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
27.11 - 22.12
The Christmas market in Heidelberg's old town is of course the most famous. I find it most atmospheric on the market square - here is the large wooden barrel with the Heidelberg symbolic figure Perkeo. The large Christmas pyramid stands on University Square. There are mainly food stalls and a children's carousel. The Kornmarkt is also great with its many craft stalls. Of course, the ice rink in front of the castle backdrop is also cool. All dates for the various events can be found on the website
2. Speyer Christmas and New Year Market
11/27/2023 - 01/07/2024
Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The mighty Imperial Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church in Europe, dominates the backdrop of the Speyer Christmas market. In comparison, the small, brightly lit stalls seem almost tiny. It is particularly beautiful here at dusk, when the cathedral and stalls shine with lights. On the first three weekends of Advent, a craft market takes place in the town hall courtyard and in the Kulturhof Flachsgasse. There is a 200 square meter ice skating rink on the Altörtel. You can find other events such as Santa's visit on the website
3. Electoral Christmas market Schwetzingen
23.11-17.12 from Thursday to Sunday
The Electoral Christmas Market takes place on the beautiful Schlossplatz in Schwetzingen. The already impressive facade of the castle is illuminated in different colors as darkness falls. Hobby artists and craftsmen exhibit their wares in festively lit tents. For the little ones there is a nostalgic carousel and a train. From November 23rd to November 25th, Schwetzingen's partner cities will provide an international flair with typical local products. During the entire Christmas market you can visit the art association's exhibition in the castle chapel in the courtyard. You can find more events on the website.
4. Nostalgic Christmas market Grenzhof
25.11-23.12
daily in the Scheune8 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., on weekends + additional exhibitors in pagoda tents
The Christmas market at Grenzhof is something of an insider tip: A nostalgic Christmas market takes place in a chestnut farm on the small country estate just outside Heidelberg. In addition to its own Grenzhof bazaar, artisans and creative people present jewelry, antiques, fashion, wooden sculptures, furniture, blacksmithing, paper art, soapstone art and other special features. There is also bratwurst, brewer-style roast, baked potatoes, tarte flambée, crepes and much more. All information on the website.
5. Weinheim Christmas market on the romantic market square
On the second, third and fourth weekends of Advent from Thursday to Sunday.
As a long-time resident of Weinheim, I of course also have to write something about the local Christmas market. Anyone who has ever been to this town will be amazed by the beautiful market square. A walk through the castle park and the adjacent exotic forest is always worth a visit. Add to that the lovingly decorated wooden huts on the market square and in Rote Turmstrasse, and every visitor will definitely get a cozy Christmas market feeling. All information is available on the website.