most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest
© Your Little Black Book - Ludwigsburg Christmas Market

12 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Baden-Württemberg

18 December 2025
Last updated: December 18, 2025

Do you also love the Christmas season? Last week I visited several Christmas markets in Germany and I can assure you of one thing: you'll immediately get into the Christmas spirit! I took the train to Stuttgart traveled and from there I visited several beautiful Christmas markets in the region by train Baden-WürttembergThe Christmas markets in this region, which also includes the Black Forest, are among the most beautiful in Germany. Prefer to drive? Baden-Württemberg is only a 550-kilometer drive from Utrecht, so visiting a Christmas market in the north of this region is easily combined with a night out. Will you visit the Christmas market in the historic center of Ludwigsburg, or will you choose Stuttgart? In this guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Baden-Württemberg, I've compiled 12 tips for you!

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12 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Baden-Württemberg

Stuttgart

One of the oldest European Christmas markets is the Stuttgart Christmas Market. In the festively decorated streets of this city, you'll find nearly 300 stalls, light displays, and a Ferris wheel. Stuttgart may sound like an industrial city, but I was truly surprised by its charming historic center. A Christmas market in Stuttgart was mentioned as early as 1692, and I can tell you, this market hasn't lost any of its charm! Approximately four million visitors visit the city every year to experience the Christmas spirit. The market is located around Schlossplatz, Schillerplatz, Karlsplatz, and Marktplatz in the city center. The streets connecting these squares are also lined with charming stalls. It's fun to visit the market both during the day and in the evening. The atmosphere and bustle are completely different then! Enjoy delicious bratwurst, sandwiches with fresh smoked fish, and more authentic Christmas market fare. At Schlossplatz, you'll also find a lovely museum of modern art to visit, and you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at Cube overlooking the Christmas market. Prefer something a little less fancy? Then Carls Brauhaus is a great spot to sample local food. Visiting the Stuttgart Christmas market with kids? Don't forget to visit the fairytale land on Schlossplatz. The mini train and merry-go-round looked so charming! I almost regretted my son not joining me this time. They also have "kinderpunch" and plenty of tasty snacks for the kids. Dates: November 26 to December 23, 2025 – stuttgarter-weihnachtsmarkt.de

 TIP: If you have more time, a tip for a more alternative Christmas market geared towards locals and families is Wouahou Christmas Village. You'll find a few food trucks, stalls, and performances (for kids).

most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest

© Your Little Black Book – Stuttgart Christmas Market

Esslingen Christmas & Medieval Market

The Christmas market in Esslingen is extra special! Besides a traditional Christmas market, you'll also find a medieval market. The cozy atmosphere instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit! From Stuttgart, you can get there in less than 30 minutes by train. I personally loved seeing so many different types of Christmas markets in the region, each with its own unique character. Craftspeople demonstrate their skills and transport you back in time. At this market, they serve mulled wine and hot Made in style! Throughout the day, there are various performances on the central stage. Fire-eaters provide illumination in the dark, and you can hear medieval songs in various spots. 160 stalls and a daily changing cultural program provide entertainment for all ages. There's also a square fully equipped with fun things for kids to do! Enjoy delicious dumplings with cheese at the market and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at Kessler! Dates: November 25 to December 22, 2025 – esslingen-info.com

most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest

© Your Little Black Book – Esslingen Christmas Market

Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market

From Stuttgart, we also visited the Christmas market in Ludwigsburg. It's so nice how you can make a Christmas city trip even more special by combining it with other destinations. This market, built around the beautiful Market Square, also has a unique character thanks to its Baroque theme. At this Baroque Christmas market in Ludwigsburg, you'll find plenty of German Christmas traditions. You can also enjoy endless Christmas shopping. The heart of this beautiful and atmospheric Christmas market in Baden-Württemberg is the Market Square with its two festively lit churches and light sculptures of angels. You'll find 180 stalls selling handcrafted toys, ceramics, glassware, and Christmas tree decorations. Try the local specialties, such as Schupfnudeln (Snack Nudeln) and Holzofendinnede (Wood Soup). I also really enjoyed the baguettes on a stick with bacon and cheese! As were the raclette and the wild boar roll. Honestly, I could go on forever with all the delicious food at the Christmas markets! Dates: November 25 to December 22, 2025 – travel.ludwigsburg.de

most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest

© Your Little Black Book – Ludwigsburg Christmas Market

Baden-Baden

Want to visit a Christmas market in the Black Forest? The Baden-Baden Christmas market is highly recommended. Your starting point is the famous Lichtentaler Allee. Here, your journey begins, passing more than 100 wooden Christmas stalls. Be tempted by one of the local specialties; I even tasted a hop during my trip to Baden-Baden last spring. A fun detail: this Christmas market also has a fairytale alley where the Christmas story is told. In addition, every Wednesday is family day, and every Thursday, boys' choirs compete to determine who is the best. Also fun and special: visit the live nativity scene at the Kurhaus. Dates: November 27, 2025, to January 6, 2026 – baden-baden.com

 | TIP: Also read my extensive guide to Baden-Baden here >>

Freiburg

In the heart of this historic city in Baden-Württemberg, stalls gather annually at Rathausplatz, Franziskanerstrasse, Unterlindenplatz, and the Kartoffelmarkt. Here you'll find charming Christmas gifts, crafts, and delicious treats. Freiburg is easily accessible from several major German cities by ICE (Intercity Express). From the station, walk straight onto the Christmas market. Be sure to visit Colombipark as well. Colombi Castle is beautifully illuminated at this time of year. Schlossberg is also worth a visit. This city is also a great place to combine with a visit to the wine region. I'll tell you more about this in my comprehensive guide to the Black Forest >> Dates: November 20 to December 23, 2025 – weihnachtsmarkt.freiburg.de

