The popular market, which has been running since 1999, opened in the MAC Forum.

This year there are more than 50 market stalls and the winter wonderland also features ice-skating and Bavarian curling on an outdoor rink.

An extensive programme of live entertainment is also lined up with more than 40 bands and musical acts from Bavaria scheduled to take to the stage every day from 6pm.

The stage show will be different every day, ranging from blues, jazz and gospel to rock and pop.

While taking it in, visitors can feast on all kinds of treats, from traditional Bavarian cuisine to Asian dishes and hot mulled wine.

Children can make Christmas cribs and decorating gingerbread houses to making advent decorations, while sports lovers can use the skating and curling rinks free of charge with ice skates rented next to the rink for a small fee.

More than 400 pine trees and a 15-meter Christmas tree decorated with over 50,000 lights and 3,000 ornaments will help create festive fever.

The market runs until December 29 from 11am to 9pm, but on December 24 it will close at 5pm.