The Stuttgart Christmas Market, known as the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt stuttgart, is the highlight of the festive season in Stuttgart. Starting in late November, this epic market transforms the city centre into a winter wonderland, with streets lined with stalls, bars, and festive decorations. Attracting millions of visitors each year, it’s an event you definitely don’t want to miss!
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Dating back to 1692 and with up to 300 stalls the market has a rich history with plenty to see and do. With an outdoor ice rink, traditional rides, concerts and much more, this is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. Check out my Stuttgart Christmas market guide for must visit destinations and all you need to know!
Stuttgart Christmas Market 2024: Everything you need to know
What you need to know
- Is there only one Christmas market in Stuttgart? Yes, there’s only one Christmas market in Stuttgart.
- When does the Stuttgart Christmas market start? The Stuttgart Christmas market begins on November 27th!
- Where is the Stuttgart Christmas market? The Christmas market is located in Stuttgart city centre around Schlossplatz and Schillerplatz
How to get there
If you’re in Stuttgart, it’s pretty hard to miss the Christmas market. It’s really easy to travel to, here’s what I recommend:
- By Public transport: Take the U-Bahn to Hauptbahnhof (Central train station), Schlossplatz, Börsenplatz, or Charlottenplatz. Alternatively, take the S-Bahn to Hauptbahnhof. These are all pretty close to the market.
- On foot: If you’re walking just follow the signs to Schlossplatz. The city is pretty well signposted with a few maps around the central streets so it isn’t too hard to find.
- By car: There are a couple of parking options close by. Tiefgarage Am Schlosspaltz, Tiefgarage BW-Bank and Tiefgarage Schillerplatz are the closest options but due to the number of people visiting the market, I’d say you’re better off parking further out or coming in via public transport.
Opening times
The Stuttgart Christmas market runs from the 27th of November to the 23rd of December and has the following opening times:
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am till 10 pm
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am till 9 pm
Entry fee
The Stuttgart Christmas market is free to enter!
The opening ceremony
The Stuttgart Christmas Market kicks off on Wednesday, November 27th, at 6 PM with a beautiful opening ceremony. Held in the courtyard of the Altes Schloss, the event will feature a speech by the Lord Mayor, marking the official start of the market. The 25-meter-tall Christmas tree will be illuminated, and a choir will perform, setting the festive mood for the season.
Stuttgart Christmas market highlights
The Stuttgart Christmas market is huge, there’s so much to see and do. Here are a few of the highlights:
Christmas market Stalls
You’ll find around 300 beautiful stalls at the market selling all the festive goods you could possibly want. Winter clothing, traditional handmade gifts and decorations, a big selection of antiques and more are all on offer.
Finnish market
The Finnish Christmas Market adds a touch of Nordic charm to Stuttgart’s festive season. Located in Karlsplatz, this unique section of the market offers a distinct experience compared to the rest. Here, you can find traditional Finnish foods like Glögi, a spiced mulled wine alternative to the usual Glühwein. There’s also a large antiques tent, filled with stalls offering a wide array of antique treasures.
Live Nativity
On Sporerstraße, you’ll find a unique feature of the Stuttgart Christmas Market: a real-life nativity scene! Sheep, lambs, and a donkey take up residence in the city for the duration of the market, bringing the celebrations to life. There are also a few farm stalls selling produce from those who care for the animals.
Outdoor ice skating rink
The outdoor ice rink, located on Schlossplatz, is particularly worth visiting at night when the surrounding lights illuminate it. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro, skates are available to rent!
Festive rooftops
Like the city itself, the Stuttgart Christmas market is beautiful. The rooftops of the market stalls are extravagantly decorated, giving the entire market the feel of a festive storybook. With a competition for the best rooftop people really go all out, so be sure to look up while you’re walking around!
Live music performance
If you want to hear some live music head on over to the courtyard of Altes Schloss. There are daily music performances from local groups and admission is free!
Giant advent calendar
Head on over to Stuttgart Rathaus (town hall) to find the giant advent calendar. It’s as if the building was designed to be an Advent calendar, with its square windows covered in numbered panels. Starting December 1st, a new image is revealed each day in the countdown to Christmas. The images usually feature photos of the surrounding areas of Stuttgart.
Food stalls
Undoubtedly a highlight of any Christmas market is the food and the Stuttgart Christmas market is no exception. There’s a great variety of things to try for all tastes, here are a few highlights:
- Glühwein: This traditional mulled wine, infused with all kinds of delicious spices, is a staple at any German Christmas market.
- Gebrannte Mandeln (Roasted almonds): A delicious sweet treat, the almonds are coated in flavours like sugar and cinnamon before being roasted.
- Lebkuchen (Gingerbread): Another festive staple, there’s certainly no shortage of gingerbread to try.
- Flammkuchen (A type of pizza): One of my favourites, it’s often described as a thin crust pizza topped with crème fraîche, bacon and onions.
- Maultaschen: Unique to Swabia, this is a kind of savoury dumpling filled with meat, spices and onions.
- Feuerzangenbowle: Translating to ‘Fire tongs punch’ it’s a festive drink often topped with sugar which is lit on fire.
Summary
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and Germany, I can’t recommend visiting the Stuttgart Christmas market enough. The whole city really transforms into a Christmas wonderland and there’s so much to see and do. If you’re spending Christmas in Stuttgart this is the perfect place to begin your festive celebrations!
