the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz.
Christmas Market Tour

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Book now for 28 €!

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for 20 €!

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich
New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 22 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.
Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich
Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.
Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".
Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Book now!

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bikes stand in the green grass in the English Garden in Munich
Rental bike 1 day

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

Book now for 26 €!

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich
Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background
Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.