Germany: Discover the 5 most magical Christmas markets around Heidelberg

It's that time of year again: The Christmas markets open their doors and the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the air. But where can you find the most magical Christmas markets around Heidelberg? Here are my 5 favourite Christmas markets around Heidelberg:

1. Heidelberg Old Town

The Christmas markets in Heidelberg's Old Town are, of course, the most famous.

I find the market square to be the most atmospheric – this is where the large wooden barrel with Heidelberg's symbolic figure Perkeo stands.

The large Christmas pyramid is located on University Square. Here you will find mainly food stalls and a children's carousel. The Kornmarkt is also great with its many arts and crafts stalls. The ice rink in front of the castle backdrop is also cool, of course. You can find all the dates for the various events on the website

This winter, the Weiße Flotte Heidelberg is offering a mulled wine river tour for the first time. The boat takes you on an hour-long trip up and down the Neckar between the locks in the old town, while you enjoy the view of Heidelberg illuminated at night. I haven't tried it yet, but I imagine it's a lot of fun.

2. Speyer Christmas and New Year Market

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Christmas market in Speyer. To celebrate this milestone, there will be many events, such as 3D lighting of the city gate, the daily opening of the Advent calendar door and illuminated fantasy figures.

The mighty Imperial Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church in Europe, dominates the backdrop of the Speyer Christmas Market. In contrast, the small, brightly lit stalls seem almost tiny.

It is particularly beautiful here at dusk, when the cathedral and stalls are illuminated by the glow of lights.

Every weekend during Advent, the twin towns' Christmas market takes place in the courtyard of the town hall and in the Kulturhof Flachsgasse. There is also a craft market in the town hall complex. There is a 200 square metre ice rink on the Altörtel. Further events, such as a visit from St. Nicholas, can be found on the website.

3. Electoral Christmas Market in Schwetzingen

The Electoral Christmas Market takes place in the beautiful courtyard of the palace and on the palace square in Schwetzingen.

The already impressive façade of the palace is illuminated in different colours at nightfall.

Amateur artists and craftspeople exhibit their wares in festively lit tents. Schwetzingen's twin towns will be providing international flair with typical regional products from 27 to 30 November 2025.

For younger visitors, there is a nostalgic carousel and a railway. Further events can be found on the website.

Schwetzingen Palace also offers various guided tours and concerts during the Christmas market. All information can be found on this website.

4. Nostalgic Christmas market at Grenzhof

In addition to the daily nostalgic Christmas market with mulled wine from local vintners in the Kastanienhof, there is a market every weekend during Advent where craftspeople and small-scale artists offer their wares throughout the estate in beautiful pagoda tents and the Scheune8 barn.

Saturday 3–9 p.m., Sunday 3–8:30 p.m.

The Christmas market at Grenzhof is something of an insider tip.

A nostalgic Christmas market takes place in a chestnut courtyard on a small estate just outside Heidelberg. In addition to the Grenzhof bazaar, artisans and creative artists present jewellery, antiques, fashion, wood sculptures, furniture, blacksmithing, paper art, soapstone art and other specialities. There are also bratwurst, beer brewer-style roast pork, baked potatoes, tarte flambée, crêpes and much more. All information can be found on the website.

5. Weinheim Christmas market on the romantic market square

From 5 to 21 December, the Christmas market will take place on the beautiful market square on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 9 p.m.

As a long-time resident of Weinheim, I must of course write something about the local Christmas market.

Anyone who has ever been to this little town will be enchanted by the beautiful market square. A stroll through the castle grounds and the adjacent exotic forest is also always worth a visit. Add to that the lovingly decorated wooden huts on the market square, and every visitor is sure to get that cosy Christmas market feeling. All information is available on the website.