Baden-Baden Christmas Market: A Magical Adventure
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Vist the Baden-Baden Christmas Market (Baden-Badener Christkindelsmarkt)
This year, my goal was to explore as many Christmas markets as possible, but our family faced nearly two weeks of illness right at the heart of the Christmas market season. Our plans were put on hold, and I was disheartened, knowing that we might miss out on new holiday experiences. However, a glimmer of hope came when I discovered that Baden-Baden, Germany, had one of the few Christmas markets open until January 6th. With just a short 1.5-hour drive ahead, we excitedly made our plans. I can’t express how happy I am that we did. It turned out to be a truly magical day with the kiddos, and I can’t wait to share our adventure at the Baden-Baden Christmas market with you!
Where is Baden-Baden, Germany?
Baden-Baden is located in Southwest Germany, near the border of France. It is a cute little idyllic town nestled in the Black Forest. The beautiful backdrop of the mountains gives the town a very special charm. In 2021, the town was recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as one of the 11 best spa towns in all of Europe. Pretty impressive, plus the city is rich in history.
Baden-Baden offers many historical and cultural opportunities from thermal spas to castles to hiking to a casino and the largest opera house in Germany, plus countless festivals throughout the year. If you find yourself near southwest Germany, I recommend a detour to visit this beautiful town.
A Winter Fairy-Tale
Where do I begin? The Baden-Baden Christmas market is located right in front of the Kurhaus. The market is small enough to feel quaint and charming, yet it offers so much to see and do. Here are some of the highlights:
- Christmas Stalls– Over 100 beautifully decorated stalls selling food, drinks, and lovely handmade goods. Be on the lookout for handmade items such as ornaments, soaps, scarves, winter gloves, children’s toys and so much more!
- Christmas Nativity Scene Exhibition- Visit the stunning Trinkhalle and see the large collection of handmade nativity displays. Even my kids were impressed, especially by the life-size hand-carved nativity scene. Plus, the Trinkhalle, in itself is impressive with its Roman-style columns and 14 murals depicting myths and legends throughout the history of the region.
- Gourmet Igloos- Reserve a magical dining experience in one of their pop-up Igloos. You will be served local wine and a mixture of fondue and raclette offerings. Book here for groups of 4-8 people.
- For the Family– A lovely carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, a train for the little ones to ride on, a Christmas cookie bakery where each child gets to roll and cut out their cookies, and a special area for kids to mail their Christmas wishes. Your little ones will have a great time!
Wait…There is More!
Don’t forget to sample all the culinary delights at the Baden-Baden Christmas Market. Try the original Hungarian Baumkuchen (my son loved this yeast dough baked over an open fire offered with sugar or other yummy toppings). Also, try a selection of fine sausage specialties, snack on candied nuts or roasted chestnuts, and taste the finest French nougat (It was so good!).
And don’t forget to sample some delicious Glühwein (mulled wine) or Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic warm punch). If you are new to the Christmas market craze, be sure to start your collection of Christmas mugs. Each time you purchase a warm drink at a Christmas market, you pay a small deposit on the mug. You can choose to return the mug to receive your deposit back or keep the mug for your collection. These make for a nice gift for someone or a souvenir for yourself!
At the Baden-Baden Christmas market, you will experience a stage with live concerts and performances, a painted avenue of “stained glass” windows, guided tours offered in 3 different languages, and a special visit from St. Nicholas on St. Nicholas Day! Last, but not least, don’t forget to pose with the cute nutcrackers throughout the Christmas market or stop for a photo op with Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer in front of the Trinkhalle!
The Festivity Continues
As you walk around Baden-Baden, you will come across a town full of the holiday spirit. Christmas trees and Christmas decorations line the streets. The local businesses are all showcasing plenty of festivity, but the most noteworthy area can be found on Gernsbacher Straße at the restaurant Löwenbräu, the Cafe am Rathaus, and the hotel Laterne . Do not miss this street! You will be completely wowed by the display of Christmas cheer and the sounds of Christmas music. And if you are like me, you won’t want to leave. 🙂
As you continue through the town, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and a cute fountain area in the city center. Many restaurants have outdoor seating with fires at the tables to keep you cozy and warm in the wintertime. We walked around and indulged in some shopping and the area felt more like Paris than a town in Germany!
Nearby, there is an ice skating rink at Augustaplatz for you to enjoy. The ice arena is an open-air concept, but it does have a roof to help protect you in any weather. Visit their website for hours of operation, admission prices, and fees for skate rentals. See what I mean? You will not get bored here. There is so much to experience. For us, strolling around Baden-Baden was truly magical.
Now Let’s Plan Your Visit
Feeling in the holiday spirit? The 2023 Baden-Baden Christmas Market opens from November 23, 2023, through January 6, 2024. It’s a perfect opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some quick tips for your visit:
- Visit daily: 11 am to 9 pm
- Special Hours On: December 24 & 31: 11am – 3pm, January, 1st: 1pm – 9 pm & January 6th: 11am – 6pm
- Admission is free
- Address: Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden
- For parking information, click here
- Be sure to bring plenty of Euros, in case some vendors don’t accept credit cards
- Be sure to dress warmly to stay comfortable (bring rain gear, if needed)
- Go on a weekday or earlier in the day to avoid the crowds
- Book your Gourmet Igloo or guided tour ahead of time
Frohe Weihnachten!
I hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Baden-Baden Christmas market. Visiting Christmas markets is one of my new favorite holiday traditions since moving to Europe. I hope that you get the opportunity to experience this Christmas magic!
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Disclaimer: Please know that while I pour my heart and soul into providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information, the world has its way of changing. The details and insights shared here were accurate at the time of penning them down. However, in time, some specifics might shift. Always double-check before making any plans. Safe travels and warm wishes.