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 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 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 yr, however throughout Christmas, it transforms into a vacation paradise. The “Weihnachtsmarkt,” because it’s referred to in German is among the most magical locations for Christmas.

The small city of Heidelberg, Germany packs a punch relating 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 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 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 obtained every thing that you must take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and occasions, areas, and ideas to make sure you get the very 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 good looking 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 via January 1, 2025.

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

Why the Heidelberg Christmas Market

It isn’t fairly as glitzy or glamorous as different markets, however Heidelberg has a singular and conventional allure that extends all through the 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, however it’s so properly 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 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 Fundamental Road (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. Known as “Germany’s most stunning ice-rink” you may discover it at Karlsplatz, straight under the citadel 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 focus on all of the markets in depth under!

The right way to get to the market?

The beauty of the markets is that it is all walkable. If taking the prepare, automotive, or tram, you may 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 attempt. My private high 25 meals may be discovered right here. Specifically 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 isn’t any longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s citadel (we have been advised it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless advocate that you just head as much as the citadel and gardens for a singular view of the town under. 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 trip over from my residence. As a result of Heidelberg is such a good looking metropolis I like to recommend not less than 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 not less than 3-4 hours on the market to get the very best expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is absolutely stunning! I extremely advocate checking it out at night time 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 large 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 can also 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. 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 primary hub the place lots of the trams converge. It is also the highest of the Haupstrasse main into the previous city. Surrounded by greater shops like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you may discover just a few stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a significantly good hearth roasted fish stall right here.

Anatomiegarten

As you proceed strolling down you may go properly lit shops and three story buildings, usually with folks dwelling 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 customized Glühwein mugs the place you will get your title painted on a cup.

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

Universitätsplatz

Universitätplatz is one in all my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor procuring space promoting teas and occasional. After you stroll out, you may discover a number of the loveliest stalls promoting handmade, wood ornaments, paper stars that mild 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 will additionally discover sheepskin every thing – rugs, liners for child carriages, footwear, 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 just a few locations to look at the glow of the nice and cozy mild 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 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 among the largest markets in Heidelberg and takes place proper close to the massive church. Right here, you may additionally discover the enduring, wood windmill promoting Glühwein of all totally different flavors. There is a carousel right here as properly to maintain the children entertained. Or, you can even have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is usually right here to hearken 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 amazing 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 interested by extra “rides” take a look at the small prepare trip for youths at Kornmarkt which is a good looking, little market with Christmas timber throughout. Right here, there are additionally handmade crafts and a person is usually 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 all the way down to the massive sq., Karlsplatz, the place you may discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting food and drinks. It is 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 might sometimes cease for a sip of scorching Glühwein!

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

Not solely is the Christmas market vigorous and wonderful, however your complete 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 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 may 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 a lot of the bars and eating places round city.

Resort Ritter – A lovely sandstone constructing and historic resort on the primary 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 resort with all of the facilities.

Backmulde – on the primary road 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 superb finances resort that we like!

Suggestions for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Be sure to decorate warmly. It could actually get very, very chilly. So carry 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 plenty.

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

• Remember to return your Glühwein mugs! Many of the drinks have a “pfand” the place you pay a pair additional bucks to maintain the cup. When you’ve got fairly just a few glasses of Glühwein, you won’t want all these cups. Return it so you will get the money again.

• Many of the markets are money solely. Convey 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 may go skating not less than per week after Christmas too.

What to purchase on the Christmas market

First, your Glühwein mug is the right 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 good looking 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 right factor to place in a suitcase.

Handmade ornaments are the right 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 may see the chocolate instruments that look so actual it’s going to shock anybody you give it to.

Christmas Markets Close to Heidelberg

The beauty of the Heidelberg Christmas market just isn’t solely its allure, however 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 gorgeous Basel Christmas market.

One you should 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 may 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 could 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 prepare trip away.

Or, head to Schwetzingen for a Christmas market on the palace, about 20 minutes away by prepare.

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 below are some extra guides you would possibly 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