Christmas Special I: Christmas time is coming to Hohenheim! [28.11.22]
Cozy, adventurous, historic - we’ve compiled some of our favorite Christmas markets from the Stuttgart region below to help familiarize yourself this holiday season – be sure to check them out as some of them have already opened!
Germany really comes to life around the holiday season when all the gorgeous Christmas markets turn on their lights from late November through Christmastime. These markets attract visitors from all around the world during the winter season, and for good reason! These markets add an even more magical touch to the already fairytale-like German Christmas experience. We’ve compiled some of our favorite Christmas markets from the Stuttgart region below to help familiarize yourself this holiday season – be sure to check them out as some of them have already opened!
1. Stuttgart Christmas market
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History
The Stuttgart Christmas Market is not only one of the most spectacular and expansive marketplaces in all of Europe, but it also has a tradition that dates back more than 300 years. Although it was first referenced in writing in 1692, its roots go considerably further back. A recognized market privilege can be traced back to 1507. Duke Ulrich of Württemberg gave up his authority to charge stall fees at the yearly fairs in this document. Most likely, the market privilege represented the textual affirmation of an already-existing right. On St. Ottmar's Day (16 November), a horse market is mentioned in the document. This annual market expanded as Christmas got closer and closer. It later served as the inspiration for the "Christkindleinmarkt," which took place from the Tuesday through the Saturday before Christmas.
Attractions
The number of tourists visiting Baden-capital Württemberg's city annually has risen to almost 3.5 million. Visitors from near and far have gathered to celebrate Christmas in the truest sense. Traditional flea market items are still sold by the sellers, but there is a far wider variety of things available at the roughly 300 stalls, including wooden toys, baby figurines, jewelry, arts and crafts, sweet treats, international cuisine, and more.
The Stuttgart Christmas market is unique because of the supporting program, which includes daily live concerts, a sizable children's fairyland with vintage carousels, a real miniature steam locomotive to ride, and several hands-on activities like the children's bakery and candle workshop in addition to the miniature antique market on Schillerplatz. The market also has a large Ferris wheel in the courtyard, which costs eight euros for a ride.
The Winter Hut
For the first time, the Winter Hut will be erected on Karlsplatz from November 11, 2022, to January 8, 2023. More than 150 visitors can stay in the inviting alpine timber chalet and eat delectable local fare there. There is truly something for everyone here, including "Alm Hütten Bretterl," "wild boar goulash," "Zwiebelrostbraten," "Kaiserschmarrn," and apple strudel.
There is also a great deal going on in front of the hut, allowing visitors to practice ice curling. Up to eight people in a group pay 40 euros per hour to play. The unique feature is that the two lanes are composed of a far more environmentally friendly material rather than ice.
The Winter Hut is open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to midnight on Friday, 11 am to 2 am on Saturday, and 11 am to midnight on Sunday.
Reservations are not needed unless you plan on coming with a larger group, otherwise, you are able to visit the Winter Hut and play curling at any time. If you would like, you can book a table here.
Reopening of the market
After a three-year Corona shutdown, the Stuttgart Christmas Market was ceremoniously relaunched in the lovely setting of the Old Palace courtyard this year. The Lord Mayor of Stuttgart, Dr. Frank Nopper, gave a speech to formally inaugurate the Christmas Market. The Pop Choir of the Musikwerk Stuttgart, the Wind Instruments of the Music School Stuttgart, and the Hymnus Choir Boys provided the ideal musical accompaniment for the Christmas ambiance.
Hours of operation
The Stuttgart Christmas Market is open through December 23 on Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
2. Esslingen Medieval & Christmas market
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The Esslingen Medieval & Christmas market is one of the biggest and most gorgeous in the area, with over 180 vendors and a daily cultural program. The Esslingen market is well-known for its medieval market alongside the Christmas market, where one can enjoy a fire show while drinking a nice hot cup of Gluhwein from a handmade mug. The hot tub at the harbor market and archery are also unique features found at this exhilarating market. Where else can you find bathing like it's the Middle Ages?
Family-friendly activities at the market include medieval games, archery, the candle workshop, the manually driven Ferris wheel, and many other attractions that appeal to both young and old. The aroma of warm mulled wine, sweet mead, and fruit juice permeates the entire area. Visitors may also anticipate a wide variety of mouthwatering foods, many of which are freshly cooked using local products. Delicious bratwurst with cabbage or cheese spaetzle are traditional dishes. You can anticipate crispy waffles, toasted almonds, and gingerbread if you fancy something sweet. A gift for every price range is available on stylishly arranged stands filled with handicrafts, local goods, lighthouses, knitwear, and holiday decorations.
Visitors can find a living nativity scene on Christmas Island near the Postmichel fountain. Children can also place their letter to Santa Claus in any mailbox they want.
Advent Market
On the weekends leading up to Advent, you may find art and crafts, nostalgia, and unique decorations in the Ritterstraße. A wide variety of things are offered by more than 30 artisans, who also display their treasures. The Esslinger Medieval Market & Christmas Market's Advent markets are meant as a creative complement, and they are a haven for everybody who struggles with the same difficult decision every year: What should I offer as a gift?
It's worthwhile to go back multiple times because the deals change a little every weekend.
Daily Cultural Program at the Market
There are many performances every day on the three stages of the medieval market as well as the stage of the Christmas market. On this page, you can discover the constantly changing cultural program.
Medieval torchlight procession
The torchlight procession at the winter solstice is one of the main attractions of the Esslingen Medieval Market & Christmas Market.
