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!
- Typically Munich
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- Concerts
- Events for families and children
- What else is happening
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
Politics, religion and love in all its facets are the ingredients of Mozart's singspiel ‘The Abduction from the Seraglio’, which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed in 1782 and which premiered in Vienna's Burgtheater under his baton. In an arrangement for wind quintet, string quintet, guitar and percussion, the Munich Chamber Opera allows the audience to experience on the stage of the Cuvilliés Theatre how Konstanze and her servant Blonde are rescued from the captivity of the Turkish Bassa Selim.
The Abduction from the Seraglio, 1 to 6 January 2025, Cuvilliés Theatre
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
The show with Vicky Voyage, Jamal le Coq, Alice Dee, Marie Conna, Ruby Tuesday, Holey Father, Adam Alls and Mme Midnights takes a dive through the drag oceans and embarks on a treasure hunt for show gems.
Drag Voyage, 6 January 2025, Theater Drehleier
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
From wedding dresses and suits to decoration ideas, the ‘Hochzeitstage München’ trade fair offers bridal couples the opportunity to find everything their hearts desire and brings together a large number of exhibitors under one roof to present the latest trends and products relating to weddings.
Hochzeitstage München, 11 and 12 January 2025, MOC
You can find a well curated selection of concerts in Munich on Munich - City of Music.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
