Winter Wonderland: Southwest Germany Christmas Markets

Southwest Germany has a way of making Christmas feel like a storybook come to life. From the spa town of Baden-Baden to the shores of Lake Constance, through sophisticated Mannheim and the natural beauty of the Black Forest, the region is sprinkled with markets that shimmer with lights, fill the air with the scent of spiced treats and invite visitors to wander and linger.

Baden-Baden, nestled in the north of the Black Forest, turns into a winter wonderland from 27 November to 6 January. The Christkindelsmarkt transforms the cobblestoned streets and squares into a sensory delight, with the aromas of roasted almonds, gingerbread and mulled wine drifting through the crisp winter air, while stalls overflow with handcrafted decorations and festive treasures. Cosy gourmet igloos serve raclette and fondue and a stroll along snow-dusted Lichtentaler Allee Park or a soak in the thermal waters add to the celebratory mood.

Smaller towns and hidden gems capture the region’s festive spirit too. Medieval Rottweil comes alive with music and candlelit lanes, the village of Gengenbach charms with its famous Advent calendar facade, and the Ravenna Gorge near Freiburg offers a magical forest setting where snow-dusted trees frame twinkling stalls.

With daily flights to Stuttgart Airport from London Heathrow and up to three weekly from Manchester, the region is easily reached from the UK, bringing visitors close to the Black Forest and Lake Constance, with seamless connections into Stuttgart.

Whether wandering candlelit squares, sampling local food and drink or discovering quiet corners of the forest, Southwest Germany’s Christmas markets offer a winter experience that feels timeless and utterly enchanting.