Heidelberg at Christmas

Dec 29, 2016, Updated Jan 15, 2025

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Heidelberg, in Germany’s Southern Rhine Valley, is a beautiful city nestled into a hillside over the river, with cozy Christmas market stalls nestled around the city and cathedral, and the gorgeous castle glimmering on the hill above!

Christmas in Germany was never crazy high on my wish list – we primarily came to visit my brother in law and his wife for the holiday- but it should have been really high on our list, because Germany at Christmas is an absolute dream — and Heidelberg is a fairy tale town come to life, especially at Christmas!!

Heidelberg’s Christmas Markets

Heidelberg boasts several Christmas markets spread throughout its historic center, each with its own unique feel – and some are open even after Christmas. Here are the key markets you shouldn’t miss:

Market at Kornmarkt: Located beneath the stunning Heidelberg Castle, the market at Kornmarkt offers a romantic atmosphere with fairy-tale views. The stalls are filled with traditional German crafts, ornaments, and treats.
- What to Buy: Handmade decorations, local crafts, and glassware.
- Must-Try Food: Enjoy a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) while soaking in the castle views. Try Schneebälle (snowballs), a sweet regional pastry.
Market at Universitätsplatz: In the heart of the Old Town, the Universitätsplatz market is one of the liveliest and largest. The square is filled with festive wooden huts selling gifts, decorations, and holiday snacks – and is considered the “main” Christmas market. Be sure to buy one of the famous mugs from this market – it is a traditional German market mug, but the handle is a heart!
- What to See: The central Christmas pyramid, a traditional German decoration that adds a festive focal point.
- What to Buy: Handcrafted toys, leather goods, and woolen scarves.
Market at Marktplatz: The Marktplatz, located in front of the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit), offers a more intimate Christmas market experience. The stalls here are perfect for picking up small, handmade gifts, and the market is framed by the beautiful historic buildings of Heidelberg’s Old Town.
- What to See: The stunning church is lit up with Christmas lights, creating a magical ambiance.
- What to Do: Grab a hot pretzel or sausage and stroll through the market under the glow of the festive lights.
Ice Skating at Karlsplatz Icebahn: At Karlsplatz, you’ll find a festive ice skating rink with Heidelberg Castle as the dramatic backdrop. It’s a favorite for families and couples looking to enjoy some fun on the ice. This market is often open later and even after Christmas, we love the little donut holes!
- What to Do: Skate with a view of the castle, then warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine from the nearby stalls.

doughnuts from the Ice Bahn market stands, Heidelberg

What to See and Do in Heidelberg at Christmas

Heidelberg Castle: No visit to Heidelberg is complete without exploring the famous Heidelberg Castle. During the Christmas season, the castle is illuminated, making it even more breathtaking. You can take the funicular railway up to the castle for stunning views over the city and the Neckar River.
- What to Do: Explore the castle grounds and visit the Heidelberg Tun, a massive wine barrel housed in the castle.
Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg): For the best panoramic views of Heidelberg, especially during the winter months, take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk. The pathway is decorated with lights and offers a beautiful vantage point to see the castle and Old Town lit up during Christmas.
Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt): The cobblestone streets of Heidelberg’s Old Town are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday displays. Wander through the narrow streets, shop in the charming boutiques, and take in the festive decorations that line every corner.
Attend a Christmas Concert: During the holiday season, Heidelberg’s churches and cultural venues host a variety of Christmas concerts. Check out the Heiliggeistkirche or Peterskirche for classical performances and choir recitals that add to the festive spirit.

A clock tower amidst the grandeur of Heidelberg Castle.

An ornate Heidelberg Castle building with a tree in front of it.

A city with red roofs and a river in the background, featuring Heidelberg Castle.

Christmas market in Heidelberg with clock tower.

A Christmas tree in the middle of Heidelberg during the holiday season.

People walking down a cobblestone street in Heidelberg during Christmas.

A Heidelberg Christmas market at the castle.

A group walking down a cobblestone street in Heidelberg during Christmas.

