The Exciting Christmas Market In Stuttgart Germany 2023
With over 300 stalls stretched out throughout the Stuttgart Christmas market, you may easily feel overwhelmed by it and miss out on what makes it uniquely special.
But don’t worry; With many years of exploring the city’s yuletide market, we can vouch for the special activities that you simply shouldn’t miss.
This guide will give you the lowdown on the best tasty treats, ways to get there, and the coolest activities at the Stuttgart Christmas market to get your holiday spirit going.
The Christmas Market In Stuttgart
The Stuttgart Christmas Market is no newbie; it has been around for over 300 years and is one of Germany’s classic and largest markets.
We were really amazed by how big it is as it takes up spots in the city squares, like Marktplatz, Karlsplatz, Schlossplatz, and Schillerplatz.
And it’s not just that; there are also stalls in the area of New Palace, Old Palace, and Königsbau—perfect places for families and friends to have photo ops and create holiday memories.
This market has over 300 stalls with an old charm and modern festivity vibe against medieval architecture, making you feel like you’ve gone back in time while still enjoying all the excitement of the season.
Whether you’re here to shop, munch, or witness regular streets turning into Christmas scenes, it’s definitely a winter experience you won’t forget.
Special Activities
The different areas of the market really go all out with unique themes and amazing decorations.
They’ve got Schlossplatz with wooden huts and a cool light sculpture show, Karlsplatz that brings a touch of Finland, Marktplatz which is known for its rooftop decoration showdown, and Schillerplatz which gives you that classic vibe.
You definitely have a bunch of places to visit and things to do when you hit up the Stuttgart Christmas Market in winter.
Take a Spin on the Ferris Wheel
For families, check out the huge Ferris Wheel in the New Palace’s courtyard. We took a ride, and we got this awesome view of Stuttgart from 58 meters up in the air.
Tickets start at €8 for the adults. It’s a nice, family-friendly activity when you need a break from wandering the market stalls.
To level up your experience, you can also try their “Wheel and Wine,” which is available from Thursday to Sunday.
You get to ride the Ferris wheel and chow down on baskets with wine. But heads up: this one’s just for the grown-ups.
Stand in Awe by the Christmas Tree
The visit to a Christmas market is incomplete without witnessing the magnificent Christmas tree that is the event’s centerpiece.
You can catch the massive 25-meter-high Christmas tree at the Stuttgart Christmas market on Schlossplatz.
We were really in awe to see the glittering tree with many lights and decorations. It is best to visit at night to see the lights shine the brightest.
Step Into the Magic of Fairyland
If you’ve got little ones, there’s a cute fairyland playground over on Schlossplatz.
They’ve got one of those mini kiddie trains, a tiny and dazzling Ferris wheel, and a nostalgic children’s merry-go-round.
We’d say it’s a must-do if you wanna give the kids a special treat while you’re in town.
Catch Live Performances
The Stuttgart Christmas market really goes beyond just the typical booths selling ornaments and snacks by setting up an actual live nativity scene, complete with some farm animals like lambs, sheep, and a donkey.
And it doesn’t stop there. You can listen to some live Christmas tunes from local musicians to give it that classic Christmas vibe.
Go Ice Skating at Schlossplatz
Stuttgart has this pretty sweet ice skating rink right on Schlossplatz during the Christmas market.
It’s not that huge, but it’s big enough for folks to strap on some skates and twirl around for a bit.
It’s a nice little addition to the usual activities when going to a Christmas market, and it makes the experience feel even more magical and festive.
Experience the Top and Beautiful Stalls
The Stuttgart Christmas Market isn’t just big; it’s got some unique touches, like a contest for the best-decorated stall, adding an extra layer of charm to the festive vibe.
Look for the Weeber family’s snack bar as they took the crown with Stuttgart landmarks on its roof. They even make it snow for folks hanging out there enjoying treats.
We hung out at their stall for a bit and even got to see them make it “snow” – a pretty cool and entertaining effect.
Also, keep an eye out for “Rosi’s Himmelsküche,” with its rooftop decorated with baking utensils and gnomes.
And you gotta check out Ingrid Putler’s snack bar with its fancy illuminated dome – it looks so cool lit up at night.
See Stuttgart’s Glanzlichter
Stuttgarts Glanzlichter lights up the city with light sculptures and LED displays, making the market not just about the food but a whole visual feast.
It’s legitimately one of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe.
The famous ones are the horse in Schlossplatz, the Ferris wheel in Wasen, and the huge elephant in Wilhelma.
