The Ultimate Guide to Wiesbaden’s Twinkling Star Christmas Market – Sternschnuppenmarkt
Market Dates: November 23 – December 23, 2021
The first Christmas market we ever attended was on Thanksgiving day in 2019. Having just arrived in Germany, everything was brand new to us. Meaning, we had a lot of questions. Could our dog enter the market? Were there entrance fees? Did vendors accept credit cards? To put it lightly, we were overwhelmed. One thing we were sure of, however, was that the Wiesbaden Market had to be our first stop for the season! Let me tell you why.
Blue & Gold Huts
Entering Wiesbaden’s Marktplatz, guests are greeted by rows upon rows of cozy Christmas huts. While many cities aim for the rustic or cabin aesthetic, Wiesbaden vendors have a cohesive exterior. Bright blue huts adorned with the city’s gold coat of arms, line the streets.
Click here for the closest Marktplatz parking garage.
Lilly Lights
One feature that makes Wiesbaden’s Christmas Market stand out is their famous light up lily display. As guests wander the cobblestone streets, they are encouraged to look up and admire the twinkling lilies that tower overhead. These illuminated flowers add a beautiful glow to the market during nighttime. This is something you will not see at other markets in Germany.
Tip: Take a picture of the market from the Rathaus steps for a beautiful birds-eye view.
Nativity Scene
Every year, Wiesbaden displays a life-size nativity scene that is made of wood. These grand sculptures can be found at the base of the city’s Christmas tree.
Each item was hand carved by Hans-Albert Herrmann, a Bremthal religious sculptor, who put hundreds of hours into each individual piece.
Fun Fact: The wooden angel took Herrmann around 240 hours to complete and has been on display since 2009.
Grand Performances
On opening week, Wiesbaden holds an array of festive performances to celebrate the beginning of the advent season. Children’s choirs sing, Christmas angels dance & celebratory fireworks light up the sky.
Note: Due to current COVID-19 regulations, however, the 2021 opening celebration will not be as grand as previous years. Few details have been released for this year’s opening event.
Marktkirche
In the heart of the Christmas market lies a stunning neo-gothic church. This is the city’s main Protestant church, known as the Marktkirche. With five towering spires (the main tower reaching 98 meters), this church is a sight to behold! Guests are welcome to enter and sit for service, light a tealight, or just admire the church’s interior. One of our favorite memories is paying to light our first prayer candle inside the church (If you plan to do this, make sure to bring coins for payment).
From November 28 – December 23, guests can attend the church’s organ performance for free. This performance takes place every day at 1745 and will be followed by an Advent devotional (beginning at 1800). The church will close their doors when the performance begins, but visitors can still hear the organ from outside.
Note: Dogs are not allowed inside the church.
Want to see the Wiesbaden Christmas Market in Action? Watch our vlog!
Historical Carousel
Infront of the Marktkirche and Rathaus, a grand carousel can be found. While the carousel’s ceiling is painted with fairy-tale motifs, the outside is adorned with imagery of historic Wiesbaden. Guests may notice the iconic Nerobergbahn, Kurhaus and beautiful Schloss Biebrich among these paintings.
Tip: The carousel is not just for children! Adults can take a spin as well.
Note: It was announced that the carousel will either be relocated or will not be present for 2021.
Christmas Pyramid
As you travel to markets around Germany, you may notice that they tend to have a large pillar (resembling a windmill) on display. These pillars are referred to as Pyramids. Dating all the way back to the middle ages, these are believed by many to have been used during the holidays before Christmas trees. As you observe Pyramids at different markets, take note of the characters on each platform. Traditionally, the platforms will depict a Christian motif, but in some areas of Germany they will have scenes about folklore, the mountains etc.
Tip: Wiesbaden’s Christmas Pyramid sits atop a Gluhwein stand.
Ferris wheel
After you finish walking the main market, start your journey towards the Mauritiusplatz. As you approach, you will see a ferris wheel lighting up the street. Given it is 45 meters tall, this is the perfect way to see the illuminated city from above.
Dates: November 23, 2021 – January 9, 2022
Winter Tavern
Beside the towering ferris wheel is Wiesbaden’s Winter Tavern! This is our personal favorite spot to hang out with friends, grab a drink and warm up during the cold Winter. The tavern has a cozy, rustic feel and is filled with traditional Hessian delights.
Dates: November 23, 2021 – January 9, 2022
German Delights
When visiting the markets, you can’t leave without trying some traditional German snacks. Glühwein is the most popular and famous food item at the markets, but there are lots of other snacks to try. Personally, I recommend trying potato pancakes (called Kartoffelpuffer) with applesauce. Yes, I said applesauce! I thought it would be an odd combination at first, but once I tried it, I was in love. If you want to try something sweet, opt for the German gingerbread (called lebkuchen). The taste of gingerbread varies by region and what better place to try Hessen Lebkuchen than in the state capital, Wiesbaden?
