Wiesbaden is a popular day trip from Frankfurt, but it’s worth a longer stay in winter for the Wiesbaden Christmas Market in Schlossplatz and the children’s market in Luisenplatz.
Read on for confirmed dates and what to expect.
Wiesbaden Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Wiesbaden Christmas Market dates: 26th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Children’s Shooting Star Market: 26th November 2024 to 12th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Schlossplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10:30am to 9pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Children’s market: Luisenplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 7pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 8pm.
Sunday: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Eve: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Closed.
New Year’s Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Walking tour of Wiesbaden is ideal for groups.
Public transport: Regular buses serve the city centre.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parkhaus Coulinstraße is a nearby garage.
Where to stay: Town Hotel is well-located, 3 minutes from the square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: Wiesbaden on Ice at Kurhaus. 26th November to 12th January 2025 (confirmed). Online booking is available.
Curling: At Wiesbaden on Ice.
Ferris wheel: Mauritiusplatz. 11am to 10pm.
Reason to visit: Light displays, dedicated children’s market, historic carousel.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Soup, crêpes, chocolate-covered fruits, popcorn, bratwurst, chips, punch, sparkling wine.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead, but not recommended when busy.
Convenient Hotels
When visiting, it’s convenient to stay near Schlossplatz and Wilhelmstraße. The Town Hotel is ideally located in this area and is just 3 minutes (200 metres) from the main festivities.
Recommended Tours
This is Wiesdaben’s most popular walking tour for groups, and you’ll get to visit the City Palace, Kochbrunnen Square and Old City Hall, among other sights.
Read my German Christmas Markets List to find more places to visit this winter.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
What to Expect
Wiesbaden is decorated with large lily-shaped lights and has events spread across several squares.
The main Shooting Star market is centred on Schlossplatz, with over 100 stalls. The children’s market is set up on Luisenplatz.
New Year’s Eve celebrations and a large ice skating rink are located at the Kurhaus if you visit later in the year.
At the Food Stalls
- Christstollen: Traditional fruit bread filled with dried fruits and nuts.
- Bratwurst: Grilled German sausage served in a roll with mustard or sauerkraut.
- Lebkuchen: Soft spiced gingerbread cookies.
- Quarkbällchen: Doughnut-like dessert made from quark cheese, fried and rolled in sugar.
- Reibekuchen: Potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sour cream.
- Flammkuchen: A thin, crispy Alsatian flatbread topped traditionally with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.
- Schupfnudeln: German potato dumplings, pan-fried and served with sauerkraut or sweet toppings.
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Cinnamon-roasted almonds, a popular market snack.
- Glühwein: Classic hot mulled wine.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped onto bread, potatoes, or vegetables.
- Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): Spiral-shaped pastry baked on a spit, often rolled in sugar or filled with sweet toppings.
- Crêpes: Thin pancakes filled with sweet or savoury fillings.
- Chocolate-Covered Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas dipped in chocolate.
- Popcorn: Freshly made popcorn.
- Soup: Hearty soups like potato or goulash, often served in bread bowls.
- Chips: Freshly fried potato chips seasoned with salt or sauces.
- Punch: Fruit-based alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.
- Beer: Traditional and craft German beers are widely available.
- Sparkling Wine: Local sparkling wine known as Sekt.
What to Buy
- Glass Ornaments: Delicate glass decorations crafted in the region.
- Wooden Toys and Decorations: Traditional items like nutcrackers and hand-carved figurines.
- Local Wine: Rheingau Riesling is renowned for its quality and makes a perfect gift.
- Candles: Artisanal candles in various designs and scents from local makers.
- Pottery and Ceramics: Unique handcrafted items, including mugs and decorative pieces.
- Textiles: Tablecloths, napkins, and other items featuring traditional German designs.
- Lebkuchen: Soft gingerbread cookies.
- Marzipan: A local sweet made from almonds.
Sustainability Tips
- Green Hotels: Stay at hotels like the Town Hotel, which uses 100% renewable energy.
- Food Waste: Participate in Wiesbaden’s food-sharing platforms or support local food rescue organisations. Take leftovers from meals to enjoy later.
- Support Local: When shopping, choose unique, handmade, and locally made items.
- Sustainable Diets: Choose seasonal, locally sourced and plant-based options when dining out.
- Public Transport: Use Wiesbaden’s buses and trains to get around. For short trips, consider walking or renting a bike.
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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