You can catch these awesome light shows they put on starting at 3 pm.
Witness the Advent Calendar at Town Hall
The town hall is definitely one of the highlights for us at the Stuttgart Christmas market.
That huge Advent calendar they put up on the front of the building is too cool.
They’ve got these big light-up numbers in the windows, showing different scenes and coat of arms designs every day.
It really adds some unique local flavor to the whole Christmas market vibe in Stuttgart.
Food and Drinks Specialties
The perfect way to treat yourself in Christmas markets is to indulge in their food and drinks.
You gotta try the local treats like Flammkuchen (it’s like a German pizza), Spätzle (egg noodles), and Maultaschen (meat-filled dumpling).
They got the classics, too – Currywurst and Bratwurst. These delights really capture the spirit of German cuisine.
And for vegetarians out there, don’t worry; they have veggie options like crepes and garlic mushrooms for you.
The street food game is strong here, too. Snag some Gebrannte Mandeln (sugary almonds), French fries, and our favorite, Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes).
The potato pancakes here are better than anywhere else and are perfect for eating while strolling around.
And if you’re into international food, you gotta try the Spanish treat called Patatas Bravas with Garlic Sauce.
They even got a little Finnish section at Karlsplatz. Taste some Flammlachs, which is basically grilled salmon. This was a fun discovery for us last time.
And there’s no better way to end the night with something sweet. Make sure to try their Lebkuchen, Marzipan, and Stollen.
Then, complement these foods with the spiced glühwein (mulled wine) served in festive mugs, showing off Christmas vibes.
Also, try their Eierpunsch (egg punch – it sounds weird, but it’s delish).
We were skeptical of the egg punch at first, but it turned out to be one of my favorite drinks.
What to Buy
The stalls are the stars and have everything from Christmas tree decorations to classic wooden toys, winter gear, and candles.
If you’re into antiques, there’s this cool market on Schillerplatz with old-school stuff like antique jewelry, clocks, and books.
Prices vary, but you’re looking at €5 to €25 for the good stuff.
Opening Hours
The Christmas market is running for a nice long stretch this year, from November 29th through December 23rd.
Its standard hours are Sunday through Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm, but it’s open an hour later, until 10 pm, on Thursdays.
Then, on Fridays and Saturdays, they are open until 10:30 pm.
Cost of Entry
You can visit the Christmas Market for free!
How to Get There
The Christmas Market is right in the middle of the city, so you can get there pretty easily using different ways to travel.
The closest stops are Haltestelle Charlottenplatz and Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof stations.
You’ve got options galore – take your pick of the S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3 or S6. Or hop the U-Bahn on U12, U15, U6 or U7. If you prefer the bus, catch the 40, 43, 70 or 92.
And if you want a direct route, you can hail a taxi, but keep in mind that it can cost you a lot more than taking public transit.
Helpful Tips for Visiting the Christmas Markets in Stuttgart
Look For Accessible Lodging
The perfect place to stay is the key to a hassle-free visit to the Christmas market.
One of our highly recommended places for you to stay during the festive season is the EmiLu Design Hotel.
It is located right in the city center, just a 6-minute walk to the Marktplatz. This hotel is also close to the transit station, making it easy to visit other places in Stuttgart.
EmiLu Design Hotel is very cozy and has great amenities. They even have a hotel bar on the top floor where you can just chill and feel the Christmas season.
Bundle up Against the Cold
When you hit up the Christmas markets in Stuttgart, make sure you layer up because it can get seriously cold, especially at night.
Toss on some warm clothes, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots. Maybe even consider slapping on some thermal underwear and chunky socks for good measure.
Bring Cash
Cash is your holiday market BFF. While the big shots might take cards, the little stalls and food joints just usually go for cash.
Grab some Euros before you head out because ATMs might be a headache with long lines or annoying fees.
Have Patience With Crowds
Always brace yourself for the masses. Stuttgart’s Christmas market is one of the main holiday destinations, pulling in so many crowds.
Weekends and late afternoons are peak times, so get ready for some serious jostling and lines at the cool booths.
We greatly advise you to just roll with it and soak up the festive vibes – it’s all part of the holiday hustle.
Other Things To Do Near Stuttgart Christmas Market
Besides checking out the awesome Stuttgart Christmas Market, there are a bunch of cool places to look around here during the festive season.
Walk Through the Christmas Garden at the Wilhelma Zoo
You’ve gotta check out the Christmas Garden at Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart. It turns into this epic winter wonderland every year.
