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, sizzling mulled wine, and contemporary reduce 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 gorgeous, 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 relation to the gorgeous and historic Christmas market. With 5 totally different squares to select from, over 140 stalls, and an ice skating rink beneath the fort, 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 fort above, and the thrill from folks all ages appears to swirl within the joyful feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve received every part it is advisable take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and occasions, places, and ideas to make sure you get the most effective from this conventional German Christmas market.
Up to date for 2022!
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 should you’re in search of a market after the vacations, test this out.
The Christmas market in Heidelberg is open November 21 – December 22, 2022. There are a pair markets which might be open via January 8, 2023.
The market occasions are from Sunday via Friday from 11am to 9pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 10pm.
The “Winterwaeldchen” (winter woods at Kornmarkt) has prolonged dates. From November 21 via 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 singular and conventional appeal that extends all through 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 is not notably grand, but it surely’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 totally 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 fort 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 happening all through the Foremost 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, instantly beneath the fort on the Hauptstrasse.
There’s additionally a smaller market open throughout just a few weekends through the season on the Neuburg Abbey simply down the river. I am going to talk about all of the markets in depth beneath!
Tips on how 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 attempt. My private high 25 meals could 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 fort?
There isn’t any longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s fort (we had been instructed it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless advocate that you simply head as much as the fort and gardens for a singular view of town beneath. It is notably beautiful 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 might take a 5 minute bike experience over from my condominium. As a result of Heidelberg is such a wonderful 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 most effective expertise. Seeing the market rework from day to nighttime is actually lovely! I extremely advocate checking it out at night time to see the fort 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 fort. Heidelberg is an ideal sized city – not too large 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 count on at every!
Bismarckplatz
You will most definitely 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 larger shops like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you may discover just a few stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a notably good hearth roasted fish stall right here.
Anatomiegarten
As you proceed strolling down you may cross effectively lit shops and three story buildings, usually with folks residing on the high. Subsequent, you may 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 personalised Glühwein mugs the place you may get your title painted on a cup.
Simply behind the market you may see many statues tucked away which might be value a look. Subsequent, you may proceed strolling down the Hauptstrasse to Heidelberg’s larger Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.
Universitätsplatz
Universitätplatz is certainly one of my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor purchasing 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 gentle up from inside, and gingerbread.
As you retain strolling right down to the suitable, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which might 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 children at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally just a few 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 massive church. Right here, you may additionally discover the enduring, picket windmill promoting Glühwein of all totally different flavors. There is a carousel right here as effectively to maintain the children entertained. Or, you may as well 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 important memento. Carry on strolling and you will find a store promoting liquors of all flavors in ornamental, glass holders of all sizes and styles.
Kornmarkt
When you’re enthusiastic about extra “rides” try the small practice experience for youths at Kornmarkt which is a wonderful, 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 fort.
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. It is a excellent place to ice skate – irrespective of your age and you may look as much as see the towers of the sandstone fort above.
I actually loved skating and listening to the music. I might sometimes cease for a sip of sizzling Glühwein!
After you have accomplished your purchasing on the Christmas market, be certain that to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The principle retailer is in Rothenburg, and yr spherical it sells every part Christmas. Be certain to move in to see the massive revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally an important place to choose up a home made stein.
Not solely is the Christmas market full of life 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 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 Fortress. 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 could be near the markets in addition to a lot of the bars and eating places round city.
Resort Ritter – A ravishing sandstone constructing and historic resort on the principle 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 principle avenue is the Seventeenth century resort that makes you are 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!
Suggestions for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market
- Be certain to decorate warmly. It could possibly 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 greatest guess to keep away from the plenty.
- You almost certainly will take some trinkets residence so convey a small, collapsible bag so you may simply carry your gadgets.
- 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 just a few 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 just a few markets that keep open AFTER Christmas in Heidelberg! You possibly can go skating a minimum of 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 recommend one thing sheepskin. These final for years and are a wonderful residence 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 own 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 number of handmade picket crafts or ceramic homes that I completely love for Christmas decor.
Meals is a superb present too. You possibly can see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it’ll shock anybody you give it to.
Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg
The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market just isn’t solely its appeal, but it surely’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 gorgeous Basel Christmas market.
One it’s essential 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 usually promote distinctive crafts and meals.
Very close to Heidelberg you’ve 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 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
