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3-2-1- It’s time for Munich’s luckiest custom
Munich’s seven-year tradition returns to city squares this month
Sana Ahmad
January 08, 2026
Servus an Alle!
Welcome back to the Munich Post! The purpose of this newsletter is to share: 3 bits of news, 2 upcoming events, and 1 amazing restaurant/café for expats living in and around Munich. This way, you have a pulse on what’s going on without scrolling through thousands of pages.
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Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:
Happy New Year, Munich!
We hope you slid into 2026 gently, with good food, decent sleep, and minimal family chaos.
If your Christmas tree is still living rent-free in your living room, it’s time.
Here’s the official, no-drama way to say goodbye – including collection dates and drop-off points.
And while we’re already thinking ahead…2026 is surprisinglygenerous with public holidays. A few smart Brückentage and suddenly you’ve got mini-vacations without burning all your Urlaubstage. Check out the best way to plan them here.
3 bits of news
Munich is officially a host city for Women’s EURO 2029
Germany will host the UEFA Women’s European Championship in 2029.
And yes, Munich is in. If all goes to plan, up to five matches could take place at the Allianz Arena; including the opening game or the final. That would once again put Munich in the international football spotlight, just five years after hosting the men’s EURO in 2024.
City leaders are calling the decision a big win for women’s and girls’ football. Major tournaments, they say, do more than fill stadiums. They create role models, boost visibility, and help push investment into youth programs and local clubs. In other words, this is about long-term impact, not just a few big game nights.
For fans, it also means something very simple and very exciting: world-class football, right on our doorstep. Exact match dates, ticket sales, and side events will be announced closer to 2029. But if you like planning ahead (and let’s be honest, Munich loves a calendar entry), this is one summer to keep in mind.
Find more information here (in German).
Late-night shopping is officially coming to Munich
Starting in 2026, Munich will introduce four city-wide shopping evenings where stores are allowed to stay open until midnight. The dates are already set: one Friday in April, one before the autumn school holidays, Black Friday in November, and the third Saturday of Advent.
On top of that, individual stores can also stay open late on up to four additional evenings per year. No complicated permits needed. Shops simply have to notify the city two weeks in advance. In shopping centres and arcades, stores can even advertise these late openings together, which means those quiet malls might finally feel a little less quiet.
There’s also a small bonus for the Old Town. From April to mid-October, and on the four Advent Sundays, tourist-focused shops in the pedestrian zone will be allowed to open on Sundays and public holidays (except Good Friday), selling things like snacks, flowers, newspapers, and souvenirs. Not a full Sunday shopping revolution. But definitely a few more doors open when visitors and locals are still wandering around.
Find more information here (in German).
The MVV is getting a whole lot bigger
From January 1, 2026, the Munich Transport Association (MVV) is expanding to include Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mühldorf am Inn, and Landshut (city and district). That means around 450,000 more people will be using the same ticket system as Munich – with one fare covering buses, trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and regional trains across a much larger area.
For passengers, this mainly means fewer ticket systems to think about and more digital convenience. The MVV app, real-time timetables, and mobile tickets (including MVVswipe, which automatically finds the cheapest fare) will now apply across all these new regions too. In short: fewer “is this still valid here?” moments.
You may also notice some cosmetic changes. Many buses in the new districts will switch to MVV’s standard three-digit route numbers, even though the routes themselves mostly stay the same. Same bus. New number. Slightly more official vibes.
Find more information here (in German).
Bonus:
In Partnership with Feather
It is our desire to bring our readers the best information about Munich — at zero cost to you. In keeping with this theme, we thank our partners for today’s newsletter. By just clicking the link below, you’ll support The Munich Post.
Public health insurance's long waits and limited doctor choice are frustrating. Many choose private health insurance because of this: more doctors and specialists, faster access, and a cover you can shape around what you actually need.
Your price is based on your age when you sign up and usually only rises with healthcare costs and inflation. Historically, that’s been around 3.1% per year for private insurance, compared to about 3.8% for public.
Why consider private health insurance with Feather?
Flexible coverage: choose the services that matter to you.
Faster appointments: access a wider doctor network.
Costs you can influence: adjust coverage, deductibles, and cashback options.
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Simple with Feather: sign up online, with English-speaking support.
Private health insurance can be a good fit if you’re self-employed, freelance, or a high earner. Feather helps you check if it makes sense for you and find a plan that fits.
