No plans yet for the 2025 Christmas vacations? How about experiencing something new during the festive season – and not staying in Berlin? Our tip: a trip to the south, namely to fabulous Munich! The capital of Bavaria is known for its numerous Christmas markets, many of which are still open after Christmas Eve. But in addition to these Christmas hotspots that await you every year, the countdown to a very special event is underway: the premiere of Munich’s largest New Year’s Eve mile.
Inspired by Berlin and other European cities, it also features numerous innovations and highlights that have never been seen before and could perhaps become a model for other New Year’s Eve miles. Instead of traditional fireworks, elaborate light installations create atmospheric moments and transform the turn of the year into an unforgettable experience.
Christmas vacations full of magical lights
During the Christmas vacations, you will undoubtedly be immersed in a sea of lights full of festive atmosphere in Bavaria’s capital. In the heart of the city, Munich’s best-known Christmas market – and one of the most famous in Germany – attracts numerous locals and tourists year after year: the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz. As the oldest Christmas market in the city, it impresses with its long tradition dating back to the 17th century. Since 1972, it has had a permanent place on Marienplatz, where the magnificent Christmas tree shines every year until Epiphany. The market itself is open from November 24 to December 24 , 2025.
You can also enjoy winter magic at Viktualienmarkt until January 5 , 2026. It is an absolute highlight for culinary fans: 24 stalls offer mulled wine, Feuerzangenbowle, creative snacks, gift ideas and other specialties. Sparkling lights illuminate the maypole in particular. For children, there is a daily changing program with Christmas music, carousels, a nostalgic children’s train, Punch and Judy shows and more.
From the autumnal Oktoberfest, it’s straight into the wintry Tollwood Winter Festival: a colorful program of arts and crafts, mulled wine stands, circus shows, fire shows, live concerts and a New Year’s Eve party awaits you on the Theresienwiese from 25 November to 31 December 2025.
A different kind of New Year’s Eve mile
Hey, Berlin! Even though you have one of Europe’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties right on your doorstep every year, it’s worth extending the Christmas vacations this year until the turn of the year in Munich. The city is finally presenting its long-awaited New Year’s Eve mile. On 1.5 kilometers along Ludwigstraße between Odeonsplatz and Siegestor, you can expect numerous food stalls, live acts, DJ sets and lots of music – there is something for everyone.
What makes it special: Munich focuses on innovation and sustainability and shows that a New Year’s Eve can also be spectacular without pyrotechnics. Instead, impressive laser and light shows, video mapping that illuminates the architecture along Ludwigstrasse and other creative installations ensure an unforgettable experience for all the senses. See for yourself and then decide whether this unique New Year’s Eve open-air party is worth the trip.