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, sizzling 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 likely one of the most magical locations for Christmas.

The small city of Heidelberg, Germany packs a punch on the subject 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 citadel, 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 citadel above, and the thrill from individuals all ages appears to swirl within the blissful feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve received every part 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 one of the best 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 wonderful little market that stays open previous Christmas! So for those who’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 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 singular and conventional appeal 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 probably the greatest in all of Europe. It isn’t notably grand, but it surely’s so nicely finished, 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 relationship again to the 1600s. With the glow of the citadel 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 outdated city (Alstadt) and going down all through the Important 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. Referred to as “Germany’s most lovely ice-rink” you may discover it at Karlsplatz, immediately under the citadel 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 under!

The way to get to the market?

The beauty of 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’ll be able to stroll to all of the completely different squares.

What to eat at Heidelberg’s Christmas market?

You will discover conventional German Christmas market meals to attempt. My private high 25 meals may be discovered right here. Specifically 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 advised it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless advocate that you simply head as much as the citadel and gardens for a singular view of town under. It is notably 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 may take a 5 minute bike experience over from my condominium. As a result of Heidelberg is such a wonderful metropolis I like to recommend at the least 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 at the least 3-4 hours on the market to get one of the best expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is actually lovely! I extremely advocate 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’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 may 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. Every one is exclusive and it is price 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 will almost 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 outdated city. Surrounded by greater department shops like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you may discover a couple 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 may cross nicely lit shops and three story buildings, typically with individuals residing on the high. Subsequent, you may discover the small market of Anatomiegarten. Dealing with the road, this affords 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 price 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 a few of the loveliest stalls promoting handmade, wood ornaments, paper stars that gentle up from inside, and gingerbread.

As you retain strolling right down to the fitting, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which can be divine! You will additionally discover sheepskin every part – 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 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 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 an exquisite taste.  

Marktplatz

Marktplatz is likely one of the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the massive 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 nicely to maintain the youngsters entertained. Or, you may also have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is commonly 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 incredible 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

In the event you’re concerned with extra “rides” take a look at the small practice experience for youths at Kornmarkt which is a wonderful, 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 may see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the citadel.

Karlsplatz

Preserve strolling right down to the massive sq., Karlsplatz, the place you may discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting food and drinks. This can be a good spot to ice skate – regardless of your age and you may look as much as see the towers of the sandstone citadel above.

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

After you’ve got finished your purchasing on the Christmas market, make certain to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The principle retailer is in Rothenburg, and 12 months spherical it sells every part Christmas. Make certain to move in to see the massive revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally an incredible place to choose up a hand-crafted stein.

Not solely is the Christmas market full of life and beautiful, however your entire 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 numerous nice excursions, museums, and issues to do in Heidelberg! One its claims to fame is the most important 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 recommend staying proper on the Haupstrasse within the Alstadt (outdated city) so that you may be near the markets in addition to many of the bars and eating places round city.

Lodge Ritter – A ravishing 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 heart however a superb price range resort that we like!

Ideas for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Make certain to decorate warmly. It could get very, very chilly. So deliver 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 throughout the weekday or throughout the day. That is your finest wager to keep away from the lots.

• You almost certainly will take some trinkets house so deliver a small, collapsible bag so you’ll be able to 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. If 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.

• A lot of the markets are money solely. Deliver 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 least per week after Christmas too.

What to purchase on the Christmas market

First, your Glühwein mug is the proper memento. These change 12 months after 12 months and are marked with the date.

I additionally recommend 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’ll be able to put these in your own home all 12 months 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 good reward too. You’ll be able to see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it is going to shock anybody you give it to.

Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg

The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market shouldn’t be 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’ve gotten 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 below are some extra guides you may 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