Christmas market Starnberg 2026: Advent on the church square above the lake

Published 13 November 2026 · approx. 5 min read

Christmas market Starnberg 2026: dates and opening hours

The Starnberg Christkindlmarkt is not a weeks-long mega market but a compact Advent weekend right in town: for four days the stalls stand on the Kirchplatz around the parish church of St. Maria, a few steps above the lake. The market is organised by the town of Starnberg. According to the town's documents, these opening hours apply to food and craft stalls in 2026:

• Thursday, 3 December 2026: 4 pm to 9 pm
• Friday, 4 December 2026: 2 pm to 9 pm
• Saturday, 5 December 2026: 12 noon to 9 pm
• Sunday, 6 December 2026: 12 noon to 8 pm
• Location: Kirchplatz, 82319 Starnberg
• Admission: free

The town usually publishes the detailed programme shortly before the market; check starnberg.de before your visit in case of short-notice changes.

What to expect on the Kirchplatz

The market's charm lies in its manageable size and its many regional stalls. Alongside mulled wine, punch and hearty food there are crafts – from tree decorations to handmade gifts. Non-profit Starnberg clubs traditionally run stalls too. According to the town, the square has background and live music during opening hours, and every stall is decorated with warm-white fairy lights – a calm, harmonious glow in the evening rather than flashing effects.

An Advent day on Lake Starnberg

• Lake promenade and pier: from the Kirchplatz you are down by the water in a few minutes. Even in winter, the view across the lake to the mountains is impressive on a clear day.
• Buchheim Museum in Bernried: after its renovation break the museum is due to reopen on 4 December, according to the museum – more in our post on the Buchheim Museum on Lake Starnberg. Check current opening hours before you go.
• East and south shore: the drive back to Königsdorf follows the east shore – perfect for a photo stop. More ideas in our Lake Starnberg guide.

The second Advent weekend around Königsdorf

• 4–6 December: Christmas market Geretsried on the Karl-Lederer-Platz – see Christmas market Geretsried 2026.
• 4–6 December: second weekend of the Advent market at Beuerberg Abbey, a short drive from the Schlossquelle – see Advent markets in the Loisach valley.
• 5 December: LichterZauber in Lenggries – see LichterZauber Lenggries 2026.
• 6 December: Old Bavarian Christmas market in Benediktbeuern.

One possible plan: Friday evening Geretsried or Beuerberg, Saturday Starnberg with a lakeside walk, Sunday Benediktbeuern in the south – town, lake and monastery village in one weekend.

Getting there from Königsdorf

• By car: about 35 minutes depending on traffic, via Wolfratshausen and Münsing or along the east shore. Parking in the centre is tight on market days – allow a few minutes' walk.
• By train: Starnberg is on the S6 suburban line from Munich; Starnberg (See) station is right on the lakeshore, and from there you walk up to the Kirchplatz.

Back at the Schlossquelle, free parking and our EV charger are waiting. Dogs are welcome with us too – on busy markets a short lead helps; tips in our guide for holidays with a dog. If the weather turns, try our rainy-day ideas.