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 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 minimize 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 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 terms of the gorgeous and historic Christmas market. With 5 totally 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 individuals all ages appears to swirl within the comfortable feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve received every little thing you must take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and instances, areas, and ideas 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 stupendous little market that stays open previous Christmas! So for those who’re on the lookout for 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 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 isn’t 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 adorned with lovely pine, Santas, reindeer, ornaments, and ribbon.

I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as among the finest in all of Europe. It isn’t notably grand, but it surely’s so effectively 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 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 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 Foremost Road (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 lovely ice-rink” you will discover it at Karlsplatz, instantly beneath the citadel 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 am going to focus on 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 will head to Bismarkplatz and from right here you possibly can 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 high 25 meals could 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 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 suggest that you just head as much as the citadel and gardens for a singular view of town beneath. It is notably 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 trip over from my condominium. As a result of Heidelberg is such a stupendous 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 exterior the Christmas market: this is my information to Heidelberg.

I counsel at the very least 3-4 hours on the market to get the most effective expertise. Seeing the market rework from day to nighttime is basically lovely! 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 certain to get essentially 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 possibly can anticipate at every!

Bismarckplatz

You will almost definitely begin at Bismarckplatz, that is the principle 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 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, usually with individuals dwelling on the high. Subsequent, you will discover the small market of Anatomiegarten. Going through the road, this affords 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 will get your identify painted on a cup.

Simply behind the market you will see many statues tucked away which are value a look. Subsequent, you will 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 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 correct, there is a stall that sells donuts in paper sacks which are divine! You will additionally discover sheepskin every little thing – rugs, liners for child carriages, footwear, and gloves. We at all times handle to select one thing up from there.

There’s a carousel that is excellent for the children at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally a number of locations to observe 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 a beautiful taste.  

Marktplatz

Marktplatz is likely one of the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the massive 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 children entertained. Or, it’s also possible to have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is usually 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 might 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 shapes.

Kornmarkt

Should you’re desirous about extra “rides” take a look at the small practice trip for youths at Kornmarkt which is a stupendous, little market with Christmas bushes throughout. Right here, there are additionally handmade crafts and a person is usually there creating ornamental wood bowls whilst you peruse the retailers. Within the center you will see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the citadel.

Karlsplatz

Preserve strolling all the way down to the massive sq., Karlsplatz, the place you will discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting foods and drinks. It is a excellent place to ice skate – irrespective 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 would often cease for a sip of scorching Glühwein!

After you have finished your buying 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 little thing Christmas. Make sure that to move in to see the massive revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally an important place to select up a home made stein.

Not solely is the Christmas market full of life and wonderful, however all the 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 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 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’re feeling such as you’re in Heidelberg at the moment!

Resort B & B – not within the metropolis heart however an excellent funds resort that we like!

Ideas for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Make sure that to decorate warmly. It could possibly 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 wager to keep away from the lots.

• You almost certainly will take some trinkets dwelling so carry a small, collapsible bag so you possibly can simply carry your gadgets.

• Remember 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. When you have fairly a number 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. 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’ll be able to go skating at the very least 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 counsel one thing sheepskin. These final for years and are a stupendous dwelling 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 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 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 would shock anybody you give it to.

Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg

The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market is just not solely its attraction, but it surely’s location! You are about an hour away from the most effective 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 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 may have Mannheim’s Christmas market within the metropolis heart close to the water tower. This is a wonderful market, and only a fast 20 minute practice trip 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 foul 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