Freiburg © FWTM-Antal

Heidelberg

Heidelberg's old town has hosted a charming Christmas market for years. Along Hauptstrasse, you'll walk past Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Kornmarkt, and Karlsplatz. At Karlsplatz, you can strap on your ice skates and warm up with a delicious glass of mulled wine. Want to learn more about the city? A rotating pyramid on Marktplatz depicts important (Christmas) figures from the city's history. If you're coming by train, take tram 5 or tram 21 from Hauptbahnhof and get off at Bismarckplatz. You'll immediately be in the Christmas spirit. Dates: November 24 to December 22, 2025 – heidelberg-marketing.de

most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest, Heidelberg

© Heidelberg

Ravenna Gorge

One of the most famous Christmas markets in the Black Forest is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. This Christmas market is quite special because it's located in the forest, beneath a forty-meter-high railway viaduct. In the evening, the viaduct is beautifully illuminated. To avoid the crowds, go on Sunday. Enjoy a piece of flammkuchen or a crêpe. You can also buy game at this market, such as wild boar or venison, highly recommended for your Christmas menu. Dates: November 28-30, December 5-7, December 12-14, and December 19-21, 2025 – hochschwarzwald.de

Christmas markets Baden Wurttemberg

RAVENNA GORGE © @zee.mchadd

Karlsruhe

With a campfire, musicians, and candlelight, you'll be transported back to the medieval atmosphere at the Karlsruhe Christmas market, and that's precisely the intention. There are various stalls with Christmas decorations and nativity scenes. Bratwurst is also a must-try. Children will enjoy the storytellers, the fire show, and archery. The nativity scenes are spread throughout the city: from the Market Square to Durlach and Friedrichsplatz. Dates: Exact date not yet known – karlsruhe-erleben.de/weihnachtsstadt

most beautiful Christmas markets in the Black Forest, Karlsruhe

© Karlsruhe

Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is perched high on a hill, offering stunning views of the forests and surrounding countryside. The view alone is enough to warrant a visit to this Christmas market. The cozy Christmas market is located in the castle courtyard and gardens. The castle itself is also largely open to the public. Especially when it's cold, it's wonderful to warm up inside. Santa Claus regularly visits this Christmas market. Admission is not free, but the entrance fee helps fund the castle's maintenance. Dates: November 21, 2025, to January 6, 2026 – burg-hohenzollern.com

Christmas markets Baden Wurttemberg

Hohenzollern Castle © Burg-Hohenzollern

Tübingen

Tübingen's city center becomes the historic backdrop for a Christmas market during the third weekend of Advent. More than 350 stalls offer pottery, wooden artwork, knitwear, and much more. There's a merry-go-round for children in the Market Square, and there's also a children's theater. Every year, there's an open-air cinema on Friday evening, which draws crowds. Find your way via Neckargasse to Holzmarkt, Marktgasse, and Marktplatz. From there, continue to Kornhausstraße, Krumme Bridge, Neue Straße, Metzgergasse, Markt am Nonnenhaus, Nonnengasse, and Hafengasse. Dates: December 12 to 14, 2025 – tuebingen-info.de

© Tübingen

Gengenbach

This Christmas market in the Black Forest is located on the historic square of Gengenbach. The town hall is also situated on this square. With 24 windows, it boasts the world's largest Advent calendar. Each window displays the most beautiful works of art. This year, it's illustrator Olaf Hajek's turn to enchant visitors. Every evening at 6:00 PM, a window opens. The town hall is a real crowd-puller, and the Christmas market on the square also draws many visitors. Surrounded by the aromas of honey, mulled wine, and cinnamon, you can marvel at the offerings at the various stalls. Dates: Exact dates not yet known – gengenbach.info

Christmas markets Baden Wurttemberg

© Gengenbach

Konstanz

The Konstanz Christmas market is the largest on Lake Constance. It stretches from the old town to the harbor. The Christmas barge is a truly special part of the market. This barge houses all sorts of stalls, and you can simply continue your walk through the market. This Christmas market in Baden-Württemberg attracts approximately 450.000 visitors each year who browse the more than 170 stalls. Visit the Christmas elf village with your children or enjoy a romantic evening with a drink overlooking Lake Constance. A ride on the historic horse-drawn tram from 1897 will take you back to Dickens's time. And if it snows, the Christmas spirit is truly complete. Dates: November 27 to December 23, 2025 – weihnachtsmarkt-am-see.de

© Konstanz

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