A WARM WELCOME
Heidelberg ChristmasMarket
Christmas Magic in the Heart of the Old Town
Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Heidelberg’s historic Old Town. As you wander through festively decorated streets and picturesque lanes, you’ll discover historic landmarks, charming Christmas stalls and six enchanting squares, each with its own special atmosphere.
Take your time to browse, stroll and soak up the festive spirit. And for a little winter adventure, head to Karlsplatz, where one of Germany’s most beautiful ice rinks awaits. Skate hand in hand beneath the romantic silhouette of Heidelberg Castle and enjoy a truly magical winter moment.
We look forward to welcoming you to Heidelberg and sharing the magic of the season with you!
The Heidelberg Christmas Market begins in:
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Hour(s)
Minute(s)
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Opening Hours
Heidelberg Christmas Market
November 23 - December 22, 2026
Sunday - Monday:
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Extended Opening Hours
Heidelberg Winter Woodland:
November 23, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Heidelberg Ice Rink:
November 23, 2026 – January 6, 2027
The Locations of the Heidelberg Christmas Market
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As the gateway to Heidelberg’s Old Town, Bismarckplatz sets the scene for an unforgettable Christmas market experience with its festive Christmas atmosphere.
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In front of the monument to chemist Robert Bunsen, festively decorated stalls invite you to stop by and soak up the Christmas spirit.
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Heidelberg Marketing GmbH Foto: Tobias SchwerdtNestled between the Old and New University, the largest square of the Heidelberg Christmas Market comes to life with festive stalls. Here, you’ll find everything to delight the senses and warm the heart. The historic carousel, over 100 years old, is a particular highlight, bringing a sparkle to children’s eyes and delighting visitors of all ages.
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Heidelberg Marketing GmbH Foto: Tobias Schwerdt
The charming wooden Christmas village around Herkules Fountain is home to a unique attraction: a large wooden barrel topped by a rotating figure of Perkeo, Heidelberg’s beloved local character.
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Heidelberg Marketing GmbH Foto: Tobias Schwerdt
With more than 100 twinkling fir trees, white peaked tents and a lovingly decorated nativity scene, the Heidelberg Winter Woodland is a truly special experience. It is open until January 1, 2027.
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Heidelberg Marketing GmbH
The picturesque ice rink guarantees skating fun on real ice in a unique atmosphere. With a stunning view of Heidelberg Castle, you can linger at the rink and enjoy plenty of Christmas treats. The Heidelberg ice rink is open through January 6, 2027.
Traffic and Parking Information
The Heidelberg Christmas Market takes place in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town, spread across several squares, and can get particularly busy on weekends and in the evenings. The car parks in the Old Town and city centre can fill up quickly at these times. We recommend travelling by bus or train.
Public Transport Recommendations
- Heidelberg-Altstadt S-Bahn Station: Particularly convenient for the eastern part of the Old Town, Karlsplatz and the area around Heidelberg Castle (approx. 600 m from the event area).
- Heidelberg Central Station: Numerous trams and buses take you directly into the city centre and to Bismarckplatz (Bismarck Square).
You can find an overview of the public transport services provided by Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) here.
Parking Information
If you are travelling by car, we recommend not relying on finding a parking space directly in the Old Town.
Please check the City of Heidelberg's Parking Information and follow the dynamic parking guidance system on site.
Alternatively, consider parking outside the Old Town and continuing your journey by public transport, for example from Neuen Messplatz or other well-connected parking areas.
Please allow extra time for your journey, especially on Advent weekends.
Sustainable Energy-Saving Concept
At the Heidelberg Christmas Market, conventional lighting has been progressively replaced with energy-efficient LED technology for many years. Today, none of the market stalls use conventional light bulbs.Since 2017, the ice rink has been powered exclusively by green electricity, and the other markets are now supplied with the same renewable energy tariff.
Since switching to energy-saving lighting technology, electricity consumption for the market lighting has been reduced by 75 to 80 percent.
Would you like to take part as an exhibitor?
Interested in offering your products at the Heidelberg Christmas Market? Here you’ll find the application forms. Please make sure to take note of the application deadlines.
FAQ
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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Yes. Clubs, organisations and schools can apply to use the Citizens’ Hut. This offers the opportunity to use a hut on the Market Square free of charge for up to three days, for example for fundraising campaigns or to provide information.
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You can find the application forms here.
Please send general applications to events@heidelberg-marketing.de.
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Yes. Please send your reservation requests to: weihnachtsmarkt@heidelberg.de
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Yes, there are various voucher options available. Please include the number of people in your enquiry and send your request to: weihnachtsmarkt@heidelberg.de
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The ice rink is not operated by Heidelberg Marketing GmbH. Please send your reservation request to: weihnachtsmarkt@heidelberg.de
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There is a dedicated music stage at Heiliggeistkirche at the Christmas Market. If you would like to perform there, please send an enquiry including your preferred date to: events@heidelberg-marketing.de
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We recommend travelling on foot or by public transport. Many visitors get off at Bismarckplatz (Bismarck Square) and explore the Christmas Market from there on foot.
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The car parks in Heidelberg’s Old Town are available, but they are often very busy. For up-to-date information on the parking situation, please visit: https://parken.heidelberg.de/
Do you have any further questions about the event?
Your direct contact with the Events Team:
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 58-40269
E-Mail: events@heidelberg-marketing.de
