Xmas plans for Munich - what to do on 24th, 25th, 26th December?

Question

A friend and I will be in Munich over Christmas, but we've just been made aware that the city will more or less shut down completely over the three days we're there.

Does anyone have any suggestions about what we might be able to do for Christmas day? We were hoping to find somewhere to have a nice meal, without breaking the bank by going to somewhere usually frequented by the elite! Also, vegetarian options are needed. Any tips on what to see in Munich during that time would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Unkle.

Answer 1

Germans celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve when they have their family meals and open their gifts and then go to church.  This means that the country is pretty well closed from lunch time onwards.  Public transport is restricted too.  In the larger cities you will always find somewhere that is open but you should bear that in mind - you may find that you end up spending Christmas Eve in your hotel.  Bars and restaurants generally open up on Christmas Day.

Answer 2

You're right, Munich pretty much shuts down on Chritsmas.

But there are options for you to go:

- on 24th you can try the Optimolwerke near Ostbahnhof (some discos)

- most of the restaurants will be open again on 25th and 26th, because many families go out to have dinner or lunch. Make sure you have a reservation, because restaurants are usually crowded

Stroll through Schwabing or the Leopoldstrasse to find a place where to eat

- most of the museums will be closed, but you can do any of the outdoors sightseeing such as Marienplatz, Königsplatz, etc.

- shopping centers will al be closed

- the Tollwood festival and Christmas market is open til 31st of December and has many attractions.