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:

This is it – the last Munich Post of the year. We’ll see you again on January 8, hopefully rested and ready for whatever 2026 throws at us.

A quick reminder before you vanish into Glühwein mode: Public holidays are December 25& 26, and January 1&6. Remember to plan accordingly and if you still find yourself in a bind, a list of shops that are open on Sundays and Holidays. 

Before we roll into the new year, here’s a little pre-holiday fun fact for you. Did you know where Munich actually gets its name from? Check out this TikTok that discloses the “Munich = monks” origin story.

3 bits of news

It’s time to unleash your inner ninja

Whether you’re raising tiny daredevils, are one yourself, or simply love a good challenge, Munich finally has a place where all that climbing, flipping, rolling, and jumping is not only allowed – but encouraged. The city has officially opened the Munich Action Park (MAP) – a massive, year-round playground for bouldering, ninja, skate, BMX, calisthenics, parkour and much more – for both kids and adults. 

The new hall sits inside the former Olympic Ice Sports Center, marking the beginning of a two-step transformation that will turn 4,000m² of old ice rinks into one of Germany’s largest indoor action-sports hubs. 

Hall 1 is already open with bouldering, calisthenics, Ninja Warrior, parkour, and a kids’ zone where tiny humans can safely burn energy. Prices are accessible at €8 for adults, €6 reduced, €5 for kids (3-hour slots). The space also comes with a bistro, toilets and showers and tickets can be purchased on site (for now).

The next big upgrade arrives next year, when the former ice stadium becomes home to a giant skateboard bowl, a halfpipe, dirt-bike and BMX jump lines, a mountain-bike course, a pump track, a roller-disco zone, street-dance spaces, and even 3x3 basketball.

And if you’re wondering why the city is suddenly obsessed with action sports: demand has exploded among kids, teens, and adults. Weather-proof, central, affordable space has been the missing piece, until now. 

See the space for yourself here and find more information here (in German) and here (in English).

MVG’s new timetable arrives – and so does a push for safer-feeling rides

MVG’s 2026 timetable kicks in on December 14, bringing a mix of upgrades and cutbacks. A few bus lines get more space (hello, buses 130 and 190), Sunday service improves on line 57, and Tram 27 gets longer vehicles. At the same time, some extra runs disappear where MVG says demand has dropped.

The bigger story, though, isn’t the timetable – it’s safety.
A new survey of 1,200 passengers shows most riders feel safe at night, but younger women in particular often don’t know about the safety measures already in place. To fix it, MVG, DB, the Munich Police, and the Bundespolizei are launching a citywide safety information campaign in early 2026. It will highlight:

• 130 subway security officers on duty daily

• Bright, transparent vehicle design

• Well-lit station routes

• Emergency call points at every station and in every vehicle

• Extensive video surveillance across the network

The goal: not to add more measures, but to make sure riders know what already exists.

In short: a few route tweaks, a lot of reassurance, and a reminder that the U6 will still test your patience either way.

Find more information here and here (in German).

Munich’s 2026 Family Pass is here and it’s still the city’s best €6 deal

The 2026 Munich Family Pass is officially on sale, and if you live in Munich (or in one of the participating districts), this is one of the easiest ways to stretch your family budget next year. For €6, you get a full year of discounts, vouchers, and free entries across the city: from swimming pools and museums to zoos, music schools, wildlife parks, and kids’ shops.

One highlight families always love:
Two free vouchers for an M-Bad, valid for one adult and one child. On top of that, there are dozens of deals covering everything from weekend outings to rainy-day backups.

The pass covers two adults and up to four kids (17 and under). Larger families get an extra pass for free. And the definition of family is refreshingly broad including single parents, grandparents, foster families, queer families… if there are kids, you count.

The pass is valid January 1 to December 31, 2026, and yes, the €6 fee can be waived for families in need thanks to SZ Gute Werke.

Find more information here (in German). You can buy your Family Pass at different locations - find the closest place here.