You can enjoy a 2-kilometer stroll through the zoo while being in awe with over 30 dazzling light installations.
The Christmas lights are hanging from trees and cute gazebos, adding to the festive vibe.
And they’ve got music playing, too. The Christmas tunes really made it feel magical as we walked around.
It kicks off around 5 pm and wraps up at 10 pm. For the price, adult tickets start at €20.50, but this depends on the day you roll in. But note that kids under six can get in for free!
Just a heads up, parking is a bit tight, so we’d greatly recommend hopping on public transportation. Taxis or rideshares are solid options for a drop-off, too.
> Get This Christmas Garden at the Wilhelma Zoo Entry Ticket
Visit the TV Tower
This TV Tower in Stuttgart isn’t just any tower; it’s the main television tower. It is standing tall at a whopping 217 meters.
It’s no wonder people are flocking from all corners of the globe to lay eyes on this beauty.
At the top of the TV tower is where you can see some killer views of Odenwald, the Alps, and Neckar Valley’s vineyards.
The tower also has a sweet restaurant where you can munch on some grub or sip on a cold one while soaking in that insane panorama.
Just a heads up, though – especially on weekends, you might have to chill for a bit to snag a spot at the Panorama café.
But the limited seats just add to the whole vibe, making your Stuttgart TV Tower experience one for the books.
You can visit the TV tower every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
Boggle Your Mind at the Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions in Stuttgart is a unique and mind-bending trip that you won’t wanna miss.
One of our favorites here is their Mirror Room, where your reflection goes all wonky.
But their Vortex Tunnel is the real challenge – it’s a spinning cylinder that’ll have you questioning which way is up. It will mess with your balance big time.
Plus, there’s a bunch of holograms that change right before your eyes. Heads up: if you’ve got epilepsy, it is best to skip the Vortex Tunnel.
We advise you to make sure your phone is charged to get the most out of the interactive stuff.
The Museum of Illusions is open every day except Thursdays. You can visit the museum from 10 am to 8 pm every Monday to Wednesday.
Then, they extend until 6 pm on Fridays until Sundays. You can grab tickets online or just swing by.
> Avail the Museum of Illusions Entry Ticket
Christmas Markets Near Stuttgart
The cool thing about Stuttgart is that it’s close to other towns with Christmas markets. Here are some Christmas markets to look out for during this holiday season:
Esslingen Christmas Market
The Esslingen Christmas Market is one of our favorite Christmas markets and is known for its medieval vibe with old-style half-timbered houses.
It is just a quick 20-minute train ride from Stuttgart. You can find people here doing traditional crafts like glassblowing and blacksmithing.
There’s also a torchlight parade up to the castle with a fire show and winter-welcoming vibes.
And don’t miss out on live performances there, such as the stilt walkers and jugglers.
It’s open from November 23 to December 21, with daily hours of 11 am to 9 pm.
Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market
The Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market is known for its beautiful setup and festive vibes.
It is happening from November 23 to December 22 and is set in Ludwigsburg’s Baroque Marktplatz, between two old churches.
The market is a treat for your senses, with local specialties like Schupfnudeln (finger noodles) and freshly baked gingerbread.
You can also snag some souvenirs, such as music boxes and crafts, perfect for gifting to your loved ones back home.
In the evenings, there’s some nice music to amp up the atmosphere. So, catch the festive vibes here in Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market every day from 11 am to 9 pm.
To go there, you can hop on the S-Bahn from the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, and it can take you about 23 minutes to reach the Christmas market.
Is Stuttgart Christmas Market the Holiday Wonderland You’ve Been Searching For?
With over 300 years of history hosting vibrant and festive Christmas markets, Stuttgart is an excellent winter destination for the holiday season.
It stretches over multiple city squares with over 300 decorated stalls, giving you a magical Old World charm fused with modern festivities.
From soaking in the lights of the 25-meter Christmas tree on Schlossplatz to riding the Ferris Wheel for stunning views, it has endless festive activities for all ages.
The market also features talented street performers, beautiful Advent decorations like the Town Hall’s giant calendar, and delicious German treats like potato pancakes and mulled wine.
Beyond the main market, you can also easily access charming markets in medieval Esslingen and Baroque Ludwigsburg.
With many sights to see, holiday shopping opportunities, festive food and drinks, and family-friendly fun, Stuttgart at Christmastime delivers a quintessential German Christmas experience.
