What to Expect at the Heidelberg Christmas Markets in 2022

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The Heidelberg Christmas markets are a must-see for any traveler looking to experience a traditional German Christmas. With wooden stalls selling festive ornaments, delicious food, and warming drinks, these markets offer everything you need to get into the holiday spirit.

What truly makes Heidelberg special is its accessibility (only 1 hour from Frankfurt) and its picturesque beauty as it sits on the bank of the river beneath a castle.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Heidelberg Christmas markets!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates (2022)

Every year, the historic city of Heidelberg plays host to one of the most beloved Christmas markets in all of Germany. The Christmas Markets in Germany usually kick off at the start of advent and last until Christmas Day.

The Heidelberg Christmas Market 2022 dates are November 21st through December 22nd from 11am to 9pm. The Karlsplatz ice skating rink will run from November 21st through January 8th. Both will be closed on December 24th.

Heidelberg Christmas Markets Layout & Map

Nestled along the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is home to one of Europe’s longest pedestrian walkways, the Haupstrausse. The Heidelberg Christmas Market spreads out across six picturesque squares along the Haupstrausse.

Each square is within walking distance of the other, and each has its own unique atmosphere.

Bismarckplatz

If you are not staying in Heidelberg, Bismarckplatz will probably be your starting point as the Bismarckplatz bus and metro station drop off here. This marketplace has a more modern vibe with a mall and brand department stores.

Anatomiegarten

Anatomiergarten is the first little square you will encounter along the Haupstrausse. Trees and twinkly lights surround a bronze statue of William Bunsen (of the bunsen burner) whose scientific study is how the square got its namesake.

Universitatsplatz

Further into Old Town, you will find the largest of all the market squares in Heidelberg.

Universitatsplatz is nestled on the campus of Heidelberg University. In fact, in the buildings above, you will see students finishing up their studies in classrooms as the market comes to life below them.

On the corner of the square, don’t miss the Kathe Wohlfahrt year-round Christmas store. You will also find Heidelberg’s largest Christmas carousel as a centerpiece of the square.

Marktplatz

Marktplatz is everything I pictured a German Christmas Market to be.

The Church of the Holy Spirit looms over the west side of the square as another carousel and wooden stalls glow beneath it. If you are visiting during the day, check out the gorgeous interior and climb the church tower for a few euros.

On the other side of the square, performers and concerts occasionally grace the City Hall balcony.

Kornmarkt

Kornmarkt is another small square close to Marktplatz. It is worth a stop for the mini train that runs around the central statue.

It also offers a great view of Schloss Heidelberg, lit up on the hillside above.

Karlsplatz

Karlsplatz Heidelberg is the easternmost market square, most notable for its ice skating rink. Where else in the world can you ice skate beneath a historic castle?!

You can rent skates on-site, or bring your own. After skating, warm up with a cup of gluhwein from one of the many booths around the rink.

How Much Time Do You Need for the Heidelberg Christmas Markets?

The Heidelberg Christmas Market can be fully experienced in one afternoon. However, if you have more time to spend, staying in Heidelberg for at least one night is well worth it to fully experience the evening wonder.

It only takes about thirty minutes to walk the Haupstrausse from the train station at Bismarckplatz to Karlsplatz. However, if you are doing a Heidelberg Christmas Market day trip, keep in mind that the markets are best enjoyed with time to wander.

If you are limited on time, you will want to prioritize which squares you want to see. The eastern end of the market was my favorite, so I would taxi to the ice rink first, then explore Kornmarkt and Marktplatz.

The vendors are very similar from square to square, so decide which squares you want to see based on their unique features like the church, carousels, or ice rink. Walk the Haupstrausse on the way back to the station stopping at the rest of the squares as time allows.

Of course, staying in Heidelberg during the Christmas markets is ideal. This will give you time to explore Heidelberg during the day, and then discover something new at each market as they come alive at night.

I personally loved my stay at Hotel am Kornmarkt and would book there again in a heartbeat just for the balcony view of the market square below.

What Should I Bring to a German Christmas Market?

If you’re planning a trip to any German Christmas market, there are a few essential items you’ll need to bring with you.

• Warm Layers: Even though the first snow may not have hit, the outdoor markets will be cold, especially at night. Layers are key.
• Scarf: I found a scarf was extra useful as you can keep your nose warm between sips of gluhwein.
• Comfy Warm Shoes: The theme here is warmth. Especially if you are walking the whole market.
• Cash: You won’t find any vendors with ApplePay or credit card machines. Have plenty of euros on hand.
• Mug: Your first mug of gluhwein is more expensive as you pay a deposit fee for the mug, which you trade in every time you want a refill. If you are doing a multi-day visit, bring back your market mug every time. Otherwise, you will have to pay another deposit fee if you don’t have a mug on you to trade in.
• ID: Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue. But if COVID regulations are in place again, don’t forget your ID, vaccine card, vaccination bracelet, mask, or COVID tests depending on what the entry restrictions are.

Previous Christmas Market Restrictions

I visited in 2021 when the Heidelberg Christmas Market closed its season early. Luckily, I visited before the shutdown. However, the market did have extra COVID restrictions in place.

There was a tier system, so there were different restrictions in place depending on the “severity” of the day. At the lowest tier, the market squares were fenced off, and you could only enter with proof of vaccination wristlet that you could obtain from certain hotels or COVID testing tents placed throughout the Haupstrausse.

At the highest tier, you had to get a PCR test within 24 hours of entry, even with a bracelet. This was difficult as the test tents near the markets only offered rapid tests. I had to drive out of Old Town to get a PCR which I waited three hours in line for.

There is hope that the restrictions will be lifted this year! But no official announcements have been made yet, so be prepared just in case.

German Christmas Market FAQ

Are you excited for the Heidelberg Christmas markets? This year, there’s a lot to look forward to, especially as there is hope for the markets to be fully open again.

For video footage of all the Christmas market charm, stop by my Instagram. And don’t forget to pin this post so you can easily find it when you’re ready to start packing!

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