Munich or Salzburg: we have compared two cities to find out which one handles the Christmas spirit better.
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Munich or Salzburg: where is it better to celebrate Christmas
Munich: Winter Wonderland with a little bit of everything
The capital of Bavaria is one of Germany's most famous tourist destinations, boasting not only the Oktoberfest beer festival but also several world-class museums and palaces. It's worth noting that the city is an excellent place to visit during Christmas when traditionally hardworking Bavarians let loose for various events.
Every year in Munich, numerous Christmas markets open, each reflecting the season in its own way. The most famous and prominent Christmas market takes place at Marienplatz and has been around for about 500 years. Against the backdrop of the magnificent town hall building, there's a workshop for children's toys, brass bands playing folk music, and sometimes even Krampus makes an appearance. The festivities run from November 27 to December 24.
During Christmas, the historical food market Viktualienmarkt is also particularly popular. Here, there's a wider selection of handmade Christmas treats and decorations, giving the whole area a magical atmosphere. The Christmas holidays, known as "Winterzauber am Viktualienmarkt," last from November 20 to January 5.
For those who especially love mulled wine and axe throwing, it's worth checking out Mittelaltermarkt at Wittelsbacherplatz, where German fascination with all things medieval is taken to the extreme. While we don't recommend mixing alcohol and 15th-century weaponry, you can enjoy a small journey back in time here from November 27 to December 23.
On Christmas, Munich offers not only Christmas markets. Ice skating is very popular in the city, with key locations being the frozen canal at Nymphenburg Palace and Eiszauber at Stachus. From November 24 to January 14, Eiszauber also features numerous stalls and delicious treats.
It's also worth noting that many famous museums and galleries, such as the Alte Pinakothek and the Residenz, remain open to visitors during the Christmas season. However, it's advisable to check the opening hours of the places you plan to visit.
Salzburg: Magic, music, and centuries-old traditions
Munich faces strong competition in Salzburg. With a dramatic mountain backdrop, a rich musical heritage, and centuries-old folklore to unpack, it has been attracting tourists long before the "Sound of Music" was conceived – in fact, even before Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself.
At Christmas, Salzburg seems to shift into hyperdrive: the city transforms, and a plethora of events take place.
Christmas markets are the most well-known aspect of Salzburg's celebration. The Christmas market at Domplatz is one of the oldest in the world, possibly a century or two older than Munich's. The Salzburg Cathedral and the lighting, creating the impression that the sky is studded with stars, are considered one of the most atmospheric in the world. It's open every day from November 27 to January 1.
If you want to see an even more impressive Christmas market, the centuries-old fortress of the prince-archbishops hosts "Advent in Hohensalzburg" every weekend from November 24 to December 18. Alongside artisanal gifts and exquisite dishes, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the city. Time your visit with the sunset for truly exceptional impressions.
Alongside the Christmas markets at the cathedral, an extensive program of choir and brass band performances takes place. The city's website provides information on who is performing.
Fans of the Christmas carol "Silent Night" also have the opportunity to visit the chapel where it was first performed on December 18. It's just 20 kilometers from the city center by public transport and has been attracting tourists for over a hundred years. The influence of the writer and Salzburg priest Joseph Mohr is still felt throughout the region through statues, street names, and museum exhibits.
Speaking of museums: few cities have such a Christmas heritage that they can boast their own museum on the subject. The Salzburg Christmas Museum on Mozartplatz recreates Christmas interiors, complete with decorations, covering the period from 1840 to the present day. The museum also hosts seasonal exhibitions dedicated to various Christmas traditions.
We don't dare to give preference to one city, but we believe that Salzburg surpasses in atmosphere, traditions, and aesthetics. The Alpine sounds and the factor of "Silent Night" make it a must-visit for any serious Christmas enthusiast.
However, Munich, being a larger city, offers a wider selection of Christmas markets and winter entertainment for those who want to fill their precious time with festivities.
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After exploring the Christmas spirit in Munich and Salzburg, consider spending your Holidays in Germany by visiting these two cities.
Munich's Winter Wonderland offers a mix of tradition, culture, and modern festivities, including numerous Christmas markets, ice skating, axe throwing, and museum visits.
Alternatively, Salzburg, with its magical mountain backdrop, centuries-old traditions, and rich musical heritage, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, featuring various Christmas markets, brass band performances, and a visit to the chapel where "Silent Night" was first performed.