The long-standing tradition is the torchlight march to Esslingen Castle. Since 2006, it has happened annually on the night of the first day of winter, or on December 20th to 21st.
On Tuesday, December 20th at 8:30 pm this year, a sizable crowd of tourists and market vendors will trek up to the castle together. Once reaching the peak, the night is illuminated by thousands of lamps. Jugglers will perform a variety of fire shows for the audience. In the middle of the audience, a sizable pile of wood is also set on fire. And if that weren't enough of a spectacle, dancers in period-appropriate attire perform to historic music throughout the evening.
Here’s a video to get you in the mood for what the Esslingen Medieval market has to offer!
3. Ludwigsburg Christmas market
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With the Baroque Christmas market located in the center of Ludwigsburg, no wish goes unmet during Advent. On the baroque, festively furnished market square, marvel at the Christmas lights and the beautifully decorated stalls where you may find delectable treats and great gift suggestions. While the glittering angels stretch their sparkling wings over the baroque market square, more than 140 exhibitors encourage you to peruse and enjoy their colorful selection.
There is a daily program for the entire family on the Christmas market stage because the holiday season is full of lovely surprises. Our young guests enjoy puppet theater, magic shows, and clowning in the afternoon. A wide range of musicians perform joyful musical entertainment in the evening. Enjoy a warm cup of mulled wine and an evocative concert to round off the evening. Do you desire some quiet time to process the many feelings evoked by the Baroque Christmas market? The churches and event spaces in Ludwigsburg are the ideal location for you. You also have the opportunity to go to several Advent services or silent retreat.
Online Christmas market
Ludwigsburg is also providing market guests with the online Christmas market this year to go along with the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market. Here, you can find information, deals, and contact information for our exhibitors so that you can speak with them directly.
Opening hours
The Ludwigsburg Christmas Market is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm through December 22nd.
4. Tübingen
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The international chocolate festival is not really a Christmas market but it's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourselves in the charm of Tübingen's historic old town, marvel at the half-timbered houses and enjoy all kinds of chocolatey nibbles.
Opening hours
The chocolate festival takes place from Nov 29 - Dec 4.
Nov 29: 1 pm to 8 pm
Nov 30 - Dec 2: 10 am to 8 pm
Dec 3: 10 am to 10 pm
Dec 4: 11 am to 6 pm
The glitzy conclusion of the year is the Tübingen Christmas market, which takes place on the third weekend of Advent. On all three days, more than 350 illuminated stalls from businesses, associations, and nonprofits crisscross the narrow streets of the old town, inviting you to stroll through, take in, and purchase. Both the market square and the nun's home ("Nonnenhaus") have kiddie carousels. A highlight on Fridays starting at 7 pm on Haagtorplatz is "Die Feuerzangenbowle", an outdoor movie.
Opening hours
The Tübingen Christmas Market is open from December 9th to December 11th from 10 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
5. Heidelberg Christmas market
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Discover one of Germany's most exquisite Christmas markets – the Heidelberg Christmas market. Along with the charming lanes and views, you may find many Christmas stalls during the Advent stroll that sell lovely gift suggestions in various locations throughout the old town in Heidelberg. On Karlsplatz, anyone looking for a sport can find one of Germany's most stunning ice rinks with a view of the historic castle ruins.
Heidelberg ice rink on Karlsplatz
The Heidelberg ice rink will cost you 6 euros for 90-minute sessions and skate rentals cost five euros. For devoted skaters, adult season tickets are 70 euros.
The ice rink is open until January 8th daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with hours varying during December 24th (closed), December 25th (12 pm to 10 pm), December 26th (12 pm to 10 pm), December 31st (10 am to 1 am), and January 1st (12 pm to 10 pm).
Opening hours
The Heidelberg Christmas Market is open until December 22nd, Sunday to Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.
6. Herrenberg Christmas market
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The Christmas market in Herrenberg, which always takes place on the second weekend in Advent, features original gift ideas, delectable treats, and encounters with a festive flair. Christmas events are happening this year in a number of places. There will be booths at the Nufringer Tor, the Seeländerplatz, and the market square. The upper Graben also hosts a medieval market. A Christmassy atmosphere in the old town is made by campaigns of the commercial and city marketing organization throughout Advent. Every year, the Christmas market offers unequaled magic to Herrenberg with its festively adorned wooden huts, Christmas lights, music, and social events. On the Seeländerplatz and the old market square, more than 60 light-adorned stalls entice you to meander, look, enjoy, and purchase. Retailers, groups, and non-profit organizations sell savory treats, artistic handicrafts, gift suggestions, Christmas decorations, and fragrant delicacies inside the
The Medieval market
During the Christmas market's operating hours, the old town wall in Herrenberg am Oberen Graben reverts to the Middle Ages. Experience a different time period while standing in the shadow of ancient walls and taking in the historical flair that this market offers.
You may anticipate a vibrant world of artisans who create beautiful things, merchants who sell uncommon commodities, and restaurateurs who serve you both classic and contemporary culinary treats. There are musicians and jugglers with a vibrant program of music and singing for the ears, the eye, and the diaphragm.
Opening hours
The Herrenberg Christmas Market is open this year on Friday, December 2nd from 2 pm to 9 pm, Saturday, December 3rd from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, December 4th from 11 am to 8 pm.
For more Christmas markets in the Stuttgart and Southwest Germany regions, check out these links!
Christmas markets in the Stuttgart region
Christmas markets in Southwest Germany
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