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 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, scorching mulled wine, and recent lower pine, combine merrily with the sight of lovely, 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 attractive, 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 likely one of 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 individuals all ages appears to swirl within the glad feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve acquired the whole lot you want to take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and instances, areas, and suggestions to make sure you get the perfect 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 fantastic little market that stays open previous Christmas! So should you’re in search of a market after the vacations, examine this out.

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

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, 2025 (closed on Christmas eve). Additionally, Christmas on Ice on the Karlsplatz stays open till January 1, 2025 as effectively.

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 town. The enchanting wood huts are ornately embellished 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 is not notably grand, nevertheless it’s so effectively 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 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 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 will discover it at Karlsplatz, instantly beneath the fortress on the Hauptstrasse.

There’s additionally a smaller market open throughout a number of weekends through the season on the Neuburg Abbey simply down the river. I will focus on all of the markets in depth beneath!

The way to get to the market?

The wonderful thing about the markets is that it is all walkable. If taking the practice, automotive, or tram, you will 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 attempt. My private prime 25 meals may be discovered right here. Particularly 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 is no such thing as a longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s fortress (we have been instructed it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless advocate that you just head as much as the fortress and gardens for a singular view of town beneath. It is notably 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 yr. However that is as a result of I may take a 5 minute bike journey over from my residence. As a result of Heidelberg is such a fantastic metropolis I like to recommend a minimum of 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 a minimum of 3-4 hours on the market to get the perfect expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is admittedly 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 positive 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. 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 may anticipate at every!

Bismarckplatz

You will most certainly begin at Bismarckplatz, that is the principle hub the place most 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 a number of stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a notably good fireplace roasted fish stall right here.

Anatomiegarten

As you proceed strolling down you will go 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 presents 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 may get your identify painted on a cup.

Simply behind the market you will see many statues tucked away which can be price 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, wood ornaments, paper stars that gentle 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 can be divine! You will additionally discover sheepskin the whole lot – 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 youngsters at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally a number of locations to look at 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 like! You will 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 an exquisite taste.  

Marktplatz

Marktplatz is likely one of the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the big church. Right here, you will additionally discover the enduring, wood windmill promoting Glühwein of all totally different flavors. There is a carousel right here as effectively to maintain the youngsters entertained. Or, you can even 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 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

Should you’re concerned about extra “rides” take a look at the small practice journey 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 wood bowls when you peruse the retailers. Within the center you will 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 will discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting food and drinks. It is a excellent place to ice skate – regardless of your age and you’ll look as much as see the towers of the sandstone fortress above.

I actually loved skating and listening to the music. I would often cease for a sip of scorching Glühwein!

After you’ve got completed your procuring on the Christmas market, ensure to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The principle retailer is in Rothenburg, and yr spherical it sells the whole lot Christmas. Be sure that to go in to see the big revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally an excellent place to choose up a hand-crafted stein.

Not solely is the Christmas market vigorous and beautiful, 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 a lot of nice excursions, museums, and issues to do in Heidelberg! One its claims to fame is the biggest wine barrel contained in the Heidelberg Fort. You possibly can 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 may be near the markets in addition to many of the bars and eating places round city.

Resort Ritter – An exquisite sandstone constructing and historic lodge on the principle 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 lodge with all of the facilities.

Backmulde – on the principle road is the Seventeenth century lodge that makes you are feeling such as you’re in Heidelberg at the moment!

Resort B & B – not within the metropolis middle however a great funds lodge that we like!

Suggestions for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Be sure that to decorate warmly. It might probably get very, very chilly. So convey 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 finest guess to keep away from the lots.

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

• Do not forget 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. If in case you have fairly a number of glasses of Glühwein, you may not want all these cups. Return it so you may get the money again.

• A lot of the markets are money solely. Deliver 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 possibly can go skating a minimum of every week after Christmas too.

What to purchase on the Christmas market

First, your Glühwein mug is the proper memento. These change yr after yr and are marked with the date.

I additionally recommend one thing sheepskin. These final for years and are a fantastic 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 yr lengthy. They fold simply so that is the proper factor to place in a suitcase.

Handmade ornaments are the proper momento. There are additionally a lot of handmade wood crafts or ceramic homes that I completely love for Christmas decor.

Meals is a good present too. You possibly can 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 shouldn’t be solely its attraction, nevertheless it’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 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 gives a small Christmas market. You possibly can 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 Mannheim’s Christmas market within the metropolis middle close to the water tower. This is a superb market, and only a fast 20 minute practice journey 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 may 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