We present a selection of places in Munich where you can enjoy Christmas shopping both online and in-store – from traditional department stores to museum shops. The Advent and Christmas season is also a great opportunity to discover manufacturers and craft workshops in and around Munich, as nowhere else can you find such unique Christmas presents as in these local workshops.
- Chocolates from Elly Seidl
- Christmas post from Prantl
- Gingerbread hearts from Schifferl
- Christmas cribs from the manufactory
- Christmas presents at Ludwig Beck
- Gifts for children at Kunst und Spiel
- Gifts for explorers at the Deutsches Museum shop
- Delicacies from Käfer
- Jewellery at Fridrich Jewellers
- Beautiful items for the home at Radspieler
Barbara Grathwohl was an emancipated woman: in 1918, despite being married to a well-to-do Munich resident, she opened her own shop on Maximilianstrasse whilst in her mid-thirties. Under the name Elly Seidl – after her daughter and her maiden name – she initially sold delicatessen goods and jams, but soon began producing handmade pralines on request, which remain the confectionery’s speciality to this day.
Since the 1970s, the Rambold family has carried on this legacy and expanded the range to include chocolate bars, drinking chocolate and seasonal specialities. Particularly during Advent, they create figures made from Belgian couverture chocolate, as well as chocolate versions of Elisen gingerbread, Florentines and Baumkuchen. Customers can put together their own box of chocolates online from around 120 varieties – it is even possible to have personalised chocolates featuring their own photo.
The pralines have evocative names such as ‘Honey Moon’, with macadamia nougat and honey, or ‘Copa Cabana’, with rum and pineapple-lemon paste; prominent Munich residents such as Willy Bogner, Konstantin Wecker and Dieter Reiter also have their own varieties. According to legend, the history of the praline itself dates back to the 19th century, when the Swiss chocolatier Frédéric Neuhaus used chocolate in Brussels to refine confectionery.
Insider tip: Elly Seidl recommends savouring her pralines slowly and consciously savouring the flavours – after all, almost half a year of development goes into each new variety, and one was even named after Emma, the daughter of Maximilian Rambold.
Where to find it? Elly Seidl, Maffeistrasse 1 / Am Kosttor 2 / Tal 40
Also great: Götterspeise
“On the sheet in question from Mr Prantl’s stationery shop [...] I wrote *Der Krull*,” Thomas Mann noted in his diary. The writer was fond of the paper produced by the Munich-based court printing house and manufacturer of fine goods, Prantl, on which many of his works were written. The family business was founded in 1797 by Franz Anton Prantl and is today one of the oldest of its kind in the world.
Prantl specialised in fine stationery, bespoke printed matter and special paper finishes. One of its specialities was steel-engraved embossing, which engravers used to produce coats of arms, initials and monograms for kings, nobles and prominent figures. Even today, Prantl remains synonymous with high-quality paper and the special art of writing.
Today, the Munich store in the Luitpoldblock stocks not only fine stationery but also notebooks, writing instruments, leather accessories and unique gift ideas. At Christmas time, the range is expanded to include Prantl’s own collection of festive cards – from classic designs to Bavarian Christmas motifs and cards that can be personalised.
Insider tip: Prantl has always specialised in personalisation. Today, you can print your own designs, photos and drawings onto stationery and cards online and have them delivered in the iconic red gift box. Alternatively, there’s also bespoke stationery available from Prantl’s typesetting department.
Where to find it? Prantl, Brienner Str. 11, and at Ludwig Beck ‘Papeterie’, Marienplatz 11
Also great: Carta Pura
As far back as 1370, the city of Munich has been cheered by the spiced honey cookies offered by a “Lebzelter”, or gingerbread maker. Unlike in Nuremberg, where the cakes were decorated with almonds and candied lemon peel, the Munich bakers used cutters to cut the biscuits into shapes and decorated them with colourful icing. To this day, the gingerbread heart is key to the city’s image as the “metropolis with heart”.
You will see the tasty treats swinging from many stands at large and small Munich folk festivals and Christmas markets throughout the year. “People use our hearts to send messages,” says Michael Schifferl, who has been making lebkuchen at his bakery in Puchheim since 1979 and inscribes each one individually – with pet names, phone numbers and even a marriage proposal on one occasion! Munich mainstay chef Alfons Schuhbeck enjoys gifting the hearts to his co-workers. Schlager group The Flippers told their fans: “You are the Oscar of my heart”.
Though markets are on hold for the moment, you don’t have to forgo your lebkuchen: hearts, Christmas figures from reindeer to stars and gender-neutral gingerbread people are all available to purchase online from Schifferl – inscribed and shaped as you wish. Alternatively, you can order blank gingerbread shapes to add your own message and then hang them around your neck or on the Christmas tree. Perfect for wishing your granny “Merry Christmas and a happy New Year”, surprising colleagues, or letting your best friend know that this year's German youth word of the year is “lost” (which means “I don't get it”). Or even simply for saying “thank you”.
