Final Information to Heidelberg Christmas Market

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 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, scorching 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 in terms of the attractive and historic Christmas market. With 5 totally 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 joy from folks all ages appears to swirl within the comfortable feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve acquired every little thing you must take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and instances, areas, and suggestions to make sure you get the most effective from this conventional German Christmas market.

Up to date for 2024!

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 when you’re searching for a market after the vacations, test this out.

The Christmas market in Heidelberg is open November 25 – December 22, 2024. There are a pair markets which can be open by way of January 1, 2025.

The market instances are from Sunday by way 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 way of January 1st, 2025 (closed on Christmas eve). Additionally, Christmas on Ice on the Karlsplatz stays open till January 1, 2025 as nicely.

Why the Heidelberg Christmas Market

It isn’t fairly as glitzy or glamorous as different markets, however Heidelberg has a novel and conventional allure that extends all through the town. The enchanting picket huts are ornately adorned with lovely pine, Santas, reindeer, ornaments, and ribbon.

I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as top-of-the-line in all of Europe. It isn’t significantly grand, however it’s so nicely completed, 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 following, providing you the sensation such as you’re stepping again in time and experiencing a market courting again to the 1600s. With the glow of the fortress above you, and the yuletide cheer throughout, you may’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 Predominant 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. Known as “Germany’s most lovely ice-rink” you may discover it at Karlsplatz, straight beneath the fortress on the Hauptstrasse.

There’s additionally a smaller market open throughout a number 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 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 may stroll to all of the totally different squares.

What to eat at Heidelberg’s Christmas market?

You will discover conventional German Christmas market meals to strive. My private prime 25 meals may 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 any longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s fortress (we have been advised it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless advocate that you just head as much as the fortress and gardens for a novel view of the town beneath. It is significantly pretty at Christmas as you may 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 may take a 5 minute bike experience over from my condo. As a result of Heidelberg is such a lovely metropolis I like to recommend at the least 2-3 days to expertise the magic at Christmas.

Heidelberg has a lot to supply, even exterior the Christmas market: this is my information to Heidelberg.

I counsel at the least 3-4 hours on the market to get the most effective expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is de facto lovely! I extremely advocate 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 may 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 certain to get probably 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. Every one 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 may anticipate at every!

Bismarckplatz

You will most probably begin at Bismarckplatz, that is the primary hub the place lots of the trams converge. It is also the highest of the Haupstrasse main into the previous city. Surrounded by larger department shops like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you may discover a number 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 nicely lit shops and three story buildings, usually with folks 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 in addition they promote customized Glühwein mugs the place you may 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 larger Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.

Universitätsplatz

Universitätplatz is one in all my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor buying space promoting teas and low. After you stroll out, you may discover a number of the loveliest stalls promoting handmade, picket ornaments, paper stars that mild up from inside, and gingerbread.

As you retain strolling right down to the precise, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which can be divine! You will additionally discover sheepskin every little thing – rugs, liners for child carriages, sneakers, and gloves. We all the time handle to choose one thing up from there.

There’s a carousel that is good for the youngsters at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally a number of 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 will 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 massive church. Right here, you may additionally discover the long-lasting, picket windmill promoting Glühwein of all totally different flavors. There is a carousel right here as nicely to maintain the youngsters entertained. Or, you can too 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 pretty store right here promoting hand-blown and painted by hand ornaments that may make for a fantastic 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

If you happen to’re fascinated about extra “rides” take a look at the small practice experience for youths at Kornmarkt which is a lovely, 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 may see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the fortress.

Karlsplatz

Preserve strolling right down to the massive sq., Karlsplatz, the place you may discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting foods and drinks. It is a great spot to ice skate – irrespective 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 might sometimes cease for a sip of scorching Glühwein!

After you’ve got completed your buying on the Christmas market, ensure to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The primary retailer is in Rothenburg, and 12 months spherical it sells every little thing Christmas. Be certain to move in to see the massive revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally a fantastic place to choose up a home made stein.

Not solely is the Christmas market energetic and wonderful, however the complete 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 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 may 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 may be near the markets in addition to many of the bars and eating places round city.

Lodge Ritter – A good looking 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!

Lodge B & B – not within the metropolis middle however a very good funds resort that we like!

Suggestions for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Be certain to decorate warmly. It will probably 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 greatest guess to keep away from the lots.

• You probably will take some trinkets dwelling so carry a small, collapsible bag so you may simply carry your objects.

• Remember to return your Glühwein mugs! A lot of the drinks have a “pfand” the place you pay a pair further bucks to maintain the cup. When you have fairly a number of glasses of Glühwein, you won’t want all these cups. Return it so you may get the money again.

• A lot of the markets are money solely. Convey money. There are ATMs close by however they have a tendency to get fairly busy.

• There are a number of markets that keep open AFTER Christmas in Heidelberg! You may go skating at the 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 dwelling accent. I additionally love the sheepskin gloves- extraordinarily heat.

The paper stars are a few of my favorites as a result of you may 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 plenty of handmade picket crafts or ceramic homes that I completely love for Christmas decor.

Meals is a good reward too. You may see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it would shock anybody you give it to.

Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg

The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market will not be solely its allure, however it’s location! You are about an hour away from the greatest markets in France, Strasbourg and Colmar in addition to different unbelievable 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 have 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 may 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 middle 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 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