I am a bonafide Christmas market freak. I have been to dozens of markets throughout Europe. However nothing compares to Heidelberg’s Christmas market. I lived in Heidelberg for 3 years and I will provide the greatest suggestions and information to Heidelberg Christmas market!
To expertise an genuine Christmas market in Germany, look no additional than Heidelberg. The scintillating scent of candied nuts, sizzling mulled wine, and recent minimize pine, combine merrily with the sight of gorgeous, handcrafted picket stalls and the backdrop of a Seventeenth-century German city.
So seize a glass of Glühwein and discover my final information to the Heidelberg Christmas market.
Nestled on the banks of a river is the attractive, romantic city of Heidelberg, Germany. A fairytale city any time of 12 months, however throughout Christmas, it transforms into a vacation paradise. The “Weihnachtsmarkt,” because it’s referred to in German is among the most magical locations for Christmas.
The small city of Heidelberg, Germany packs a punch relating to the attractive and historic Christmas market. With 5 completely different squares to select from, over 140 stalls, and an ice skating rink beneath the fortress, that is my favourite Christmas market in all of Europe!
From the scents of the roasting chestnuts, sloshing again sizzling mulled wine (Glühwein), the glow of the fortress above, and the thrill from individuals all ages appears to swirl within the completely satisfied feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve obtained every little thing it’s essential take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and occasions, areas, and suggestions to make sure you get the perfect from this conventional German Christmas market.
Up to date for 2023!
Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates
Regardless of Heidelberg being a medium sized metropolis, the Christmas market stays open all season lengthy. There’s even a fantastic little market that stays open previous Christmas! So if you happen to’re on the lookout for a market after the vacations, examine this out.
The Christmas market in Heidelberg is open November 27 – December 22, 2023. There are a pair markets which might be open by means of January 8, 2024.
The market occasions are from Sunday by means of Friday from 11am to 9pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 10pm.
The “Winterwaeldchen” (winter woods at Kornmarkt) has prolonged dates. From November 21 by means of January 1st, 2023 (closed on Christmas eve). Additionally, Christmas on Ice on the Karlsplatz stays open till January 8, 2023 as effectively.
Why the Heidelberg Christmas Market
It isn’t fairly as glitzy or glamorous as different markets, however Heidelberg has a singular and conventional appeal that extends all through the town. The enchanting picket huts are ornately adorned with stunning pine, Santas, reindeer, ornaments, and ribbon.
I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as probably the greatest in all of Europe. It isn’t significantly grand, but it surely’s so effectively achieved, simply accessible, conventional, and only a nice instance of a Christmas market. Plus, it is easy to get to all of the markets in Heidelberg by strolling: begin at Bismarckplatz, then head to Anatomiegarten, stroll over to Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, Kornmarkt, after which Karlsplatz.
Every stall is completely different from the following, providing you the sensation such as you’re stepping again in time and experiencing a market relationship again to the 1600s. With the glow of the fortress above you, and the yuletide cheer throughout, you possibly can’t assist however really feel the magic of Christmas.
The place is the Christmas market in Heidelberg?
Set in Heidelberg’s previous city (Alstadt) and going down all through the Primary Road (Haupstrasse) you will discover yuletide cheer all through the small metropolis. There are 5 squares all through the city that make up the Weihnachtsmarkt. Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Anatomiegarten, and Bismarckplatz. The map under lists out the highest spots for the Christmas market.
Heidelberg’s Open-Air Ice-Skating rink is open from November 25 to January sixth from 10am to 10pm. Known as “Germany’s most stunning ice-rink” you will discover it at Karlsplatz, straight under the fortress on the Hauptstrasse.
There’s additionally a smaller market open throughout just a few weekends through the season on the Neuburg Abbey simply down the river. I am going to focus on all of the markets in depth under!
get to the market?
The beauty of the markets is that it is all walkable. If taking the prepare, automobile, or tram, you will head to Bismarkplatz and from right here you possibly can stroll to all of the completely different squares.
What to eat at Heidelberg’s Christmas market?
You may discover conventional German Christmas market meals to strive. My private prime 25 meals will be discovered right here. Specifically at Heidelberg’s market I am keen on the French Fries at Marktplatz, the schokokuss, the scrumptious frikadella, and bratwurst.