Use code MUNICH15 to get €15 cashback when you sign up.
2 upcoming events
The Schäffler Dance is back and it’s a big deal
Every seven years, Munich’s coopers step into their red-and-green costumes and dance through the city to bring good luck and officially chase away bad vibes. This year, from Jan 6 to Feb 17, they’ll perform around 400 times on streets, in the squares, at schools, and even company courtyards – so chances are, you’ll randomly bump into them while running errands. Yes, that’s normal. And yes, it’s charming every single time.
If you want to plan it properly: some of the biggest public stops in the coming days include Marienplatz (Sat, Jan 10 at 12 Noon), Giesinger Bahnhofplatz (Thu, Jan 8 at 2pm), and Pasing Bahnhofplatz (Fri, Jan 9 at 5pm). Expect brass music, bow-swinging dancers, and the famous Kasperl causing (polite) chaos in the crowd.
Tip for families: performances are short, outdoors, and totally free. Making them perfect for a quick culture stop without committing to a full afternoon. Just show up a few minutes early. This is peak Munich tradition, and then it’s gone again until 2033.
Find more information here (in German).
General information:
📍 Multiple locations in Munich
⏰ Tuessday, January 6–Thursday, February 17
🎟️ FREE
BattleKart mania comes to Munich
Finally, the wait is over: BattleKart Munich-Finsing has officially opened its doors. This isn’t your average go-kart track. It’s a full-on fusion of electric karting, video games, and augmented reality. Real karts, interactive virtual elements projected onto the track, and bonus zones you can collect or battle will turn every race into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re racing friends, family, or colleagues, BattleKart brings thrills for all ages, you just need to be at least 1.45m tall to join in the fun.
Games last around 15 minutes and include several rounds, giving you plenty of time to test your skills, activate bonuses, and outsmart your opponents. With multiple game modes like BattleRace, BattleVirus, BattleSnake, and more, every race feels fresh and exciting. You even control parts of the game themselves: book a slot, pick your mode, and you’re in charge of the action.
Beyond e-karts, BattleKart also offers Padel tennis, bowling, and mini-golf for those looking to extend the fun. Whether for a casual afternoon or a full team-building day, this is the new playground for adrenaline junkies and strategists alike.
General information:
📍 Am Steinfeld 3, 85464 Finsing
⏰ Monday–Friday, 2pm–9/10pm
Saturday, 10am–10pm
Sunday, 10am–6pm
🎟️ Starting at 20€
Bonus:
We’d like to thank our second sponsor, finbird.
You told us you want the basics done right: the buying process and how financing works. On January 13 (3 PM), Daniela from finbird will walk through the German home-buying journey in plain English: from first viewing to notary, land register, resale, and handover.
What we'll cover:
What banks in Munich typically ask for (employment status, residence permit, payslips, equity) and how down payments work
Extra costs to plan for in Bavaria (notary, land register, property transfer tax)
Local market quirks: tightly contested inner-city districts like Schwabing or Glockenbach vs. better value in family areas like Pasing, Trudering or Gauting
Why older properties around the suburbs can stall if seller documents are incomplete
How to think about resale value and property age when evaluating if something's a smart buy or a risk
1 new restaurant/café to try
PIYA
PIYA means together and at this Mediterranean-inspired hotspot in Munich, togetherness is exactly what you get. Founded by Piya and her father, the restaurant is all about shared experiences, honest flavors, and warm encounters. Every table becomes a meeting point, every dish a conversation starter.
The magic starts with fire, the most primal form of cooking. On the charcoal grill, sun-ripened vegetables, fresh herbs, perfectly cooked fish, and tender meat come alive; each bite bursting with flavor. This is Mediterranean soul food at its purest. Seasonal ingredients, responsibly sourced and locally selected, make sustainability part of every plate.
PIYA’s menu is made for sharing. Mezze, grilled octopus, crispy fish in puff pastry, cheese and pistachio spreads, and oven surprises encourage conversation as much as indulgence. Whether you’re on a dinner date, catching up with friends, or celebrating a big milestone, your table is ready, your experience curated, and the flavors unforgettable.
General information:
📍 Zenettistraße 11, 80337 München
🥘 Mediterranean
⏰ Mon–Thu, 12 Noon–11pm
Friday, 12 Noon–1am
Saturday, 5pm–1am
Sunday, 1pm–10pm
Visit PIYA
We’d like to thank our third sponsor.
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