Europe for Visitors Blog

ABOVE: If you can't make it to Heidelberg this year, you can enjoy the Christmas markets vicariously with this video from the local tourist office.

We've enjoyed Christmas markets in a number of German cities, and one of our favorite Weihnachtsmarkt venues is Heidelberg. As you walk through Heidelberg's Altstadt or Old Town, you'll encounter a series of Christmas markets, which means you can warm up with hot mulled wine or the local Bratwurst as you window-shop.

This year, the Christmas markets in Heidelberg will offer food, shopping, and holiday atmosphere through December 22, and a "Christmas on Ice" skating rink will be open through Epiphany (January 6).

For more details, see the English-language Christmas Market pages at www.heidelberg-marketing.de. (And if you're planning a trip to Heidelberg, don't miss our Heidelberg city guide at Europe for Visitors.)

BELOW: A Christmas display in the window of Café Gundel in Heidelberg's Altstadt.