Where to Stay in Heidelberg at Christmas

Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg: Located in the heart of the Old Town, Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg is one of Heidelberg’s most historic hotels. Its half-timbered facade and central location make it a perfect base for exploring the Christmas markets. The cozy, traditional rooms add to the festive charm.
Qube Hotel Heidelberg: For a more modern stay, the Qube Hotel offers sleek, contemporary design with comfortable amenities. Located near the Old Town, it’s a convenient option for visitors looking to be close to the markets and key attractions.
Mariott Heidelberg: The Mariott is a bit out of the center of town, nestled on the river, and offers amazing suites with huge balconies overlooking the river. If booking as a family, look for these larger rooms (that allow for roll away beds) so the whole family can stay in one room, and have an amazing balcony to watch the sunrise!
Hotel Europäischer Hof: For a luxurious experience, the Hotel Europäischer Hof is Heidelberg’s five-star hotel. It offers elegant rooms, a spa, and exceptional service, making it a great option for those wanting a touch of luxury during their holiday stay.
NH Collection Heidelberg: For those looking for a more budget-friendly yet comfortable stay, NH Collection Heidelberg provides spacious rooms and easy access to the Old Town and Christmas markets.

Where to Eat in Heidelberg During Christmas

Restaurant Hackteufel: Located in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town right by the bridge, Restaurant Hackteufel offers a warm and cozy atmosphere perfect for a Christmas meal. They offer German favorites like schnitzel, sausage platters, and seasonal specialties. We LOVE their schnitzel, the cozy decor, and the awesome lights which are all made from instruments!
Wirtshaus zum Nepomuk: Located in the Old Town, Wirtshaus zum Nepomuk offers traditional German fare with a cozy, rustic atmosphere. During the Christmas season, the restaurant serves special holiday dishes like goose, dumplings, and red cabbage – German goose is not one to be missed!
Schnitzelbank: For a casual, authentic experience, head to Schnitzelbank, a small restaurant that serves traditional schnitzel and German beers! The warm, intimate setting is perfect for a relaxed meal after a day of exploring. If you’re going low carb, you can order a garlic schnitzel with no breading that is out of this world delicious.
Café Schafheutle: Café Schafheutle is the perfect spot for a sweet treat. The café offers a wide range of cakes, pastries, and traditional stollen during Christmas! Enjoy a warm drink and dessert while taking a break from the festivities.

A festively decorated Christmas tree adorned with lights in Heidelberg during the holiday season.

A toy train on a wooden track next to a Christmas tree in Heidelberg at Christmas.

A close-up of the festive Heidelberg Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights.

A Christmas-themed statue in Heidelberg of a man holding a torch.

picture of heidelberg castle and christmas market

A Heidelberg building adorned with a Christmas tree.

A white tent in Heidelberg at Christmas.

A church with a clock tower in the background during Christmastime in Heidelberg.

A festive Christmas market in the heart of a European city.

For some more ideas on how to spend time in Heidelberg at Christmas, try some of our family favorites:

Hit The Market Stalls: German Christmas markets are a dream in and of themselves – magical, whimsical places full of trinkets from far-flung places, delicious foods, candies, and treats you will only find at large markets.
Walk under the lights: Heidelberg is beautifully lit for the holidays – shining, sparkling stars hang over the cobblestone streets, trees twinkle everywhere, and just the walk down the streets turns into an event in itself!
Let Kids Take in a Ride or Two: There are a variety of fun little rides and attractions for kids at the markets- all for less than a couple euros. It’s a great way to let them blow off some steam (walking around and looking at lots of fun things to buy can get tiring for little ones who dont really grasp self-restraint), but the rides help divert them for a moment (and give you a nice quiet moment to enjoy some gluehwine!)
Stop at a Cafe for a Snack: There are tons of lovely, quaint cafes and restaurants perfect to top into for a quick coffee, snacks, bread, and more – perfect to watch people strolling through the streets, warming up, and taking a quick moment to relax and rest your feet from the cobblestones.
Walk the Streets, and Check out the Shops: There are so many cute shops in Heidelberg with cute window displays – especially at Christmas! We spent a good chunk of time just walking down cobblestone streets, gazing into cute shops and checking out their Christmas flair.
Walk across the bridge at night: The view down the river of twinkling street lights is magical at night – as is the view up the funicular railroad and up at the castle at night. Most of the people walking around the bridge at night are tourists – so nobody really notices if you stop to snap a selfie or a couple shots up the hill. (Just make sure to not totally block the path!)