Heidelberg Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Heidelberg and surrounding areas
Heidelberg embraces the festive season with twinkling Christmas lights along the Hauptstrasse and holiday activities around the old bridge and Marktplatz. The Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt and the Heidelberger Eisbahn at Karlsplatz bring together local artisans, ice-skating fun, and seasonal attractions beneath the castle’s silhouette. From evening lights to family-friendly holiday attractions and warm mulled wine stalls, Heidelberg offers memorable winter celebrations in a picture-postcard setting.
Find the best Heidelberg Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
71 eventsHistoric Altstadt Christmas market with ice skating and Santa visits.
Christmas Shows
14 eventsYear-round musical events in a historic palace and garden setting.
Christmas Parties
5 eventsNikolaus-Bingo with festive food and drinks
Christmas Activities
9 eventsIce skating with a view of Heidelberg Castle.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt
Historic Altstadt Christmas market with ice skating and Santa visits.
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Mannheim Christmas Market at the Water Tower
(Mannheim)
One of Germany's largest and oldest Christmas markets.
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Heppenheim St. Nicholas Market
(Heppenheim)
Historic cellars transformed for Christmas scenes.
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Adventsmarkt im Ehrenhof Schloss Bruchsal
(Bruchsal)
Baroque palace courtyard Christmas market
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Pfungstädter Weihnachtsmarkt & Kreativmarkt
(Pfungstadt)
Combined Christmas market and creative craft fair.
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Heidelberger Eisbahn (Heidelberg Ice Rink)
Ice skating with a view of Heidelberg Castle.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Heidelberg Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Heidelberg
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Heidelberg!
Heidelberg Christmas FAQ
The most significant annual Christmas events in Heidelberg are undoubtedly its numerous Christmas markets spread across the Old Town, drawing large crowds with their festive atmosphere and diverse offerings.
While sharing many traditions with other German cities, Heidelberg's charm lies in its historic setting, with markets often set against the backdrop of the castle and the picturesque Old Town, creating a uniquely romantic holiday ambiance.
The historic Old Town (Altstadt) is the prime area for Christmas lights, with decorations adorning the main squares, streets like Hauptstraße, and often extending along the Neckar river.
The main Christmas markets are centrally located in the Old Town, particularly around the Marktplatz and Rathaus. These markets are the best places to find local makers selling their crafts and artisanal goods.
Enjoying the festive lights and decorations throughout the Old Town is completely free. Simply wandering through the Christmas markets and soaking in the atmosphere also provides a wonderful, budget-friendly experience.
Families often enjoy the Christmas markets for their carousels and festive treats, and many venues offer special family-friendly shows or events during the holiday season.