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 finest 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 lower 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 gorgeous, romantic city of Heidelberg, Germany. A fairytale city any time of yr, 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 in the case of the gorgeous and historic Christmas market. With 5 totally different squares to select from, over 140 stalls, and an ice skating rink beneath the fort, 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 fort above, and the joy from individuals all ages appears to swirl within the glad feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve bought the whole lot you might want to take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and instances, places, and suggestions to make sure you get one of the best 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 wonderful little market that stays open previous Christmas! So in the event you’re on the lookout for a market after the vacations, test this out.
The Christmas market in Heidelberg is open November 27 – December 22, 2023. There are a pair markets which might be open by January 8, 2024.
The market instances are from Sunday by 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 January 1st, 2023 (closed on Christmas eve). Additionally, Christmas on Ice on the Karlsplatz stays open till January 8, 2023 as properly.
Why the Heidelberg Christmas Market
It is not fairly as glitzy or glamorous as different markets, however Heidelberg has a singular and conventional attraction that extends all through the town. The enchanting picket huts are ornately embellished with stunning pine, Santas, reindeer, ornaments, and ribbon.
I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as probably the greatest in all of Europe. It is not notably grand, nevertheless it’s so properly performed, 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 totally different from the subsequent, 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 fort 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 outdated city (Alstadt) and going down all through the Principal Avenue (Haupstrasse) you may 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 may discover it at Karlsplatz, straight under the fort 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 wonderful thing about the markets is that it is all walkable. If taking the practice, automobile, or tram, you may head to Bismarkplatz and from right here you possibly can stroll to all of the totally different squares.
What to eat at Heidelberg’s Christmas market?
You may discover conventional German Christmas market meals to strive. My private high 25 meals might 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 fort?
There isn’t any longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s fort (we had been informed it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless advocate that you just head as much as the fort and gardens for a singular view of the town under. It is notably 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 yr. However that is as a result of I might take a 5 minute bike experience over from my condo. As a result of Heidelberg is such a wonderful metropolis I like to recommend at the very least 2-3 days to expertise the magic at Christmas.
Heidelberg has a lot to supply, even outdoors the Christmas market: this is my information to Heidelberg.
I counsel at the very least 3-4 hours on the market to get one of the best expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is absolutely stunning! I extremely advocate checking it out at evening to see the fort 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 fort. Heidelberg is an ideal sized city – not too large so you possibly can simply get round, and never too small in order that the Christmas market and outlets are open the entire season lengthy.
I’ve devised an itinerary so you can also make positive to get essentially the most out of your time.
As I discussed, there are 5 totally 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 price 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 probably begin at Bismarckplatz, that is the primary hub the place most of the trams converge. It is also the highest of the Haupstrasse main into the outdated city. Surrounded by larger malls like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you may discover just a few stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a notably good hearth roasted fish stall right here.
Anatomiegarten
As you proceed strolling down you may cross properly lit shops and three story buildings, usually with individuals dwelling on the high. Subsequent, you may discover the small market of Anatomiegarten. Going through the road, this gives some distinctive crafts like African drums and collectible figurines in addition to sweets and treats. Right here additionally they promote personalised Glühwein mugs the place you will get your identify painted on a cup.
Simply behind the market you may see many statues tucked away which might be price a look. Subsequent, you may proceed strolling down the Hauptstrasse to Heidelberg’s larger Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.
Universitätsplatz
Universitätplatz is certainly one of my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor buying space promoting teas and occasional. After you stroll out, you may discover a few of the loveliest stalls promoting handmade, picket ornaments, paper stars that mild up from inside, and gingerbread.
As you retain strolling all the way down to the precise, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which might be divine! You may additionally discover sheepskin the whole lot – 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 mild from the carousel and heat up with some Glühwein. There is a stand simply close to the carousel that provides 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 new wine including an exquisite taste.
