Stuttgart is a lovely, quiet city in southwest Germany known for its grand architecture, world-class museums, urban vineyards and cultural festivals.
As winter approaches, the Stuttgart Christmas Market opens to local crowds and visitors from abroad with traditional stalls and decorations. Read on for the complete guide to planning your visit in 2024.
Stuttgart Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Stuttgart Christmas Market dates: 27th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Schlossplatz, with smaller markets at Schillerplatz and Marktplazt.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Opening day: 6pm in the inner courtyard of the Old Palace (sale from 5pm).
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Highlights of the city centre tour. A great tour for first-time visitors.
Public transport: U-bahn: Schlossplatz – U5, U6, U7, U12, U15.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Tiefgarage Königsbau-Passagen is the closest barrier free parking garage or Nadlerstraße at the Town Hall.
Where to stay: EmiLu Design Hotel is an ideal hotel option that is only 5 minutes from Schlossplatz.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, Christmas tree switch on date: 27th November (unconfirmed).
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Schillerplatz.
Reason to visit: Stuttgart’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest, dating from 1692.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Spätzle, maultaschen, schupfnudeln, local Stuggart glühwein.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
If you want to stay near Schlossplatz, I suggest the EmiLu Design Hotel. This small hotel is in a great location in Stuttgart’s city centre near the Christmas market.
I stayed in this area on my last visit and you can’t beat it. It has loads of shops and eateries, and it’s near Marktplatz and several museums, such as the History Museum and the Children’s Museum. The historic Markthalle is nearby too, a great place for picking up gourmet food specialties and gifts.
Otherwise, check out my guide to hotels in Stuttgart.
Recommended Tours
I recommend this city tour of Stuttgart to visit the highlights, or you could consider a food tour to learn about the local culinary culture. I took this tour when I first visited Stuttgart, and it was well worth it as an introduction to the city, particularly if you head up to the Fernsehturm TV Tower.
If you’re interested in learning about Stuttgart’s food history and culture, you might like this local market hall food tour.
Read the full German Christmas Markets List for more places to visit.
Location Map
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Christmas in Stuttgart
The city centre becomes the stage for the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt. The market features around 300 stalls at what is one of Europe’s prettiest markets.
One of the highlights is the stunning Christmas tree in the centre of the market, which is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments.
Various food and drink stalls serve up everything from classic roasted chestnuts to mulled wine to bratwurst. Further details of what to find at the stalls are below.
Regional Specialties
- Spätzle: A soft, small noodle dish that is a traditional Swabian specialty, often served with cheese or in a hearty stew.
- Maultaschen: Large pasta pockets filled with a mixture of minced meat, spinach, and breadcrumbs. Vegetarian options are also available with filling made of vegetables or cheese.
- Kartoffelsalat: A potato salad that is a hearty side dish.
- Rotkohl: Red cabbage, slow-cooked in brine with spices.
- Marzipan: A sweet almond paste treat that is often shaped into fruits, animals, and other festive shapes.
- Lebkuchen: A type of gingerbread typically decorated with icing and nuts.
- Zwiebelkuchen: A savoury onion tart popular in the region, often paired with a glass of local wine.
At the Food Stalls
- Bratwurst: German sausage grilled and served with mustard and bread.
- Glühwein: A hot, spiced wine that so many of us love.
- Flammkuchen: A thin, crispy pizza-like dish that is topped with crème fraiche, onions, and bacon. It’s a popular street food in Stuttgart, although it’s originally from the Alsace region of France.
- Kartoffelpuffer: Crispy potato pancakes that are often served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Schupfnudeln: Small, potato-based dumplings that are often served with sauerkraut or in a stew.
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Candied almonds that are roasted and caramelized.
- Langos: Hungarian fried flat dough, served with sour cream, garlic, and cheese.
- Stollen: A traditional German fruit bread dusted with powdered sugar, enjoyed during the winter months
What to Buy
- Schwäbische Ornaments: Handcrafted decorations reflecting Swabian culture, including intricately painted wooden ornaments and delicate glass baubles.
- Wool Products: Locally made lambswool goods, such as soft blankets, scarves, and mittens.
- Wooden Toys: Traditional wooden toys, ranging from dolls to intricate puzzles.
- Black Forest Clocks: Iconic cuckoo clocks from the nearby Black Forest, featuring detailed carvings and the signature ‘cuckoo’ sound.
- Handmade Pottery: Ceramics crafted by local potters, featuring unique designs and traditional Swabian styles, perfect for gifts or home decor.
- Jewellery: Locally designed necklaces, rings, and earrings, often incorporating semi-precious stones and crafted by Stuttgart’s artisans.
- Glühwein Mugs: Decorative ceramic mugs that are a souvenir of the market each year.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Green hotels: Stuttgart has several sustainable hotels that use renewable energy for their electricity.
- Food Waste: Be mindful of how much you’re buying and try to avoid overordering food.
- Minimise Consumerism: Resist overbuying gifts and souvenirs. Make a list and only buy what you need.
- Sustainable Diets: Limit meat and dairy intake, choosing lower-impact, plant-based dishes instead. Stuttgart has plenty of vegan street foods and restaurants.
- Transport: Use public transport, cycling or walking to get around this compact city.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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