Weihnachtsmarkt "Märchenhaftes Calw"
Stalls across the marketplace and surrounding alleys offer traditional crafts, wooden figures, holiday decorations, and regional specialties. Visitors can browse an indoor arts and crafts market in the music school, warm up at the town hall Christmas café, and enjoy musical entertainment ranging from traditional brass bands to a Friday evening DJ winter party. Family attractions include a carousel, a miniature train, an alpaca petting zoo, campfire stick-bread roasting, and the imaginative Wichtelgarten gnome garden.
What to Expect
Over 80 festive stalls set against Calw's illuminated half-timbered backdrop.
Event Details
Ages
Family-friendly
Neighborhood
Innenstadt Calw
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stadtverwaltung Calw / Abteilung Kultur
Food & Drink
Stalls offer regional specialties, bratwurst, Langos, crêpes, Schupfnudeln, pastries, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free choices, alongside mulled wine, punch, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Fairytale-like and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: Thursday 15:00–21:00; Friday 11:00–21:00; Saturday 11:00–21:00; Sunday 11:00–18:00.
- Parking: Traffic restrictions and road and parking closures affect parts of the city center during the market and setup and dismantling. Access from Marktbrücke to Lederstraße, including to Parkhaus Calwer Markt, remains possible during the market.
- Accessibility: The event is wheelchair accessible.
Tips & Advice
- Drive in via the Marktbrücke and Lederstraße to reach the Parkhaus Calwer Markt, since the market square and nearby streets are closed to traffic.
- Come on Friday evening if you like to dance, when a DJ turns the market into a winter party.
- Pick up one of the reissued Calw Springerle molds, made for the 950th anniversary, before they sell out again like the originals did.
- Climb the Stadtkirche tower or take the high path above the old town for a view over the lit half-timbered houses.
- Bring the children to the Engelspost to write their wish lists, then head to the campfire in the Advent lounge for stick bread.
Special Events & Promotions
- DJ winter party with dancing on Friday evening
- New this year: the Wichtelgarten in the newly created Stadtgarten
- Sold-out Calw Springerle molds 'Stadtkirche', 'Rathaus' and 'Nikolauskapelle / Nikolausbrücke' reissued for the town's 950th anniversary
- Bärentatzen baking for a good cause
- St. Nicholas visits the market
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for children?
Kids can write wish lists at the Engelspost and roast stick bread at the campfire in the Advent lounge. There's also a carousel, a small train, an alpaca petting zoo, crafts, painting and storytelling, plus a visit from St. Nicholas.
What food and drink is on offer?
You'll find bratwurst, Langos, crêpes, Schupfnudeln and filled pastries. Gluten-free, vegan, lactose-free and vegetarian options are available too. Drinks include red, white and rosé Glühwein, alcohol-free Glühwein, punch, hot chocolate, tea and coffee.
Who plays music at the market?
Acts include the Stadt- und Jugendkapelle Calw, Trachtenkapelle Altburg, Musikverein Stammheim, Stimm3 and reVocali, playing at different spots. On Friday evening a DJ hosts a winter party with dancing.
What's new this year?
The new Wichtelgarten is in the newly laid-out Stadtgarten. It has little gnome figures, tiny houses and other creative pieces made by schools, kindergartens, clubs, families and local artists.
Is there anything indoors?
Yes. There is an arts and crafts market in the hall of the music school and a Christmas café in the town hall foyer.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.