Marktplatz
Marktplatz is among the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the massive church. Right here, you may additionally discover the enduring, picket windmill promoting Glühwein of all totally different flavors. There is a carousel right here as properly to maintain the children entertained. Or, you too can have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is usually right here to hearken 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 styles and sizes.
Kornmarkt
When you’re curious about extra “rides” try the small practice experience for youths at Kornmarkt which is a wonderful, little market with Christmas timber throughout. Right here, there are additionally handmade crafts and a person is usually there creating ornamental picket bowls whilst you peruse the outlets. Within the center you may see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the fort.
Karlsplatz
Maintain strolling all the way down to the massive sq., Karlsplatz, the place you may discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting food and drinks. It is a excellent spot to ice skate – regardless of your age and you may look as much as see the towers of the sandstone fort above.
I actually loved skating and listening to the music. I might often cease for a sip of sizzling Glühwein!
After you’ve got performed your buying on the Christmas market, be sure that to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The primary retailer is in Rothenburg, and yr spherical it sells the whole lot Christmas. Be certain that to move in to see the massive 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 full of life and beautiful, however all the metropolis is strung up with lights. Outlets alongside the Hauptstrasse, Europe’s longest pedestrian zone, have festive decor and fairly stars are hung between the alleyways and streets.
There’s plenty of nice excursions, museums, and issues to do in Heidelberg! One its claims to fame is the most important wine barrel contained in the Heidelberg Citadel. You’ll be able to see my full information on what to do in Heidelberg right here.
The place to Keep in Heidelberg
I counsel staying proper on the Haupstrasse within the Alstadt (outdated city) so that you might be near the markets in addition to a lot of the bars and eating places round city.
Resort Ritter – A lovely sandstone constructing and historic resort on the primary road. 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 resort with all of the facilities.
Backmulde – on the primary road is the Seventeenth century resort that makes you are feeling such as you’re in Heidelberg at the moment!
Resort B & B – not within the metropolis heart however a superb funds resort that we like!
Ideas for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market
- Be certain 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 counsel 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 finest wager to keep away from the plenty.
- You almost certainly will take some trinkets house so carry a small, collapsible bag so you possibly can simply carry your gadgets.
- Do not forget to return your Glühwein mugs! Many of the drinks have a “pfand” the place you pay a pair further bucks to maintain the cup. When you have fairly just a few glasses of Glühwein, you won’t want all these cups. Return it so you will get the money again.
- Many of the markets are money solely. Deliver money. There are ATMs close by however they have a tendency to get fairly busy.
- There are just a few markets that keep open AFTER Christmas in Heidelberg! You’ll be able to go skating at the very least per week after Christmas too.
What to purchase on the Christmas market
First, your Glühwein mug is the right memento. These change yr after yr and are marked with the date.
I additionally counsel one thing sheepskin. These final for years and are a wonderful house 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 yr lengthy. They fold simply so that is the right factor to place in a suitcase.
Handmade ornaments are the right momento. There are additionally plenty of handmade picket crafts or ceramic homes that I completely love for Christmas decor.
Meals is a good present too. You’ll be able to see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it’s going to shock anybody you give it to.
Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg
The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market is just not solely its attraction, nevertheless it’s location! You are about an hour away from one of the best 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 gorgeous Basel Christmas market.
One you need to go to is the Stift Neuburg Market at Kloster Neuburg (Neuburg Abbey). It is a monastery and brewery that provides a small Christmas market. You’ll be able to simply take the tram 10 minutes down the Neckar river and head to this market. They usually promote distinctive crafts and meals.
Very close to Heidelberg you may have Mannheim’s Christmas market within the metropolis heart close to the water tower. This is a wonderful market, and only a fast 20 minute practice experience away.
Or, head to Schwetzingen for a Christmas market on the palace, about 20 minutes away by practice.
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 nasty time to get to the romantic metropolis of Heidelberg, however there’s something particular about Christmas.
Listed here 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
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