Tollwood Winter Festival opens on Tuesday 24 November on Munich’s Theresienwiese, and getting in costs nothing. According to the city, the grounds and the “Market of Ideas” are freely accessible, and about 90 per cent of the 416 events are free too. It runs until 23 December – a good option for families who would rather not spend heavily on Christmas markets.
When and where. 24 November to 23 December: Monday to Friday from 2pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am. Everything closes at 10pm on 23 December. The Market of Ideas stays open until 10.30pm on Sundays and Mondays and until 11.30pm Tuesday to Saturday; food and drink service runs until midnight Tuesday to Saturday. Getting there: U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese, or U3 or U6 to Goetheplatz.
For children. The children’s tent is open 2pm–7pm Monday to Friday and noon–7pm at weekends. The programme includes reading sessions, children’s concerts, workshops and crafts. The fairy-tale hour starts at 6.40pm daily except Saturday. Some workshops require registration, so check the daily programme first, and a few performances need a free reservation because seats are limited.
What costs money. Mainly the big tent shows. The listings portal IN München puts circus and dance tickets at €29–€59; on the day of the show they also count as an MVV ticket. The line-up: Gravity & Other Myths’ “Ten Thousand Hours” (from 25 November, 7.30pm, until 29 November), the dance piece “Triptych” (2–9 December) and Galapiat Cirque’s “Mad in Finland” (12–20 December). Tickets are sold through München Ticket. The New Year’s Eve party on 31 December starts at 7pm; sources differ slightly on the price (roughly €33–€40), so check the official ticket page.
Our tip. To keep costs down, go on a weekday afternoon: free entry, the children’s tent is open and food can be kept to a budget. The shows suit teenagers and adults better – the sources we checked give no age guidance, so ask when booking. The programme changes daily; the festival site and the city of Munich carry the latest details.
Earlier coverage: Munich Christmas markets 2026: dates and free kids’ events.
Sources: muenchen.de, IN München, IN München – shows
