Christmas Time in Baden-WürttembergA Festive Winterbreak in Southwest Germany Awaits

Southwest Germany: Land of Christmas Markets & Festive Magic

Nothing feels more festive than a traditional Christmas Market, and the best in the world are found in Germany. Set among snow-capped mountains and winter scenes, traditional wooden stalls come alive with festive lights and cheerful music. The air is filled with scents of cinnamon, pine, and warming mulled wine. Sparkling squares are transformed into fairytale villages of festive fun and delicious food. Local artisans and craftspeople gather to offer their creations, in a spirit of joy, good cheer, and the magic of the season. For a truly memorable Christmas shopping experience, head to the heart of Southwest Germany, where the world’s finest Christmas markets are waiting to delight you.

View of the illuminated, world's largest Advent calendar at night. The windows of the town hall are the 24 little doors. A large Christmas tree stands in front of them.

The Gengenbach town hall in the Black Fost may be the biggest advent calender in the world.

Christmas in Baden-WürttembergAt a Glance

From Modern to Medieval

In Baden-Württemberg, Christmas markets are as diverse as the region itself. From medieval-themed gatherings and traditional village setups to modern markets with dazzling light displays and stunning lakeside views, each Christmas market offers a unique and enchanting holiday experience.

Traditional Christmas Cookies

Nothing says Christmas in Baden-Württemberg more than Springerle. These hard aniseed-flavoured biscuits can be eaten, but are also used as decoration in cafés, restaurants and even on Christmas trees! The dough is made of eggs, flour and sugar; wooden moulds, carved in medieval patterns, scenes and figures, create the traditional design.

Giant Advent Calendar

Each December, Gengenbach, a small town nestled in the Black Forest, transforms its town hall into a giant Advent calendar, the biggest one in the world! Every evening, a new window is unveiled, revealing artwork that draws over 100,000 visitors annually.

OverviewChristmas Destinations

Baden-Baden in Winter: A Fairytale of Festive Delights

Discover the world-famous Christkindelsmarkt in Baden-Baden for a Christmas experience you’ll remember forever. As you stroll through the festive stalls - scents of gingerbread and almonds in the air, a steaming Glühwein in your hands - an array of artisanal gifts and produce await you. With around 100 stalls, all beautifully decorated and festively illuminated, this is an enchanting experience of a traditional German Christmas Market. Beyond the marketplace, you can stroll along the snow-dusted Lichtentaler Allee, or retreat to one of the famous thermal spas - steaming outdoor pools where you can float beneath a winter sky. This year sees the arrival of a new Christmas walking tour, that reveals hidden gems and stories of festive traditions. Whatever your vision for a magical Christmas experience, there’s no better time to discover Baden-Baden than the sparkling winter season.www.baden-baden.com/en/travel-guide/winter-in-baden-baden

Path lined with Christmas market stalls on both sides

The Christkindlesmarkt in Baden-Baden offers around 100 stalls.

Magical Mannheim: A Tale of Three Christmas Markets

Christmastime in Mannheim is a magical affair. From late November, the city comes alive with lights and decorations, hosting three iconic Christmas markets that enchant locals and visitors alike. The historic Water Tower Christmas Market is the oldest and largest. Around 200 decorated stalls are set amid a magical atmosphere of Christmas lights and music, offering an array of gift ideas - handcrafted ornaments, traditional wood carvings, regional crafts, and local delicacies. A short stroll away lies the Special Christmas Market - a festive treat of culinary delights and artisanal shopping. Here you can enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts, alongside unique artworks, and contemporary pieces that change weekly throughout the season. For families and the young at heart, the Mannheim Fairytale Forest is an enchanting winter wonderland, with puppeteers, storytellers, fantastical figures, and a Christmas train traversing the festive village and its lovingly decorated huts.www.visit-mannheim.de/stories/mannheimer-weihnachtsmarkt

Mannheim's Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Germany.

Lake Constance & The Shimmering Shores of Four Nations

The seasonal traditions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein come together on the shores of beautiful Lake Constance. Konstanz is the largest lakeside city, with its Christmas Market stretching from the medieval old town down to the harbour. The festive markets of Überlingen, Friedrichshafen, and Meersburg offer Medieval charm, snow-covered Alpine peaks, and lakeside walkways strung with lights. The Swiss city of St. Gallen becomes the City of Stars, with over 700 illuminated stars shining over the old town's baroque facades. The Austrian shore presents the vibrant Bregenz and Lindau Christmas Markets, connected by the unforgettable Vorarlberg Christmas Ship, which offers spectacular views of the dazzling shoreline. Everywhere, there’s music, candlelight, and food from all four nations; German gingerbread, Austrian pastries, Swiss chocolate, and Liechtenstein specialities. Christmas at Lake Constance is one of Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations, offering a rare chance to experience four cultures of festive joy.www.bodensee.eu/christmasmarkets

A harbor decorated for Christmas on a large lake.

The Christmas market in Konstanz stretches from the old town to the harbour.

Stuttgart Airport: Gateway to Germany’s Christmas Magic

With regular flights from Manchester and London Heathrow, Stuttgart Airport is your gateway to the charm and magic of a German Christmas experience. Our carefully thought-out facilities are designed to ensure your festive travels go as smoothly and pleasantly as possible. Self bag-drop allows you to check-in your luggage yourself, and smart lane allows you to book your security check and avoid long waiting times. Our relaxing airport lounge provides a haven from the hustle and bustle of Christmas travel. Or head to SkyLand, where all ages can discover the fascinating world of aviation. Whether you’re visiting loved ones, or heading to our world-famous Christmas Markets, Stuttgart Airport is the perfect partner for your seasonal travels.

Stuttgart Airport