Heidelberg Xmas Market is just the best. Spanning multiple locations down the busy Hauptstrasse, you have to visit all to avoid missing out on the unique offerings. There is an ice rink right below the castle location. The church location offers the Heidelberger Fass experience, where you can chill in giant barrels. The university location has my favorite tea shop, carousel, champignon booth, and the best "steak" sandwich. Next to Cafe Extrablatt, you can get your photos taken with a fake Santa. Last but not least, you haven't lived if you haven't tried the Flammlachs (flaming lox) at the Bismarkplatz location. Maybe I'm biased because I grew up here, but in my book, this is the best Christmas market experience in Germany--period. read more

See all

It was the highlight of our recent 3-day weihnachtsmarkt trip to West Germany and Luxembourg, and it was one of the best ones among seven cities (and I'm counting altogether five markets we visited in Heidelberg as one) we visited in total. We parked and started our route at Karlsplatz just under the Heidelberg Castle (photo). Fortunately, the entrance line was not too long since we arrived sort of early in the evening before the crowd. Heidelberg Christmas Markets are the only one that mandated 2G+ COVID Requirement during our trip. That meant you had to have a negative PCR test results as well as vaccination certificate. Due to that requirement the entry point was a little congested and slow for checking everyone with proper paperwork, but once you got cleared to enter, you were given a wrist band that would allow you go to enter any other markets in town. That saved us a ton of time later. There were some PCR Testing sites near some markets, but since we have gotten it done earlier, we didn't have to bother with that, either. As the evening progressed, there were long lines at both testing sites and entrances. Now, weihnachtsmarkts were wonderful. There were some very nice vendor huts and food choices. I enjoyed some potato pancakes, Glühwein and Nürnberger lebkuchen. I believe ice skate rink was very popular. All five markets were nicely placed within about three city blocks along the main street (Hauptstraße) from Karlsplatz to Marketplatz. It was very enjoyable. read more

See all

The Heidelberg Christmas market is absolutely adorable, and you get a stellar view of the castle from the market as well. You will find ornate handmade gifts, mulled wine, hot chocolate and be fully immersed into a magical Christmas village. read more

See all

Very fun place to be. Enjoyed all the Christina's festivities that the area was holding

Heidelberg Weihnachtsmarket is absolutely wonderful! Great food- bratwurst, feuerwurst, steak, frikadellen, pommes potato pancakes, waffels, roasted cheastnuts... And that just the food! You also have Gluhwein - I found one stand at Uni Platz with a happy hour from 2-4pm Monday-Friday that includes an extra shot of schnapps at no charge. For those unaware you do pay a Pfand (deposit) which you get if you bring back the mug but if not keep it as a souvenir! There is also tons of unique craft gifts like candels, wood work, pottery, spices, teas, lanters, hats, scarves, rugs, and slippers. Everything is decorated and it really feels like Christmas! You from Bismarchplatz you start at the first mini markt with mostly food and walk until Karlspatz right under the castle. You hit 5-6 markets (Bismarkplatz, the plaza in from on the Heidelberg Psychology Building, University Platz, Marktplatz at Heiliggeist Kirche, and Karlsplatz under the castle). Karlsplatz always has ice skating! If you feel up to a little hike, head up to the Schloß (castle) for a Castle Christmas Market experience! read more

See all