CHRISTMAS CITY Karlsruhe

Once a year, from the end of November all of Karlsruhe transforms into a sparkling Christmas City. During Advent, Karlsruhe is under its spell, making the contemplative season an experience for the whole family with its attractive and wide range of offers. The carefully designed gable houses attract visitors with their formidable craftwork and delicious scents, while the fan-shaped city layout is illuminated by thousands of lights. Under lofty trees and twinkling lights a stroll across the Christmas Market becomes an unforgettable experience. Only a short walk takes you from the rustic and cosy ‘Waldweihnacht’ and its tree-lined trails to the glinting ‘Lichtweihnacht’, which lights both the city and the hearts of everyone in it.

Especially the ‘Stadtwerke Eiszeit’ ice rink spreads a wonderful winter charm against the backdrop of Karlsruhe’s baroque palace. Every year, from the end of November to the end of January, the historic castle square turns into a picturesque wintry scenery. The huge rink, with its romantic loop trail under the trees, promises nine exciting weeks of winter pleasure with ice skating fun and Bavarian curling for both the young and the young at heart. A wide range of gastronomic delights right next to the rink invites you to stay and indulge in regional. But not just the markets and main city squares will get you into the Christmas spirit: all of Karlsruhe’s museums, theatres, libraries and recreational facilities – such as the zoo and the swimming pools – offer a diverse pre-Christmas programme to cater for all tastes and ages.