Is there a Christmas market on the fortress?
There isn’t a longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s fortress (we have been informed it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless suggest that you simply head as much as the fortress and gardens for a singular view of the town under. It is significantly beautiful at Christmas as you possibly can see the nice and cozy glow of the lights on the Hauptstrasse.
How a lot time to spend?
I personally went to the Christmas market in Heidelberg 19 days final 12 months. However that is as a result of I might take a 5 minute bike experience over from my house. As a result of Heidelberg is such a fantastic metropolis I like to recommend not less than 2-3 days to expertise the magic at Christmas.
Heidelberg has a lot to supply, even outdoors the Christmas market: here is my information to Heidelberg.
I recommend not less than 3-4 hours on the market to get the perfect expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is actually stunning! I extremely suggest checking it out at night time to see the fortress lit up above the ice rink and the twinkle lights come on.
What to do on the Heidelberg Christmas Market
I have been to many Christmas markets throughout Europe and Heidelberg stays my favourite. Granted, I am a bit biased as I lived right here, however there’s only a feeling of happiness that surrounds you as you stroll the cobbled streets and look up on the magnificent fortress. Heidelberg is an ideal sized city – not too huge so you possibly can simply get round, and never too small in order that the Christmas market and retailers are open the entire season lengthy.
I’ve devised an itinerary so you may make positive to get probably the most out of your time.
As I discussed, there are 5 completely different areas for the Christmas market: Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Anatomiegarten, and Bismarckplatz. There’s additionally Karlsplatz for the ice rink. Each is exclusive and it is value it to go to all of them. Here is a information to every of Heidelberg’s Christmas markets and what you possibly can anticipate at every!
Bismarckplatz
You may most definitely begin at Bismarckplatz, that is the principle hub the place lots of the trams converge. It is also the highest of the Haupstrasse main into the previous city. Surrounded by greater department shops like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you will discover just a few stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a significantly good hearth roasted fish stall right here.
Anatomiegarten
As you proceed strolling down you will move effectively lit shops and three story buildings, typically with individuals dwelling on the prime. Subsequent, you will discover the small market of Anatomiegarten. Going through the road, this affords some distinctive crafts like African drums and collectible figurines in addition to sweets and treats. Right here in addition they promote customized Glühwein mugs the place you may get your title painted on a cup.
Simply behind the market you will see many statues tucked away which might be value a look. Subsequent, you will proceed strolling down the Hauptstrasse to Heidelberg’s greater Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.
Universitätsplatz
Universitätplatz is certainly one of my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor procuring space promoting teas and low. After you stroll out, you will discover a number of the loveliest stalls promoting handmade, picket ornaments, paper stars that gentle up from inside, and gingerbread.
As you retain strolling right down to the correct, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which might be divine! You may additionally discover sheepskin every little thing – rugs, liners for child carriages, footwear, and gloves. We at all times handle to select one thing up from there.
There’s a carousel that is good for the children at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally just a few locations to observe the glow of the nice and cozy gentle from the carousel and heat up with some Glühwein. There is a stand simply close to the carousel that gives some distinctive flavors that I really like! You may additionally discover a Feuerzangenbowle stall right here. They flambe rum on giant sugar blocks hung over the Glühwein which soften into the recent wine including a beautiful taste.
Marktplatz
Marktplatz is among the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the big church. Right here, you will additionally discover the long-lasting, picket windmill promoting Glühwein of all completely different flavors. There is a carousel right here as effectively to maintain the children entertained. Or, it’s also possible to have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is commonly right here to take heed to the child’s needs.
There is a beautiful store right here promoting hand-blown and painted by hand ornaments that may make for an amazing memento. Carry on strolling and you will find a store promoting liquors of all flavors in ornamental, glass holders of all sizes and shapes.
Kornmarkt
In the event you’re inquisitive about extra “rides” try the small prepare experience for teenagers at Kornmarkt which is a fantastic, little market with Christmas timber throughout. Right here, there are additionally handmade crafts and a person is commonly there creating ornamental picket bowls whilst you peruse the retailers. Within the center you will see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the fortress.
Karlsplatz
Hold strolling right down to the big sq., Karlsplatz, the place you will discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting food and drinks. This can be a excellent spot to ice skate – regardless of your age and you may look as much as see the towers of the sandstone fortress above.
