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’ll provide the finest ideas 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, scorching mulled wine, and contemporary minimize pine, combine merrily with the sight of gorgeous, handcrafted wood 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 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 in terms of the gorgeous 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 scorching mulled wine (Glühwein), the glow of the fortress above, and the thrill from individuals all ages appears to swirl within the pleased feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve received all the things it is advisable take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and instances, places, and ideas to make sure you get the very 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 lovely little market that stays open previous Christmas! So should you’re in search of 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 can be open by means of January 8, 2024.
The market instances 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 is not fairly as glitzy or glamorous as different markets, however Heidelberg has a novel and conventional appeal that extends all through the town. The enchanting wood huts are ornately adorned with lovely pine, Santas, reindeer, ornaments, and ribbon.
I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as among the best in all of Europe. It is not significantly grand, but it surely’s so effectively carried out, 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’ll be able to’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 Fundamental 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 beneath 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. Referred to as “Germany’s most lovely ice-rink” you may discover it at Karlsplatz, immediately beneath the fortress on the Hauptstrasse.
There’s additionally a smaller market open throughout a couple of weekends throughout the season on the Neuburg Abbey simply down the river. I will talk about all of the markets in depth beneath!
The best way to get to the market?
The beauty of the markets is that it is all walkable. If taking the prepare, automotive, or tram, you may head to Bismarkplatz and from right here you’ll be able to 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 attempt. 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 novel view of the town beneath. It is significantly beautiful at Christmas as you’ll be able to 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 trip over from my condo. As a result of Heidelberg is such a lovely 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 the very best expertise. Seeing the market rework from day to nighttime is admittedly lovely! 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 massive so you’ll be able to 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 can also make certain 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. This is a information to every of Heidelberg’s Christmas markets and what you’ll be able to count on at every!
Bismarckplatz
You may most certainly 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 previous city. Surrounded by greater malls like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you may discover a couple of stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a significantly good fireplace roasted fish stall right here.
Anatomiegarten
As you proceed strolling down you may move effectively lit shops and three story buildings, typically with individuals residing on the prime. 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 customized 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 can be value a look. Subsequent, you may proceed strolling down the Hauptstrasse to Heidelberg’s greater Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.
Universitätsplatz
Universitätplatz is one in every of my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor purchasing space promoting teas and occasional. After you stroll out, you may discover among the loveliest stalls promoting handmade, wood ornaments, paper stars that mild up from inside, and gingerbread.
As you retain strolling all the way down to the suitable, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which can be divine! You may additionally discover sheepskin all the things – rugs, liners for child carriages, sneakers, and gloves. We at all times handle to choose one thing up from there.
There’s a carousel that is excellent for the children at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally a couple of locations to look at 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 gives some distinctive flavors that I like! You may additionally discover a Feuerzangenbowle stall right here. They flambe rum on massive sugar blocks hung over the Glühwein which soften into the new 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 may additionally discover the long-lasting, wood windmill promoting Glühwein of all completely different flavors. There is a carousel right here as effectively to maintain the children entertained. Or, you may also have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is usually 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 might make for an excellent 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
If you happen to’re taken with extra “rides” take a look at the small prepare trip for youths at Kornmarkt which is a lovely, little market with Christmas bushes throughout. Right here, there are additionally handmade crafts and a person is usually there creating ornamental wood bowls when you peruse the retailers. Within the center you may see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the fortress.
Karlsplatz
Maintain strolling all the way down to the big sq., Karlsplatz, the place you may discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting food and drinks. This can be a excellent place 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 scorching Glühwein!
After you’ve got carried out your purchasing on the Christmas market, make sure that to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The primary retailer is in Rothenburg, and 12 months spherical it sells all the things Christmas. Be sure to move in to see the big revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally an excellent place to choose up a home made stein.
Not solely is the Christmas market energetic and wonderful, however your entire 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 a number of nice excursions, museums, and issues to do in Heidelberg! One its claims to fame is the biggest 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 (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 – A wonderful sandstone constructing and historic resort on the primary 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 resort with all of the facilities.
Backmulde – on the primary avenue is the Seventeenth century resort that makes you’re feeling such as you’re in Heidelberg at the moment!
Resort B & B – not within the metropolis heart however a great funds resort that we like!
Ideas for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market
- Be sure 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 throughout the weekday or throughout the day. That is your finest wager to keep away from the plenty.
- You almost certainly will take some trinkets residence so carry a small, collapsible bag so you’ll be able to simply carry your objects.
- Remember to return your Glühwein mugs! Many of the drinks have a “pfand” the place you pay a pair additional bucks to maintain the cup. In case you have fairly a couple of glasses of Glühwein, you may not want all these cups. Return it so you will get the money again.
- Many of the markets are money solely. Convey money. There are ATMs close by however they have an inclination to get fairly busy.
- There are a couple of 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 12 months after 12 months and are marked with the date.
I additionally counsel one thing sheepskin. These final for years and are a lovely residence accent. I additionally love the sheepskin gloves- extraordinarily heat.
The paper stars are a few of my favorites as a result of you’ll be able to 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 a number of handmade wood crafts or ceramic homes that I completely love for Christmas decor.
Meals is a superb present too. You’ll be able to see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it can shock anybody you give it to.
Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg
The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market is just not solely its appeal, but it surely’s location! You are about an hour away from the finest 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 should 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’ll be able to 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 will 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 prepare trip 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 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:
Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe
Itinerary for Christmas in Europe
Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany
Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Greatest Christmas Markets in France
What to Eat at a German Christmas Market
The Greatest Winter Locations in Europe