Bonus:

• New information folder for primary school children

• A special tree to honor your children who didn't make it into the world

• New gluten-free stall at the Elisabethmarkt

• German Word of the Year 2025

• New Year's Eve in Munich: First-ever ban on fireworks around the zoo

• Munich will host the 2029 Women's European Soccer Championship

In Partnership with finbird

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.

Last Chance: Munich Home-Buying Q&A for Expats (Dec 16)

If you’re clear on “why Munich” but not on “how the process and financing actually work,” this session is for you. In 60 minutes, Daniela from finbird will map the steps buyers follow in Bavaria, what lenders look for, typical timelines to notary, and how to avoid common hiccups we see around Munich’s suburbs (missing building docs, unclear floor plans, energy certificates).

We’ll explain eligibility, document prep, and how down payment and total purchase costs fit together. No promises about “making Munich affordable” — just a practical guide so you can make informed decisions. Based on your votes, we’ll focus on Topics 1 and 2 now, and bring neighborhood price trends as a dedicated deep dive in the new year.

Grab your spot for Dec 16 and bring your questions to the live Q&A.

2 upcoming events

Munich’s Japanese winter wonderland

On December 14, 2025, the 22nd Japandult brings a touch of Japan to Munich – this time with a Christmas twist. Held in the Alte Kongresshalle above the Theresienwiese, the festival invites visitors of all ages to explore Japanese culture, art, and cuisine under one roof.

Expect a curated cultural program: workshops in origami, shibori dyeing, and samurai skills, as well as tastings of takoyaki, ramen, and okonomiyaki. From traditional crafts to contemporary Japanese pop culture, Japandult offers a playful and inspiring way to experience the Land of the Rising Sun without leaving Bavaria.

Whether you’re a foodie, a design lover, or just curious about Japanese culture, this festive edition is a full-day immersion into Japan’s diverse and evolving lifestyle.

Find more information here (in German).

General information:

📍 Alte Kongresshalle, Theresienwiese, München
⏰ Sunday, December 14
🎟️ Adults 19€, Children(10 to 15 years) 8€ and children under 10 are FREE

Light Magic at the Munich Residenz

Step into a magical winter world at the Munich Residenz’s Brunnenhof courtyard with Light Magic – The Magical Journey of Our Princess. This immersive show blends light art, 360° projections, and music, taking you through the life of a princess: from childhood and coronation to motherhood and travels. All of this takes place in a historic setting that fuses old and new.

Perfect for friends, families, and date nights, the experience combines fairytale wonder for the little ones with visual cinema for adults. Here you will experience an evening of emotion, spectacle, and goosebumps: a truly unforgettable winter outing in the heart of Munich.

Find more information here (in German).

General information:

📍 Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
⏰ Wednesday, December 10 – Tuesday, December 23
🎟️ Standing €19.90, Seated €24.90

Bonus: 

• Singalong Munich - from Dec 11

• Cavalluna Kids - Winter Wishes Land - Dec 20–Jan 6

• Christmas at the Gasteig - Dec 24

• New Year's Eve at Tollwood - Dec 31

• Holiday on Ice - Jan 2–5

1 new restaurant/café to try

Kanso Coffee Lab

Step into Kanso Coffee Lab, where every cup is an experience. This minimalist Munich café near Max Joseph Platz transforms your daily coffee break into a moment of calm, clarity, and connection. Specialty-grade beans are carefully sourced, roasted to bring out their unique character, and rotated seasonally for a fresh, exceptional tasting journey.

The space follows the Kanso principle – less is more – removing clutter to let quality, intention, and craft shine. From rare single-origin beans to seasonal coffee subscriptions, every offering tells a story of sustainable sourcing, collaboration, and taste. Complete your ritual with a handmade Kanso cup, each crafted to complement the coffee perfectly.

Whether you’re here for a quick espresso or a slow dive into rare beans, Kanso Coffee Lab offers a thoughtful, elevated coffee experience.

General information:

📍 Theatinerstr. 35, 80335 München

🥘 Coffee

⏰ Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm

     Closed Sunday     

Visit Kanso Coffee Lab

Meme of the week 😂

Thanks for reading and sharing the Munich Post 3-2-1 newsletter.

Aazar, Christina, Heidi and Sana

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