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, sizzling mulled wine, and contemporary lower 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 in the case 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 fortress, 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 fortress above, and the thrill from individuals all ages appears to swirl within the completely satisfied feeling of Christmas. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is to not be missed. I’ve bought every little thing you could take advantage of out of your time in Heidelberg. From the dates and occasions, areas, and ideas to make sure you get the most effective from this conventional German Christmas market.

Up to date for 2023!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates

Regardless of Heidelberg being a medium sized metropolis, the Christmas market stays open all season lengthy. There’s even a fantastic little market that stays open previous Christmas! So when you’re in search of a market after the vacations, examine this out.

The Christmas market in Heidelberg is open November 27 – December 22, 2023. There are a pair markets which are open by means of January 8, 2024.

The market occasions 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, 2023 (closed on Christmas eve). Additionally, Christmas on Ice on the Karlsplatz stays open till January 8, 2023 as nicely.

Why the Heidelberg Christmas Market

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

I’ve added Heidelberg’s Christmas market as probably the greatest in all of Europe. It isn’t significantly grand, however it’s so nicely performed, 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 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 fortress 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 Predominant 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. Referred to as “Germany’s most stunning ice-rink” you will discover it at Karlsplatz, straight beneath the fortress 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 will talk about all of the markets in depth beneath!

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 will head to Bismarkplatz and from right here you may 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 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 fortress?

There is no such thing as a longer a Christmas market at Heidelberg’s fortress (we had been advised it disturbed the bats), however I nonetheless suggest that you just head as much as the fortress and gardens for a novel view of the town beneath. It is significantly pretty 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 12 months. However that is as a result of I may take a 5 minute bike journey over from my condominium. As a result of Heidelberg is such a fantastic metropolis I like to recommend no 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 no less than 3-4 hours on the market to get the most effective expertise. Seeing the market remodel from day to nighttime is basically stunning! I extremely suggest checking it out at evening to see the fortress 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 fortress. 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 outlets are open the entire season lengthy.

I’ve devised an itinerary so you can also 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. Here is a information to every of Heidelberg’s Christmas markets and what you may count on at every!

Bismarckplatz

You will most certainly 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 department shops like Galleria Kaukof and H&M, you will discover a couple of stands promoting meals and knick-knacks. There is a significantly good fireplace roasted fish stall right here.

Anatomiegarten

As you proceed strolling down you will go nicely lit shops and three story buildings, typically with individuals residing on the high. Subsequent, you will discover the small market of Anatomiegarten. Dealing with the road, this gives 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 may get your title 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 greater Christmas markets, Universitätsplatz.

Universitätsplatz

Universitätplatz is one in all my favourite markets. It opens with an indoor purchasing space promoting teas and occasional. 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 right down to the best, 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 all the time handle to select one thing up from there.

There’s a carousel that is good for the youngsters at Universitätplatz. Right here, there are additionally a couple 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 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 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 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 too can have them meet Santa! At a small indoor tent Santa is commonly 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 may 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 fascinated about extra “rides” try the small prepare journey for youths at Kornmarkt which is a fantastic, 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 outlets. Within the center you will see the statue of Madonna and begin to get a view of the fortress.

Karlsplatz

Maintain strolling right down to the massive sq., Karlsplatz, the place you will discover the ice rink and some stalls promoting foods 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 fortress above.

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

After you’ve got performed your purchasing on the Christmas market, be sure to cease by the well-known Christmas retailer, Käthe Wohlfahrt. The primary retailer is in Rothenburg, and 12 months spherical it sells every little thing Christmas. Make sure that to go in to see the massive revolving Christmas tree that goes up two tales! That is additionally a fantastic place to select up a hand-crafted stein.

Not solely is the Christmas market vigorous and wonderful, however the whole 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 most important 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 many of the bars and eating places round city.

Resort Ritter – A wonderful 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’re feeling such as you’re in Heidelberg at the moment!

Resort B & B – not within the metropolis heart however a great finances resort that we like!

Suggestions for Making the Most Out of the Christmas Market

• Make sure that to decorate warmly. It could 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 in the course of the weekday or in the course of 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 objects.

• Do not forget to return your Glühwein mugs! Many of the drinks have a “pfand” the place you pay a pair further bucks to maintain the cup. If 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.

• Many 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 possibly can go skating no less than every week after Christmas too.

What to purchase on the Christmas market

First, your Glühwein mug is the right 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 fantastic 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 home all 12 months 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 reward 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 shouldn’t be solely its allure, however 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 gorgeous Basel Christmas market.

One you will 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 possibly can 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 got 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 journey 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 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