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 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 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 completely different squares to select from, over 140 stalls, and an ice skating rink beneath the citadel, 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 citadel above, and the joy from folks all ages appears to swirl within the glad feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve acquired all the things you must take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and instances, places, and ideas 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 lovely little market that stays open previous Christmas! So in the event 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 are open by means of January 1, 2025.

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, 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 isn’t fairly as glitzy or glamorous as different markets, however Heidelberg has a singular and conventional appeal that extends all through town. The enchanting wood huts are ornately adorned with stunning pine, Santas, reindeer, ornaments, and ribbon.

I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as among the finest in all of Europe. It isn’t significantly grand, nevertheless it’s so effectively accomplished, 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 subsequent, 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 citadel 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 happening all through the Principal 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. Known as “Germany’s most stunning ice-rink” you will discover it at Karlsplatz, instantly beneath the citadel on the Hauptstrasse.

There’s additionally a smaller market open throughout a couple of weekends in the course of the season on the Neuburg Abbey simply down the river. I am going to focus on all of the markets in depth beneath!

The way to get to the market?

The beauty of 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 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 attempt. My private prime 25 meals could be discovered right here. Particularly at Heidelberg’s market I like the French Fries at Marktplatz, the schokokuss, the scrumptious frikadella, and bratwurst.

Is there a Christmas market on the citadel?

There is no such thing as a longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s citadel (we have been informed it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless suggest that you simply head as much as the citadel and gardens for a singular view of town beneath. It is significantly pretty 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 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 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 perfect expertise. Seeing the market rework from day to nighttime is admittedly stunning! I extremely suggest checking it out at evening to see the citadel 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 citadel. 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 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 definitely 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 malls like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you will discover a couple of 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 go effectively lit shops and three story buildings, usually with folks residing on the prime. Subsequent, you will discover the small market of Anatomiegarten. Going through the road, this provides 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 may get your identify painted on a cup.

Simply behind the market you will see many statues tucked away which are price a look. Subsequent, you will proceed strolling down the Hauptstrasse to Heidelberg’s larger Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.

Universitätsplatz

Universitätplatz is one in every of my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor purchasing space promoting teas and low. After you stroll out, you will discover a few 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 suitable, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which are divine! You may additionally discover sheepskin all the things – rugs, liners for child carriages, sneakers, and gloves. We all the time 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 a couple 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 really 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 likely one of the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the big church. Right here, you will 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 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 will 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

When you’re keen on extra “rides” take a look at the small practice experience for teenagers at Kornmarkt which is a lovely, little market with Christmas bushes 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 citadel.

Karlsplatz

Hold strolling all the way down to the big sq., Karlsplatz, the place you will discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting foods and drinks. It is a excellent spot to ice skate – regardless of your age and you’ll look as much as see the towers of the sandstone citadel above.

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

After you have accomplished your purchasing on the Christmas market, ensure to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The primary retailer is in Rothenburg, and yr spherical it sells all the things Christmas. Make certain to move in to see the big revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally a fantastic place to select up a home made stein.

Not solely is the Christmas market vigorous and wonderful, however all the 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’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 could be near the markets in addition to many of the bars and eating places round city.

Resort Ritter – A lovely sandstone constructing and historic lodge 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 lodge with all of the facilities.

Backmulde – on the primary 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 heart however funds lodge that we like!

Suggestions for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Make certain to decorate warmly. It will possibly get very, very chilly. So deliver 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 in the course of the weekday or in the course of the day. That is your greatest guess to keep away from the lots.

• You probably will take some trinkets house so deliver a small, collapsible bag so you possibly can 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 additional bucks to maintain the cup. In case you have fairly a couple 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. Carry money. There are ATMs close by however they have a tendency 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 proper 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 lovely 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 proper factor to place in a suitcase.

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

Meals is a superb reward too. You’ll be able to 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 appeal, nevertheless it’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). It is 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 usually promote distinctive crafts and meals.

Very close to Heidelberg you have got Mannheim’s Christmas market within the metropolis heart close to the water tower. This is a superb 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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