Exploring the Christmas Markets of Stuttgart Germany
I just got back from one of the best holiday trips to Europe! I visited the Stuttgart region of Germany and got to explore several of the best Christmas markets in Germany. While a lot of travelers visit Europe in the summer for sunny days and warm weather, visiting Europe in December is extra special because of all of the Christmas markets. I can’t recommend it enough!
German Christmas Markets
The Christmas Market, or Christkindlmarkt, originated in Germany, but these markets can now be found all over the world. In the US, you can find German-style Christmas markets in Chicago, San Francisco, New York and more. However, to experience the original Christkindlmarkt, you have to visit Germany in December. The markets open the Advent season and typically run for about four weeks until Christmas. Some of the more tourist-oriented European Christmas markets remain open a few extra weeks after Christmas, although the traditional markets close on December 23rd or 24th.
The basic premise of a Christmas market is that many vendors come to set up their stalls to sell unique items for the Christmas season. Shoppers indulge in glühwein, a mulled spiced wine, and Christmas treats while stocking up on clothing, crafts, and decorations. Glühwein mugs are also part of the market tradition, as each market will have its own mug design. These glühwein mugs make great souvenirs and keepsakes from your Christmas market tour!
As you will see from my experience, although the premise of each Christmas market is the same, each one is unique, and that’s why it’s fun to visit several markets each season! I actually really enjoy visiting the markets during the day, and during the evening, as the atmosphere changes, and they are both fun to experience! Come in the morning to do your shopping, then go off sightseeing for the day before returning to the market at night to sip glühwein and revel in the festive atmosphere.
Three Christmas Markets in Stuttgart
Stuttgart Christmas Market
Stuttgart was my home base for this German Christmas market tour, so naturally, my first stop is the Stuttgart Christmas Market or the Stuttgarter WeihnachtsMarkt. As one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in Europe, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to explore the winding streets lined with nearly 300 stalls to browse.
The Stuttgart Christmas market continues a 300-year-old tradition, so you have to see it to believe it. The market stretches throughout the city center, in an area known as Palace Square. Stretching from the New Palace, or Neuen Schloss, to Schillerplatz, it’s so easy to lose yourself amongst all the festivities and just wander the lanes. I loved wandering the stalls and getting to see Stuttgart dressed up for the holidays in the process. This is such a huge market, you will definitely want to visit multiple times to take it all in.
Besides shopping, sipping glühwein and eating gingerbread, there are tons of fun activities in the Stuttgarter WeihnachtsMarkt. There’s an ice skating rink, over 60 music groups that perform throughout the season, a children’s fairyland with hands-on activities, and a live nativity scene.
You can also join the Stuttgart Christmas Tour, a narrated coach bus tour through the lighted streets of Stuttgart. For only 5 Euros, this entertaining tour includes Stuttgart stories of Advent as you tour the city for 45 minutes. The tour leaves directly from the tourist information center (Königstraße 1a, opposite to the main railway station) in Palace Square, with departures at noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, and 6 pm.
Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market
One of the most glamorous Christmas markets I visited was the Baroque Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg. From my home base at Le Meridien Stuttgart, travel to Ludwigsburg was super easy. Just 20 minutes on the S-Bahn and I was experiencing an entirely different kind of Christmas market.
Ludwigsburg is most famous for Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg, a stunning 18th-century Baroque palace, which now contains several museums. Compared to other German cities, Ludwigsburg did not have as much destruction during WWII, so the architecture stands out and makes a beautiful backdrop for a Christmas market.
The Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market is best known for illuminated angels throughout the market. More than 175 stalls are laid out to reflect the symmetry of Ludwigsburg streets. Two Baroque churches are illuminated to add to the festive atmosphere and concerts throughout the season make this a truly special experience.
In terms of shopping, this was my favorite Stuttgart-area Christmas market. They had some of the most beautiful Christmas ornaments I’ve ever seen, and I went home with several of them to gift to friends and family.
If you want to plan the perfect day trip from Stuttgart, head to Ludwigsburg in the morning to enjoy the market during the daytime. Then, spend mid-day touring Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg before returning to the Baroque Christmas Market in the evening to enjoy the twinkling lights.
Esslingen Medieval Market & Christmas Market
The third Stuttgart-area Christmas market that I recommend is in the medieval town of Esslingen. Only 20 minutes by train from Stuttgart, this is an entirely different kind of market experience. The town itself sits on the Neckar River below Esslinger Castle, a medieval fortress that looms over the city. If you want to work off all the glühwein and gingerbread, make the climb up 313 steps to the castle! The city is lined with canals and half-timbered houses, so it’s really the perfect Stuttgart day trip any time of year.
The most unique part of visiting Esslingen for the holidays is the Medieval Market, which is adjacent to the Christmas Market. The medieval market really transports you back to the Middle Ages, with merchants dressed in historical costumes, and live performances such as fire eaters and candlemakers. There are more than 200 stalls set amongst the backdrop of Esslingen’s half-timbered houses, giving you a unique and spectacular holiday experience. I was able to shoot a bow and arrow, make candles, and do some Christmas shopping at the Christmas market. Of course, the Christmas market had all of the traditional items you expect to find, and I was even able to bring home a Christmas Stollen, a German fruitcake, for my mom.
The glühwein mug from the Esslinger markets was in keeping with the theme of the town. Made of clay with a rustic design, they totally reflect the medieval atmosphere of Esslingen.
Other Activities in Stuttgart
You can’t miss Glanzlichter Stuttgart, a festive light show at Palace Square that coincides with the Christmas Market. In addition to the light show, there are eight illumination installations along Königstrasse. Each illumination represents one of the city’s best tourist attractions, such as the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Porsche Museum, and Television Tower.
For a birdseye view of Stuttgart, make sure you go to the top of the art museum, Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, for some great aerial photographs looking over the Stuttgart Christmas markets.
Stuttgart Wilhelma is the city’s zoological-botanical garden and is a fantastic place to visit any time of year. During the holidays, however, it becomes the Christmas Garden Stuttgart, a fantastic display of Christmas lights. Everything in the garden is lit up, creating an illuminated fairytale setting that is simply magical.
The Kessler Champagne cellars are located in Esslingen, and you can tour some historic rooms of the factory and enjoy a celebratory glass of Kessler during your visit.
Getting Around Stuttgart
Train travel in Germany is quite easy, and each of these Christmas markets is easy to reach from Stuttgart. I recommend buying a three-day pass that covers all zones of the area. This will only cost about 20 Euros, and if you’re staying longer, you can purchase two 3-day passes. The 3-day “clock” doesn’t start until the first time you use your pass, which is super convenient.
Trusted Travel Tip: Don’t forget to stamp your ticket when you get on the train!