Want a Christmas Market Food Guide? Follow us on Instagram to be notified FIRST when our guide comes out!
Mall Decor
While you are in this area of Wiesbaden, take a walk inside the Galeria Wiesbaden am Mauritiusplatz and Galeria Kaufhof Wiesbaden malls. Both have holiday items for sale and the Kaufhof mall has a nice Christmas display in the center. Wondering what to buy? Germany has a love for advent calendars and, as a result, the malls offer unique advent calendars (not just chocolate ones).
Tip: Both malls have a bathroom. Be sure to bring change to pay the attendant.
Thermine Tourist Train
My favorite way to see Wiesbaden is by taking the festive tourist train! You will drive past many of the city’s attractions all while sitting back and resting your feet. The best part? The train is sized for adults, not just children! Tours leave from outside the Tourist Information Office periodically and tickets can be purchased from the driver or inside the Tourist Office.
Tip: If you purchase tickets from the driver, you must pay in cash.
Giant Cuckoo Clock
Once holding the world record for largest cuckoo clock, this storefront is a must see in Wiesbaden. Not only does the clock look cool, but it also works! I recommend stopping by a little before the clock is due to chime as it will occasionally go off early.
Tip: The clock chimes every thirty minutes.
Poinsettia Tree
Inside Wiesbaden’s Kurhaus is one of my favorite Christmas attractions, the poinsettia tree! At 8 meters tall, this tree is a sight to behold. It’s grandeur is only highlighted by the hall it resides in. Take your time to marvel at the ceiling and statues, you won’t regret it.
Tip: If you need to use the restroom, ask for directions at the front desk. There is no fee to use the restroom here.
Holiday Performances
From theatrical performances to operas, Wiesbaden’s Staatstheater never disappoints during the holidays. If you have time, I recommend browsing their program to find a concert or play that suits your fancy. If you aren’t sure what to book, The Nutcracker is always fun.
Ice Skating & Curling
One of the most popular spots in Wiesbaden during Christmas is ESWE-Eiszeit. Families love this area as there is ice skating for kids, curling for adults and even a convenient café area. We like to go ice skating and then warm up afterwards inside the rustic huts with some mulled wine (called glühwein).
Note: This area will not be present for 2021. It is due to return for 2022.
Lusienplatz Lights
Last year, Wiesbaden unveiled a new light display and show on the Lusienplatz. This year, the area will be converted into a children’s paradise. Few details have been released for this area, but it is confirmed to have ice skating, a children’s bakery and a carousel. Stay tuned for details.
Watch Our 2020 Lusienplatz Vlog Below!
Dog Friendly
Have a pet you want to travel with? No worries! Wiesbaden’s market is dog friendly. Given our experience at Christmas markets, however, I would only recommend bringing your dog during the day. If you plan to visit the markets at night (which can start at 1600 in Winter), be aware that there will be broken glass on the floor, large crowds and rowdy drinkers. I recommend carrying your dog at night or investing in dog boots with hard bottoms (These are the ones Jasper wears).
Tip: Don’t forget a waterproof jacket for your dog (This is our favorite Jasper uses for Snow/Rain)!
Gondola Dinner
One of our favorite experiences in Wiesbaden is Lumen’s gondola dinner. Once you have secured a reservation, you will be provided a private gondola for the evening. Each cart is filled with plush blankets and pillows, which make for a cozy atmosphere. Plus, the carts are stationary (no motion sickness worries). Read more about our experience here. It is the perfect night out!
Email for a reservation here: willkommen@lumen-wiesbaden.de
Transportation
If you take the train to Wiesbaden, you will want to arrive at Wiesbaden hbf. From the train station, you have a few options on how to get to the market.
Your first option is to walk (it takes about 20 minutes on foot). Your second option is to take the bus (To purchase a bus ticket, you can download the RMV.de app). The remaining two options are to take a taxi or to rent a bicycle (conveniently located outside the train station).
If you are driving, this is the closest parking garage (be aware that it is pricey).
Looking for day trips in Germany? Check out these Blogs:
Your Ultimate Guide to the Frankfurt Christmas Market – Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt
Your Ultimate Guide to the Aachen Christmas Market – Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt
Your Ultimate Guide to the Heidelberg Christmas Market – Weihnachtsmarkt
Your Guide to Germany’s Colorful City of Idstein
Everything You Need To Know For The Perfect Edelweiss Lodge Vacation in Garmisch, Germany
If you enjoy our content, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!
Like this blog? Pin it for later to your Pinterest board by clicking the picture below.
