Located along the banks of the River Neckar, Heidelberg is an enchanting city known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Heidelberg features beautifully preserved medieval architecture, including remarkable landmarks like Heidelberg University, the grand Heidelberg Castle, and the scenic Old Bridge.
During Advent, the Heidelberg Christmas Market transforms the city into a magical fairytale setting, perfect for a romantic holiday getaway. Spread across several squares, the market offers a variety of unique experiences in each location, creating an enchanting festive atmosphere throughout the town.
Visitors can enjoy traditional German holiday treats like mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread, and bratwurst sausages. Many market stalls offer handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts. A standout feature of this market is the ice rink in Karlsplatz Square, where you can skate with a view of Heidelberg Castle. The whole market is beautifully decorated with lights, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere perfect for entering the Christmas spirit.
Heidelberg Christmas Market dates
Heidelberg’s Old Town is home to several charming markets, all within easy walking distance of each other. The main markets are Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz (Market Square), Kornmarkt, Karlsplatz, and Bismarckplatz. The 2024 Heidelberg Christmas Market runs from November 25 to December 22, with specific opening times still to be announced.
The Winterwäldchen at Kornmarkt will be open from November 25 to January 1, 2025 (closed on December 24), while the Heidelberg Ice Rink will be available from November 25 to January 6, 2025, with varied hours on specific dates. Check out the official schedules here.
Visit Heidelberg on our 10-day trip to Germany and France
Heidelberg Christmas Market locations
Universitätsplatz:
- Centrally located in the heart of the Old Town, this is the largest and busiest of the German Christmas markets.
- It offers a wide variety of stalls where you can find everything from traditional German holiday treats to handmade gifts, crafts, and ornaments.
- The atmosphere here is lively, making it a great spot for those who enjoy being in the center of the festivities.
- Children can enjoy rides on the antique carousel giving parents a little break to enjoy their mulled wine
Marktplatz:
- Nestled near Heidelberg’s Town Hall and Heiliggeistkirche, this market has a more traditional and cozy feel.
- The focus here is on local crafts and seasonal decorations, with an emphasis on showcasing the region’s artisanal products.
- It’s a perfect spot for visitors looking to find unique, handmade gifts in a more relaxed setting.
- Here you can marvel at the giant wooden wine barrel with Perkeo, the symbol of Heidelberg sat on top.
Kornmarkt:
- This market is known for its picturesque setting, often featuring a small winter forest, or “Winterwäldchen,” with 100 tress that add to the intimate and magical atmosphere.
- Kornmarkt is ideal for those who enjoy a quieter, more scenic experience. Here, you can take a peaceful stroll, enjoy the charming views, and savor some festive treats while soaking in the holiday ambiance.
Karlsplatz:
- Located at the foot of the iconic Heidelberg Castle, Karlsplatz is famous for its ice rink, which offers breathtaking views of the castle while you enjoy ice skating.
- This market has a more romantic and unique atmosphere, perfect for couples or anyone looking to experience something special.
- The stalls here often focus on food and drink, providing plenty of options to warm up after skating, such as hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other seasonal treats.
Bismarckplatz:
- As the entrance to the Old Town, Bismarckplatz gets you in the festive mood with its pre-Christmas decorations and sets the stage for your market visit.
Anatomiegarten:
- Located in front of the Robert Bunsen monument, this area has festively decorated huts where you can find holiday goodies and gifts such as hand-painted ceramic mugs and rum-soaked sugar cubes that they light on fire…a very tasty holiday treat!
Santa’s House on the Market Square:
Kids can visit Santa Claus where he will listen to their Christmas wishes and receive a photo or video for a minimum donation of €5. The donations support local children’s projects through the Lions Club Heidelberg-Altstadt.
Explore Heidelberg during Christmas with this German Christmas itinerary
How to get around Heidelberg & its markets?
Getting around Heidelberg and its Christmas markets is simple and enjoyable. Here’s how you can do it:
- Walking: The Old Town is compact, so the best way to explore the traditional German Christmas markets is on foot. The main markets—Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, Kornmarkt, and Karlsplatz—are all close to each other. As you walk, you can take in the beautiful holiday decorations and historic streets.
- Public Transport: If you want to explore the city, Heidelberg has a good public transport system with buses and trams. You can use them to get to the Old Town if you’re staying outside the city center or to visit other parts of Heidelberg.
- By Bike: Heidelberg is very bike-friendly, and you can easily rent a bike. Biking is a fun way to explore more of the city, like the Philosopher’s Walk or along the Neckar River.
