The sad days of autumn are now behind us. The melancholy November has been replaced by a festive December. Like a breath of frosty air in the mountains, the feeling of winter is coming. And, of course, at the beginning of the month, all thoughts are focused only on the upcoming crowning event — the New Year holidays.
Many travellers forget about their love of adventure and rush to the shops for worthy gifts for relatives and friends. While they're busy, you should seize the moment and head out to museums and exhibitions, unencumbered by crowds of gawkers — winter Europe is opening its arms.
Holidays in Munich in December: pros and cons
Reviews of the Munich holidays in December only raise interest in this city full of surprises and cultural beauty. Wandering around the old Bavarian streets, having a glass of hoppy beer, admiring paintings in one of the Pinakotheks — what else does one need for a good holiday?
Munich also has several other benefits this month:
- Christmas markets have begun operating in the town squares. The festivities never end in these places. When you are there, you can truly feel the spirit of the festive city. In Munich, you can fully enjoy and revel in this extraordinary atmosphere.
- All the streets are covered with colourful illumination. The combination of artificial lights and ornaments inspires the city's decorations. The night scenery is breathtaking, and you can stand still and admire the beauty for a whole day without sleeping or eating.
- The cultural venues are deserted. The Christmas spirit gets tourists more excited than the cultural heritage. That's why it's an excellent time to visit museums and exhibitions, where there is great peace and quiet.
- Laughter can be heard everywhere. The streets are full of happy people. Some have pink noses from mulled wine and punch. And children often try on the hats of Santa's helpers, the mischievous dwarfs. You can't help but get energised by this holiday energy and begin to believe that this is the year that miracles happen.
To get through these days without problems, you need to consider the following:
- The days of December attract foreign tourists and Germans, so it's worth making hotel and restaurant reservations for New Year's Eve in advance.
- Expect crowds of tourists and citizens on the streets. You can't count on a relaxed and measured holiday in Munich in December.
- In addition to warm and comfortable clothes that match the season, it's a good idea to dress for the occasion. After all, Munich is so tempting to attend a cultural event that requires a specific dress code.
- Museums and exhibitions are closed during the holidays, so it's worth swapping out the cultural fun for gastronomic fun at Christmas.
- The local cuisine is rather greasy, so beware of overeating and, just in case, stock up on appropriate medication to help with the strain on your stomach.
Munich weather in December
The weather in December and January is okay primarily but more relaxed than in November. The weather is overcast principally in early December, and the thermometer does not show more than +5°C. Temperatures in Munich in mid-December could drop a couple of degrees if there is heavy rainfall. The Munich temperatures do not fluctuate widely, however. The weather in Munich at the end of December transitions smoothly into January without much temperature change, dramatically marking the start of a new month.
Air temperature
The temperature in Munich in December doesn't do justice to the idea of harsh winters, thanks to Bavaria's mild climate. But the weather is not ideal for travelling with small children. It's sunny and snowy outside. Little feet get chilly very quickly. Such a trip can and should be taken with older, school-age children.
Air temperature in Munich in December
The average weather in December is daytime and night-time temperatures of +5°C and -2°C at the beginning of the month and +2°C and -5°C at the end of the period. The average daytime temperature in December stays at +3-4°C and dips to zero at night. December is the warmest winter month, while the cold weather peaks by mid-January, dropping to an average of +1°C during the day and -3°C at night.
Amount of precipitation
Munich receives an average of around 58 mm of rainfall in December. There is an average of just three days of rain and one day of snowfall per month, but don't be fooled by these figures — there are 24 hours in a day, and the entire period of snow and rainfall can fall during the daylight hours. It's a matter of luck.
December has the fourth lowest rainfall of the year, which is excellent for those who want to enjoy the festive outdoor festivities.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Munich gets an average of 10 sunny days in December. That's not an alarming winter figure. The percentage of sunny and cloudy days in December equals 35% each and 29% being cloudy. The short daylight hours are more than compensated for by the bright street lighting.
Tour Holidays
Architectural Munich is breathtakingly beautiful. The best way to see the city is from the vantage points at St. Michael's Cathedral, Peterskirche — St. Peter's Cathedral, and Frauenkirche — St. Mary's Cathedral. You'll be lucky if a light blanket of snow covers the old streets at the beginning of December. Or wake up early when there is still frost on the rooftops after the night frost.
It is then worth returning to the central Marienplatz square, where the Old and New Town Halls are located. They are a striking example of Baroque culture. From the yard, the streets spread out like brooks through the town, with the old buildings discreetly hiding amongst the later ones. The Tea House in the English Garden makes you want to take a cup of tea to escape the mystical mid-December tree branches that bend over the central avenue like the clutches of magical creatures.
