SouthWest Germany is looking forward to a safe and happy holiday season with the Christmas markets once again open for one and all without restrictions. From deep in the woods of the Black Forest Highlands to the top of the mountain at Castle Hohenzollern, Christmas markets and programs will lighten the hearts of visitors.
Entertainment ranges from choirs and sacred music to ice skating, merry go-rounds, and special illuminations. The Christmas markets are a time for families and visitors to step back from the busy days and relax in the spirit of the season. Enjoy!
The Little Prince Visits the Town of Gengenbach
For decades, the town hall in Gengenbach in the Black Forest has proved to be a magical attraction during the Advent season: With its 24 windows, it is transformed into the world’s largest Advent calendar house with internationally renowned artists, such as Marc Chagall and Andy Warhol, transforming the town hall into a unique winter wonderland with their works. Another world star is currently being presented in the form of the “Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
At 6 p.m. every evening, the overwhelming spectacle of the window opening ritual begins. Wonderful Christmas scents fill the air and invite you to stroll through the Gengenbach Advent market. Corresponding to the Gengenbach Advent calendar, “Sternstunden” are presented in the Museum Haus Löwenberg. An exhibition with fascinating astrophotographs by Bernd Pröschold as well as pictures and stories about the moon and other great moments from the “Little Prince”. The other Gengenbach museums are presenting special exhibitions and all-round views from the towers. One more reason to stroll through the historic old town of Gengenbach with its atmospheric lighting.
New Concept for Royal Winter Magic at Castle Hohenzollern
Winter magic without a market and without crowds, but with lots of light and atmosphere – that is the new concept for the winter event at Hohenzollern Castle. From November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023, the Royal Winter Magic will mesmerize its guests daily with large-scale illuminations in the outdoor area and with elaborate Christmas decorations in the royal apartments. Visitors can stroll around the castle grounds and through the interior rooms and let themselves be carried away into the Christmas world of royalty and majesty. Curious castle anecdotes and interesting stories are accompanied by contemplative sounds and enhanced by the Advent starlight. In the castle courtyard, court juggler Klausi Klücklich will let shimmering bubbles rise to the scent of mulled wine and waffles. Every now and then Santa Claus comes by.
The Burg-Restaurant invites you to winter culinary delights and is happy to accept reservations for the Fridericus room and the Berliner Stube. In addition, winter-decorated huts can be rented on site in the Burggarten, in which small groups of up to six people can be served hearty delicacies. The Café Kira on the 3rd floor invites you to coffee and cake on a donation basis. The donations go to the Friends of Hohenzollern Castle e.V. and the Kira Foundation. Admission tickets for the winter magic are available in a limited number per day in the online ticket portal at www.burg-hohenzollern.com. The two castle car parks P1 and P2 are open from 2:30 p.m. on the days of the Royal Winter Magic and are regularly frequented by the shuttle buses.
Nestled in the Black Forest Highlands: the Christmas Market at Ravenna Gorge
The shining Christmas village underneath the high railroad pavilion in the Black Forest Highlands is a very special experience. Nestled in a gorge under a soaring 90-foot high railway viaduct, the small wood huts encircle the visitors and offer regional products and crafts from cuckoo clocks to glass ornaments, all specialties of the Black Forest Highlands.
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market presents itself as a unique, brightly illuminated Christmas village under the stone arches of the Höllentalbahn viaduct.
In a wild and romantic atmosphere amongst mystic woods, more than 40 exhibitors offer the finest craftwork, special presents and regional products on the four weekends of the Advent season 2022. The market opens on Fridays from 3 to 9 pm, on Saturdays from 2 to 9 pm, and on Sundays from 2 to 8 pm. Tickets are available only in advance per online booking.
Baden-Baden Reopens Elegant Christmas Market
The Baden-Baden Christmas market will open on 24 November and run through 6 of January which is really special as most Christmas markets close just before Christmas. The Baden-Baden Christkindelsmarkt is integrated into one of the most beautiful areas of the international spa and cultural city (just in front of the front steps of the Kurhaus) and is not only a welcome meeting place, but also a place for “pre-Christmas experiences.”
The enchantment begins right at the beginning of the world-famous Lichtentaler Allee. Small candles and lights are already sparkling in front of the Kurhaus. In addition to the exclusive colonnade shops, festively decorated huts await you. As you stroll past the huts decorated for the pre-Christmas period, you will be accompanied by the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. In addition to the finest delicacies, you can expect unusual handicrafts, Christmas decorations, cribs and much more