- Car: If you’re driving, there are parking garages around the Old Town. It’s best to park your car and walk, as the streets in the Old Town are narrow, and parking is limited.
- Heidelberg Card: You might want to get a Heidelberg Card, which gives you free access to public transport, discounts on attractions, and even a guided city tour. It’s a handy way to get around and see more of the city.
Whether you’re walking, taking public transport, or biking, it’s easy to explore Heidelberg and enjoy all that the Christmas markets have to offer.
Further Read: Christmas markets in Bavaria
What to do at the Heidelberg Christmas Market?
At the Heidelberg Christmas Market, you can enjoy a variety of festive activities and experiences:
- Try Traditional Treats: Savor classic German holiday foods like mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and sausages.
- Shop for Gifts: Browse through stalls offering handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts. You’ll find everything from beautiful decorations to artisanal goods.
- Ice Skating: Head to the ice rink at Karlsplatz for a fun skating experience with a view of Heidelberg Castle.
- Explore the Markets: Wander through the different market squares—Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, Kornmarkt, and Karlsplatz—each with its unique atmosphere and offerings.
- Enjoy Live Entertainment: Look out for live music performances, carol singers, and other festive entertainment scattered throughout the markets.
- Visit the Winterwäldchen: In Kornmarkt, enjoy the enchanting winter forest with its cozy, magical setting.
- Take in the Decorations: Admire the beautiful holiday lights and decorations that add to the festive atmosphere throughout the Old Town. If you’re traveling with your partner, then make the most of the romantic castle backdrop and make the most of the occasion.
- Ride the Carousel: Enjoy a ride on the traditional carousel, a favorite for children and families.
What to buy at the Heidelberg Christmas Market?
At the Heidelberg Christmas Market, you’ll find a delightful array of unique and traditional treasures. A must-have souvenir is a festive mug of Glühwein, as each year’s design is different, allowing you to collect a special keepsake marked with the date of your visit.
The market is brimming with traditional German Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, and holiday ornaments. You’ll also find beautifully carved wooden figures, nativity scenes, shimmering glass baubles, and hand-painted ceramic mugs. Sheepskin products, such as socks, hats, and cozy fleece mittens, are also popular here. Families will enjoy browsing the selection of traditional wooden toys and classic games, which capture the timeless charm of Christmas.
Indulge in local treats like hand-decorated gingerbread cookies, marzipan sweets, and roasted chestnuts. Don’t miss the delicious bratwurst, offered in a variety of flavors, or the warm, spiced Glühwein to complete your festive experience.
Be sure to visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, where you’ll be enchanted by its stunning displays of Christmas ornaments and decorations.
Each section of the market offers a unique assortment of items, so exploring all the stalls will give you the chance to find something truly special and one-of-a-kind.
Don’t miss Heidelberg on our 3-week epic Germany trip
How to reach Heidelberg?
To reach Heidelberg, you have two main options for international airports:
- Frankfurt Airport: From Frankfurt Airport, you can take a train to Heidelberg. The journey takes about 90 minutes, and you may need to change trains either at Frankfurt’s main train station or in Mannheim.
- Stuttgart Airport: You can also fly into Stuttgart Airport and take a train to Heidelberg. The trip usually involves a train change in either Stuttgart or Mannheim and takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
Once you arrive in Heidelberg, the city is very walkable, making it easy to explore the German Christmas markets and other attractions on foot.
Hotels near Heidelberg Christmas market
Here are some options for where to stay in Heidelberg, depending on your budget and preferences:
Hotel Bayrischer Hof (Budget): This hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for affordable accommodation. It provides basic rooms with essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast. It’s a no-frills option that’s comfortable and economical.
Hilton Heidelberg (Midrange): This hotel offers a comfortable stay with a bit more luxury. It features modern rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant. It’s a good choice if you want a blend of comfort and convenience without breaking the bank.
Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg (Luxury 5-Star): This high-end hotel provides top-notch amenities and services. It has elegant rooms, a spa, a gourmet restaurant, and excellent views. It’s perfect for a luxurious and pampered stay in Heidelberg.
Conclusion
The Heidelberg Christmas market is an absolute must-see if you’re in Germany during the holidays! This charming city is brimming with culture and offers many activities to fill your two-day visit. With its picturesque setting, Heidelberg transforms into a fairytale destination, perfect for a Christmas market experience. Contact our Go Real Travel experts to tailor your itinerary and make the most of your time at this enchanting market.
Further Read: 10 Reasons Why Heidelberg is worth visiting! and how to plan a perfect trip to Germany