I actually loved skating and listening to the music. I would sometimes cease for a sip of sizzling Glühwein!
After you’ve got achieved your procuring on the Christmas market, be sure to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The principle retailer is in Rothenburg, and 12 months spherical it sells every little thing Christmas. Be sure that to move in to see the big revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally an amazing place to select up a home made stein.
Not solely is the Christmas market vigorous and wonderful, however the whole metropolis is strung up with lights. Retailers alongside the Hauptstrasse, Europe’s longest pedestrian zone, have festive decor and fairly stars are hung between the alleyways and streets.
There’s numerous nice excursions, museums, and issues to do in Heidelberg! One its claims to fame is the biggest wine barrel contained in the Heidelberg Fortress. You may see my full information on what to do in Heidelberg right here.
The place to Keep in Heidelberg
I recommend staying proper on the Haupstrasse within the Alstadt (previous city) so that you will be near the markets in addition to a lot of the bars and eating places round city.
Resort Ritter – An attractive sandstone constructing and historic lodge on the principle avenue. It is the one constructing that did not burn down within the first from the 1700s!
Crowne Plaza– proper close to Bizmarkplatz and close to the tram line. 4-star lodge with all of the facilities.
Backmulde – on the principle avenue is the Seventeenth century lodge that makes you’re feeling such as you’re in Heidelberg at the moment!
Resort B & B – not within the metropolis middle however finances lodge that we like!
Ideas for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market
- Be sure that to decorate warmly. It will possibly get very, very chilly. So carry a hat, gloves, heat socks, boots, thick pants, and a coat. I additionally recommend hand heaters.
- The markets can get extraordinarily crowded. To keep away from the crowds, go through the weekday or through the day. That is your greatest guess to keep away from the lots.
- You almost certainly will take some trinkets residence so carry a small, collapsible bag so you possibly can simply carry your objects.
- Remember to return your Glühwein mugs! Many of the drinks have a “pfand” the place you pay a pair further bucks to maintain the cup. If in case you have fairly just a few glasses of Glühwein, you may not want all these cups. Return it so you may get the money again.
- Many of the markets are money solely. Deliver money. There are ATMs close by however they have an inclination to get fairly busy.
- There are just a few markets that keep open AFTER Christmas in Heidelberg! You may go skating not less than every week after Christmas too.
What to purchase on the Christmas market
First, your Glühwein mug is the right memento. These change 12 months after 12 months and are marked with the date.
I additionally recommend one thing sheepskin. These final for years and are a fantastic residence accent. I additionally love the sheepskin gloves- extraordinarily heat.
The paper stars are a few of my favorites as a result of you possibly can put these in your home all 12 months lengthy. They fold simply so that is the right factor to place in a suitcase.
Handmade ornaments are the right momento. There are additionally numerous handmade picket crafts or ceramic homes that I completely love for Christmas decor.
Meals is a superb reward too. You may see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it’ll shock anybody you give it to.
Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg
The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market shouldn’t be solely its appeal, but it surely’s location! You are about an hour away from the greatest markets in France, Strasbourg and Colmar in addition to different unimaginable German Christmas markets like Cologne, Speyer, and Baden-Baden. AND, you are nearly 2 hours away from the border of Switzerland and the attractive Basel Christmas market.
One you need to go to is the Stift Neuburg Market at Kloster Neuburg (Neuburg Abbey). This can be a monastery and brewery that gives a small Christmas market. You may simply take the tram 10 minutes down the Neckar river and head to this market. They typically promote distinctive crafts and meals.
Very close to Heidelberg you’ve got Mannheim’s Christmas market within the metropolis middle close to the water tower. This is a wonderful market, and only a fast 20 minute prepare experience away.
Or, head to Schwetzingen for a Christmas market on the palace, about 20 minutes away by prepare.
There are additionally smaller markets proper close to Heidelberg (10 or so minutes away) that happen all through the Christmas season or on the weekend.
There’s by no means a foul time to get to the romantic metropolis of Heidelberg, however there’s something particular about Christmas.
Listed below are some extra guides you would possibly like:
Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
Itinerary for Christmas in Europe
Finest Christmas Markets in Germany
Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Finest Christmas Markets in France
What to Eat at a German Christmas Market
The Finest Winter Locations in Europe
