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Christmas Market at Schiller Platz in Stuttgart, Germany.

Christmas Markets in the Stuttgart region

Stuttgart Christmas Market

The exciting metropolis of Stuttgart has a special fascination for visitors at Christmas time. First mentioned in a document in 1692, the Christmas Market in Stuttgart with its more than 250 delightfully decorated stands is not only one of the oldest, but certainly also one of the most beautiful and largest Christmas markets in Europe. The unequalled illuminations, the wonderful smell of cinnamon and vanilla, the festive Advent concerts, the small wooden houses lovingly decorated with angelic figures, fir branches and Christmas balls, and the "fairy-tale land" on Schlossplatz form a fabulous backdrop and produce a Christmas atmosphere which fills millions of visitors every year with enthusiasm. A few metres further on, around the Altes Schloss, Schillerplatz, Kirchstrasse, Marktplatz and Hirschstrasse, the decorated small wooden houses will be open daily from 10 am to 9 pm and on Sundays from 11 am onwards. They offer an overwhelming range of Christmas items and gift ideas from Christmas tree decorations, crib figures, toys, woodcuts, puppets and candles through to lambskin shoes. There is also a wide range of culinary delights, which makes it difficult to choose between hot chestnuts, lebkuchen, roasted almonds, grilled sausages and mulled wine. Every year, there is also a Christmas Antiques Market downtown, where Christmas items, kitsch and curiosities are sold. But there are not only tree decorations, crib figures, toys, woodcuts and candles to buy. Every evening from 6 pm onwards, choirs and music groups perform on the steps of the city hall and in the Renaissance-style inner courtyard of the Altes Schloss.

Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market

Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market is enchanting. The marketplace with its bordering arcades and the lovingly decorated stalls are bathed in golden radiance. Illuminated arches with thousands of fairy lights span the roofs of the Christmas stands, angels gracefully spread their large, glittering wings. The two Baroque churches are festively lit. The illuminations are as special as the arrangement of the stands. The symmetry and straight lines of Ludwigsburg`s streets and the grounds of its famous Baroque palace are echoed in this little yuletide town. In the wide alleyways visitors can enjoy a relaxed stroll and feast their eyes in wonderment. Hand puppets and Nativity figures, antique and modern Christmas tree decorations, high quality paper and pottery articles. No Christmas wish will be left unfulfilled at the approximately 170 stalls. It`s fascinating to watch the glass blower creating beautiful vases or glass balls out of a shapeless mass. Visitors can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere on the marketplace every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is a daily programme of entertainment for young and old alike: a puppet theatre, concerts with Advent and Christmas music, and performances by ventriloquists and conjurers.

Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Markets

A high-wire artist performs breathtaking feats at dizzy heights. Acrobats roll through the Hafenmarkt in a flaming gym wheel. You`ll meet fairytale figures on stilts, entertainers, jugglers, fire-eaters and minstrels. In Esslingen`s old town there`s an unusual atmosphere: merchants, craftsmen and artists invite visitors in antiquated language to stop and watch an entertaining street performance. For children an outing to Esslingen`s Medieval and Christmas Markets is an unforgettable adventure. The "Land of Dwarfs" invites young visitors to enjoy a ride on a historical roundabout, medieval handicrafts and a daily children`s programme. Shooting with bow and arrow, skittles and "Mouse Roulette" entice young and old alike to join in the fun. One outstanding event is the torchlight procession to Esslingen Castle, when the road leading to the castle is transformed into a sea of lights by hundreds of torches. Up at the castle courtyard the old custom of celebrating the winter solstice is rung in with medieval music.

Further Christmas Markets in the region:

Böblingen, Fellbach, Göppingen, Kirchheim/Teck, Reutlingen, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Schwäbisch Hall,Schorndorf and Waiblingen.

Discover nature in the Stuttgart region