Insider tip: Gingerbread stays fresh for at least two years. Mind you, that’s the minimum. Even the ancient Egyptians used to place honey-sweetened cakes in their dead people’s tombs for the afterlife. We place them under the Christmas tree for our loved ones.
Where to find it? In the online shop of Lebkuchenherz München Schifferl
Also great: Lebkuchen Schmidt
Nativity scenes are among the oldest Christmas traditions and were the centrepiece of the festivities for a long time before the Christmas tree became popular in the 19th century. As early as 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi had the Christmas story re-enacted with people and live animals in Greccio, Italy – a tradition that continues to shape the anticipation of Christmas Eve to this day.
In a joinery workshop in Herbertshausen near Munich, David Seifert and Thomas Babinsky have discovered their shared passion for nativity scene-making. Alongside their work with local woods, they create intricately detailed Oriental and Alpine nativity scenes that effortlessly transplant the birth of Christ from Bethlehem to Bavaria. With mini ladders, outhouses, bread ovens and many other details, these little scenes tell their very own stories.
If you’d like to build your own nativity scene, you’ll find detailed online guides on construction, painting, lighting and design. An even more practical option is a nativity scene-building course run by the Ampertaler Krippenfreunde, which takes place every year from September to November. This way, the nativity scene becomes not just a decoration, but a piece of homemade tradition. Further information on the courses is available at www.ampertaler-krippenfreunde.de.
Insider tip: Mary is kneeling or standing to the right of the Baby Jesus in the manger, on the Gospel side – that is, to the left as seen by the viewer. Joseph is standing on the Epistle side, that is, to the right. Whether in the stable or close to the action, the donkey stands on Mary’s side, and the ox on Joseph’s. Source: The Bible and ‘The Pseudo-Matthew Gospel’ (it really does exist).
Where to find it? Weihnachtskrippen Manufaktur, Ligsalzstrasse 46, 85241 Hebertshausen (Visits by prior appointment) or via the online shop
Also great: Sebastian Wesely e.K.
It’s no coincidence that Ludwig Beck on Rathauseck is known as the ‘department store of the senses’. Spread over seven floors, there are beautiful, high-quality items to discover, with gifts to suit every taste. Right on the ground floor, you’ll find a large beauty department where various brands – from Hermès to Kiehl’s – have their own counters. From exquisite fragrances and skincare products to special gift sets, there’s plenty to choose from here.
The upper floors are dedicated to men’s and women’s fashion – Beck is particularly proud of its traditional costumes. Another highlight is the music department, which, according to the company, accounts for around one per cent of the global market share in classical music.
During Advent, the department store takes on a particularly festive atmosphere: the Christmas market on the fourth floor is the perfect place to browse for Christmas decorations, Christmas cards and small gift ideas. Those who prefer to shop online will also find luxurious Advent calendars, exquisite fragrances and high-quality sweets there. So at Ludwig Beck, you can not only find the odd gift or two, but also get into the Christmas spirit.
Insider tip: After your Christmas shopping, it’s well worth popping into the Monaco Café on the fourth floor. You can enjoy the view of Marienplatz over a ‘Monaco coffee’ – and if you fancy it, you can also try the ‘Monaco Gin’.
Where to find it? Ludwig Beck, Marienplatz 11
Also great: Oberpollinger
A real institution in Schwabing: since 1956, children and parents have been able to find high-quality toys, a wide range of craft supplies and lovingly selected children’s books at Kunst und Spiel. Sustainability has been part of the shop’s philosophy right from the start. Purchases have always been packed in paper bags, and products with a high plastic content are largely avoided.
Quality and durability play just as important a role as supporting local businesses: Kunst und Spiel is supplied by many small and medium-sized enterprises from Germany. So, by shopping here, you’re supporting local trade in two ways at once. The range is extensive and has something for every age group – from eco-friendly baby clothes and first toys, through to craft materials and creative activities, right up to high-quality wooden toys for older children.
The range also includes children’s books and special gift ideas. Those who prefer to find inspiration from the comfort of their own home can also browse and order part of the range online. What’s particularly lovely is that many of the selected products are durable and encourage creative play and DIY – gifts, in other words, that children will enjoy for a long time to come.
Insider tip: whilst out Christmas shopping, it’s well worth taking a closer look at the wide selection of art postcards. And if you’re out and about with children, you can browse at your leisure: there are two play areas where the little ones can try things out and play for themselves whilst the grown-ups look for the perfect gift.
Where to find it? Kunst und Spiel, Leopoldstrasse 48
Also great: Engel & Bengel
The shop at the Deutsches Museum has everything a good museum shop should offer: it leaves its customers delighted and introduces them to lots of wonderful things they didn’t even know existed. Anyone looking for an unusual gift is sure to find something here – whether for children or adults.
