Heidelberg's Christmas Market Sparks the Holiday with Shopping and More - 2009

From November 25 to December 22, 2009, Heidelberg's Old Town will again be aglow with the blaze of Christmas lights. The great Christmas Market with "Christmas on Ice" - one of Germany's most beautiful ice skating rinks - will open on November 25 at 5 p.m. and ("Christmas on Ice") at 7:30 p.m.

Willy Brandt Square (new)

Directly in front of the main train station, travellers and commuters alike are greeted with the Christmas spirit and the scent of apple juice spiced with cinnamon. In 2009, the Willy Brandt Square is for the first time the threshold to the Heidelberg Christmas Market. Right next to the Tourist Information Center, original gift ideas and delectable culinary treats charm the eye and warm the heart.

Bismarck Square

The statesman Bismarck once declared, "There is nothing that Germans while away more time with than drinking beer." Throughout the holiday season, on Bismarck Square, which bears his famous name and is the transportation hub of Heidelberg's public transit system, everyone can wonderfully "while away the time" with a cup of hot Christmasy mulled wine.

A few steps removed from the bustle of Hauptstrasse, here abounds a colorful array of refreshments, jewelry, ceramics, angels, and lanterns. Anatomy Garden For most of the year, the statue of the great chemist Robert Bunsen, who taught in Heidelberg for decisive decades, is quite a lonely figure reigning over the Anatomy Garden. But during the four weeks of Advent, Bunsen is in the sparkling company of vendors of sweet and savory specialties, ceramic name-cups, candles, amber, and African carvings. Now and again the sounds of exotic drumbeats fill the air and transport the listener to far-away realms.

University Square

Above the entrance to the New University building, the inscription "To the Living Spirit," coined by the Germanist Friedrich Gundolf in 1931, encourages students towards independent and critical thought. During the season of Advent, another lively spirit of exploration is called for here, where some 70 booths present the core of the Christmas Market. From Grandmama's practical household helpers such as rolling pins and scrubbing brushes, to artistic offerings in the form of Heidelberg photographs and designer jewelry, and to such classics as the traditional Bunzlauer Ceramic, just about everything is to be found - including the perennial favorite of the young and young-at-heart, a century-old children's carousel on its merry rounds.

Market Square

A veritable classial aura hovers over the Market Square. No less a figurehead than the old hero of antiquity, Hercules, stands guard over the happenings of Advent from his pedestal atop the fountain. Inspired by his proverbial zest for action, not only are merchants and restauranteurs prominent on all sides, but also, within the "Community Cottage," 14 clubs and schools are alternately on hand with their individual projects.

In the "House of Father Christmas," the jolly fellow himself is glad to pose for a commemorative photo: fittingly, the proceeds are donated to the Children's Aid program of the Lions Club.

Corn Market

The beautiful Madonna statue on the former market for corn and grain was intended in the mid nineteenth century to convert Heidelberg's Protestant community to Catholicism. Now the figure of Mary holding the Christchild is especially fitting to the Christmas crèche that adorns this lovely square with its unique view of the castle.

Children may pet real donkeys beside the crèche, and grown-ups find unusual gift items on all sides. With a warm snack in hand, strollers can watch craftsmen demonstrate their highly tuned skills.

On the Advent Saturdays of December 5 and 12, a "Wish Tree" erected on the Corn Market by the Rotaract Club Heidelberg offers an opportunity to make children's dreams come true. Wish Lists from around 40 children from the Luise Scheppler Home who this year are not expecting to receive any gifts at Christmas have been collectd. Each child's list of hopes and dreams is tied to the tree on the Corn Market, awaiting its benefactor.

Guests at the Christmas Market may take a Wish List home with them, and in fulfilling a wish will make it possible for this child to have a happy Christmas.

Karl's Square

Hospitality has always been written with a capital letter here. From the seventeenth century on, the student pubs have been beckoning to students, townsfolk and visitors alike. In addition, from November 25 to January 3, 2010, one of the most beautiful ice skating rinks in Germany, "Christmas on Ice," will adorn this magnificent square at the foot of the castle. Here one may either turn a romantic pirouette on the ice, or warm one's self with culinary delicacies in the cosiness of the adjacent Christmasy chalet. Highlights at "Christmas on Ice" are the autograph hour with members of the Mannheim Ice Hockey "Adler" team on Thursday, December 17 at 6 p.m., and the ice skating on New Year's Eve straight through till 1 a.m.

Cultural Program

The opening of the Christmas Market on November 25 is also the prelude to a diversified and exciting cultural program. Opera, theater, exhibitions, festivals and concerts make each visit a special event. A brief sampling from the plethora of offerings: From December 13 to 23, the "Forum for Art" is presenting for purchase an exhibition of original works of art. The "Cultural Window" will bring children's theater for the very youngest audience throughout Advent. A unique stage setting is the new "Opera Tent" of the Theater and the Philharmonic Orchestra, in which "The Magic Flute" will be performed during the Christmas season. Musical treats will also be soaring from the the choir lofts of the Old Town churches. At the castle, costume tours bring to life the magic of the court of bygone days.

The "Christmas Market Route," from Bismarck Square along Hauptstrasse up to Karl's Square, leads through the heart of the heritage-protected Old Town and goes directly by many familiar buildings and places of interest. Warmly recommended to friends of painting and graphic design is a visit to the award-winning Heidelberg Art Society ("Heidelberger Kunstverein") on Hauptstrasse 97, adjacent to the Museum of the Palatinate: a poster exhibition honoring the graphic designer, caricaturist and jurist Klaus Staeck is the current magnet.

The "Long Night of Shopping"

On Saturday, December 19, the "Long Night of Shopping" offers the opportunity for last-minute purchases or for simply enjoying the lights and holiday spirit within the inner city until midnight.

A Country of Christmas Crafts and Markets

The joys of the season extend past the delights of Heidelberg. Throughout Germany there are celebrations. Read Preparing for Christmas - From Handicrafts in Thuringia to the famous Christmas Market in Frankfurt.