The Magic of Heidelberg's Christmas Markets

Heidelberg Christmas Markets kick off on November 24, 2010 at the Market Square.  At a festive ceremony at 17:00, the Heidelberg Christchild (Bettina Ntimpirangeza) declares the Heidelberg Christmas Markets open.  At 18:00, the ringing of church bells invites everyone to the free, festive Advent Concert in the Holy Ghost Church.  From then through to December 22, 2010, the Old Town will glow with Christmas magic.

Every day from 11:00 till 21:00 the Heidelberg Christmas Markets present its Christmas wares at over 140 stalls and booths located at six different locations in Heidelberg.

Old Town

In the Old Town, the Christmas Markets are spread over six squares, each with its own individual character. The individual markets stretch from the transportation hub of Bismarck Square, over the small-in-size but large-in-charm “Anatomy Garden” around the Bunsen statue and on to University Square, where some 70 booths make it the largest of the markets.  Then it’s on to Market Square with its huge Christmas pyramid and the colorful booths of numerous clubs and associations, followed by the Corn Market with the Christmas Creche beneath the Corn Market Madonna, and ending at Karl’s Square just below the castle.

Schloss Heidelberg

Heidelberg Christmas Markets © Heidelberg Marketing

This year, for the very first time, a “Heidelberg Castle Christmas” will transform the castle garden from Thursday, December 2 through Sunday, December 5. From 11:00 to 21:00, this little aficionado’s Christmas Market greets its visitors with selected handicrafts, Christmas specialties and musical offerings in the atmospheric castle setting.

Entrance to the Christmas Market at the castle with its concerts and activities is included in the regular castle entrance fee of € 5.00.  It also entitles the ticket-holder to take the cable car to and from the castle free of charge (Information: www.schloss-heidelberg.de).

Karl’s Square

At Karl’s Square, “Christmas on Ice” welcomes anyone seeking the thrill of ice skating as a sport or simply a few rounds of skating hand in hand beneath the romantic setting of the castle.  Here, one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany (with real ice, not artificial ice!), offers the joys of ice skating in a festive and magical surrounding.

At the official opening of the ice skating rink on Wednesday, November 24, at 19:30, young skaters from the Mannheim ERC will display their skills, and a fascinating surprise show awaits visitors. The Ice Rink operates from November 24, 2010 through to January 9, 2011.

Christmas Market Tour

Learn more about Heidelberg’s Christmas markets with a local guide who will impart interesting bits of knowledge about Christmas traditions in Heidelberg and the region.

On this enchanting stroll, visitors will be lead through the most beautiful nooks and crannies of the Old Town, from Market Square to University Square. At each different square along the way, special attractions and artistic craftworks can be admired.  The tour’s finale is a further highpoint: a steaming mug of Heidelberg’s original mulled wine.

Dates: Saturdays – Nov. 27, December 4, 11 and 18, 2010
Time  : 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Point: Market Square, at the main entrance to the Town Hall.

This tour is given in the German language but can be booked at other times in other languages.

Further information about Heidelberg’s Christmas Market tour contact:

Heidelberg-Marketing
Website: www.heidelberg-marketing.de
Email    :  reservation@heidelberg.de
Tel. : 49 + (0) 6221-1422-21

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