The Hofgarten is no less beautiful with its Temple of Diana, but to appreciate it properly, you should choose a greener season to visit when its lush lawns are dotted with locals and children who come for a picnic.
Munich's most famous castles are the Nymphenburg and Blutenburg. Nymphenburg is surrounded by a beautiful park, similar to Versailles, for which it is considered the Bavarian prototype of its French counterpart.
The main highlight of Blütenburg is the water element that washes over this castle. The building stands out like a pearl in the middle of a watery moat.
Königsplatz is considered Munich's cultural district. There are three pinakotheques here: the Old, the New and the Modern. The first offers work by Rubens and Bruegel, the second by Gauguin and Van Gogh, and the last offers paintings by contemporary artists.
Munich has lots to do with children. It has Europe's largest zoo and a fantastic aquarium. Both offer the chance to get up close and personal with the fauna and even feed them with exceptional food, which is a delightful experience for young visitors.
At the end of December, in case of bad weather, you can visit the Paleontological Museum to learn more about the history of extinct lizards or the Toy Museum, where an extensive collection from years ago is on display. A visit to the BMW Museum is a particular treat. These automobiles will not leave anyone untouched.
Look for distinctions at the fairs in Munich's squares to taste the medieval tale. The most significant medieval fairy tale is the market located at Marienplatz.
It smells of cinnamon and other mulled wine spices everywhere, the New Town Hall is lit up with beautiful illumination, and in the centre, there is a lovely fir tree decorated with lots of lights. The courtyard of the Royal Residence hides the Odeonsplatz, which is narrower but cosier: fewer tourists, less crowding and more variety.
Further afield is the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz, where broth and piglets are made, and the vendors and visitors are dressed in medieval costumes.
There's an ice rink on Stachus Square for the Christmas markets, which locals and tourists love to skate on. The festivities end with a ride on a Christmas tram decorated with garlands. Inside, rum and mulled wine are served, and the route begins and ends at the same place after a lap through the city's main streets.
Holidays, events and festivals
All the festivities in Munich in December contain the anticipation of a New Year's Eve culmination. They are delicious and family-friendly, with aromas of gingerbread, roast goose and mulled wine:
- St Nicholas' Day is celebrated on December 6. Today, children look forward to receiving presents as proof that they have behaved well throughout the year. The night before they go to bed, they polish their shoes, and in the morning, they may find a variety of sweets brought to them by St Nicholas.
- December 24 is called Christmas Eve. On this day, they light the lights on the Christmas tree and bring the family together for a feast. The evening is dedicated to family ties and the tradition of Bescherung, which translates to 'giving as a gift'. On Christmas Eve, it is customary to exchange gifts.
- December 25 isChristmas. This holiday is a favourite day for all Germans. Not without reason, this country invented the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree. Therefore, this country has a particular attitude towards this action. Everyone gathers around the table again but in a smaller circle. For dinner, the goose is roasted with cabbage.
From 26 December onwards, each day is dedicated to a particular religious personality, so church services and non-stop festivities accompany all days. Of course, the year ends with a magnificent fireworks display that will make spectators' hearts swoon with its mesmerising beauty.
Shopping
Munich has many high-quality clothing shops with the world's leading brands. The most popular are Marienplatz, Kaufinger Strasse and Newhauser Strasse, while the more expensive brands are Brachners Strasse and Maximilianstrasse. If you're a shopaholic, you should plan your visit to Munich towards the end of the month because there are all sorts of bargains right after Christmas. Discounts can be as high as 80% off, but there's also a lot of shopping to be done, and there's a lot of pushing and shoving.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Munich in December peak towards the end of the year. Regarding air travel, only the beginning of January is more expensive than the end of December. If you're more interested in Munich itself than pre-holiday atmosphere, it's better to travel early in the month, as from the second half of December, prices rise by 30%. The same applies to hotels.
Catering prices remain the same, except for the festive dinners during the holidays themselves. Restaurants may charge extra for entertainment on these days, and tables should also be booked in advance.
Eating at Christmas markets is the most economical and tasty option in December.
This process combines experiencing the local cuisine at relatively reasonable prices with savings on dining out. The Munich CityTourCard, which offers discounts on cultural venues, exhibitions and museums, also helps save a little money.
Munich is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year. But in December, its atmosphere is filled with the Christmas hustle and bustle and the scent of cinnamon, which only enhances the local beauty. In December, the whole family should come to the city to experience the Christmas atmosphere, buy interesting souvenirs and gifts, visit the trade fairs and enjoy the fantastic beauty of winter Munich.