For children, there are, amongst other things, exciting board games, experiment kits and wooden toys to assemble yourself, which, as an added bonus, spark curiosity and a spirit of invention. Adults will be delighted by special stationery, such as an elegant calligraphy set, as well as design objects, books or practical items for everyday life. Many of the products explore themes from science and technology, making them ideal gifts even for people who seem to have everything.
In the museum shop’s three branches, you’ll find beautiful, exciting and practical items – and, with a bit of luck, you can buy all your presents for the family in one go. Those who prefer to browse from the comfort of their own home will also find a wide selection in the online shop. This way, you can take a little bit of the museum’s spirit of discovery home with you.
Insider tip: A gift that will bring joy for a long time to come: the Deutsches Museum annual pass costs 50 euros and grants access to the Deutsches Museum, the Verkehrszentrum and the Flugwerft Schleißheim for 365 days. It’s also available as a gift voucher.
Where to find it? Deutsches Museum Shop, Museumsinsel 1
Also great: Servus Heimat
If you’re looking for delicacies and fine foods, Käfer in Munich is the place to go. The shops on Prinzregentenstrasse and in Schwabing are particularly busy in the run-up to Christmas. On the one hand, of course, to find special gifts; on the other, to stock up on fine specialities for Christmas Eve and the festive season. The range extends from fine champagne and selected wines to high-quality oils and spices, right through to sweet delicacies.
If you find it hard to choose from the vast selection, why not give one of the popular gift hampers and leave the selection to the delicatessen experts? A gift voucher is also a lovely idea: it can be used not only to shop at Käfer, but also to treat someone to a meal at one of the many restaurants run by Käfer Gastronomie. The gingerbread hearts are another particularly charming gift, and you can even have them personalised on the spot.
And even those who prefer to do their Christmas shopping from the comfort of their own home will find what they’re looking for: the online shop offers a wide selection of delicacies, wines and gift ideas. It’s a simple way to bring a taste of Munich’s culinary culture under the Christmas tree – or onto the festively laid table.
Insider tip: Käfer’s Advent calendars are a classic for the Advent season – from tartufi and dominoes to fine tea or spices, there’s something to suit every taste.
Where to find it? Käfer Feinkostladen, Prinzregentenstrasse 73
Also great: Dallmayr
For 150 years, locals and visitors alike have been buying their jewellery at Fridrich Jewellers. The shop, situated between Marienplatz and Sendlinger Tor, is hard to miss. Fridrich remains a family-run business to this day and is one of the city’s oldest jewellers. Anyone looking for a special Christmas present will find a wide selection of jewellery and watches here – from timeless classics to unique pieces that will bring joy for years to come.
In the shop itself, the experienced team offers personalised and expert advice, whilst watchmakers and goldsmiths go about their work in the in-house workshop. Here, jewellery is not only sold, but also crafted, repaired and refurbished. Engagement and wedding rings are particularly popular at Fridrich, whilst another speciality is a selection of pearls. But anyone looking for a ring, a necklace, a bracelet or a high-quality watch as a gift can also browse at their leisure here and seek advice.
If you’d rather browse from the comfort of your own home in the run-up to Christmas, you can take a look at the range of jewellery and watches in the online shop. This way, you can find a very special gift without having to visit Munich city centre – and if you’d like to present it in person, the shop will of course provide festive gift wrapping.
Insider tip: If you’re looking to give something truly personal, you can have a bespoke piece of jewellery made at Fridrich. The in-house goldsmiths will bring your own wishes and ideas to life – a gift that’s guaranteed to be one of a kind.
Where to find it? Juwelier Fridrich, Sendlinger Strasse 15
Also great: Saskia Diez
On the wonderful Hackenstraße in the Old Town, you’ll find another of Munich’s traditional shops: as early as the turn of the century, Radspieler was awarded the title of Royal Bavarian Purveyor to the Court for its fine and unusual fabrics. And even today, much of what the shop offers revolves around high-quality textiles and beautiful items for a stylish home.
As well as fabrics and textiles for clothing, there’s a wide selection for your own home: cushions, curtains, rugs and table linen are all part of the range, alongside a selection of home accessories. It’s particularly worth a visit in the run-up to Christmas, as here you’ll find special gifts for people who appreciate beautiful materials, timeless design and thoughtful details. Whether it’s an elegant tablecloth, a decorative cushion or a small accessory – many items make wonderful gifts and will continue to bring joy long after the festive season is over.
The shop in the city centre is well worth a visit, if only for the historic building and the lovely courtyard. Those who prefer to browse online will also find a selection of the product range in the online shop. So at Radspieler, you can not only discover the perfect Christmas present, but perhaps also find a bit of inspiration for decorating your own home for the festive season.
Insider tip: Be sure to take a look at the historic courtyard. It’s one of the special corners of the Radspieler building and turns a visit to Hackenstraße into a little Christmas stroll through Munich’s history.
Where to find it? Radspieler, Hackenstraße 7
Also great: Kustermann
