Mannheim Christmas markets are the small city markets you didn’t know you needed! Here’s everything to plan your time before you go.
Everything here is my own opinion and I received no compensation for this post. It also contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have any questions about this, just click here! All content copyright Where’s Emma Now 2012-2025.
2024 update: the Mannheim Christmas markets will be open November 25 – December 23!
If you’ve listened to Mannheim-Steamroller, you probably have some mental connection between Mannheim and Christmas!
Musical name association aside, the Mannheim Christmas markets are great because they hit that perfect balance of a small city’s Christmas market. There are only a few locations, making it an easy day trip. I recommend it from Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, or Ramstein Air Base if you’re military.
Mannheim isn’t particularly touristic, so even at the Christmas markets it’s not a zoo! Markets without massive crowds are always a breath of fresh air.
Mannheim Christmas Market Specialties
At the Mannheim Christmas markets, nearly every booth has a different mug! I know a lot of folks collect mugs. So keep your eyes out if there’s a specific one you like most here!
There’s a good range of shops at the market, way behind typical souvenir categories. In addition to the typical artisan products available at Christmas markets, there are some gorgeous leather goods options as well as lots of knit goodies to keep you warm!
The Mannheim Christmas markets have a TON of kid-friendly areas. Not that all markets can’t be kid-friendly, but these have a lot of actively kid-focused parts. More explanation below in the locations sections.
In the same vein, they do a fantastic job of providing seating or gathering spots to enjoy your gluhwein or sausages. You’ll find this at some Christmas markets but certainly not all, so it’s a nice perk: you don’t want to spill your hot gluhwein down yourself after being bumped by another visitor!
Mannheim’s food options feel pretty on par for classic German market food: stollen, gluhwein, all the big hitters. A favorite of mine is schaumkuss, chocolate-covered marshmallows that often have specialty flavors or toppings.
One thing worth trying here is feuerzangenbowle, a dramatic twist on gluhwein! A rum-soaked sugar cube is suspended over the drink and then is set on fire for an extra kick of sweetness and booze.
Mannheim Christmas Market Locations
THe main Christmas market is surrounding the Wasserturm. It’s the one that their official Christmas market website focuses on, and it’s the biggest. They have a great Christmas pyramid too! There’s the best range of food options here, so it’s a good place to start if you’re hungry.
Next, head down a smaller section along Kapuzinerplanken that’s mostly focused on handmade crafts and art. It sits along one of the main streets but not too crowded. If you’re looking for a great souvenir, this is where I’d focus.
Finally, Paradeplatz is part Christmas market and part display! There are tons of animatronics and statues telling fairy tales. They focus mostly on Grimm stories: Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and more! It’s aimed at kids, but it’s fun to try to figure out which story at any age. The displays and audio parts are all in German, but most of the stories are familiar enough that you’ll know them!
These market booths have mostly food options over here, plus a few games and rides for the kiddos. They offer more seating options, as well as private booths you can reserve in advance!
As always, check the official website if you’re looking for more specifics. Mannheim’s is in German only, but your browser may translate it for you!
Planning Your Time
As I said, Mannheim’s markets are easily done in a day trip if that’s what you have time for. I recommend going in the late afternoon/evening because the Paradeplatz market is particularly good after dark.
Mannheim does have a train station and decently easy parking near most hotels, so getting around by train or car is easy for this part of the country.
Because it’s less famous internationally as a Christmas market, it’s a little more economical to stay overnight here if you’re doing a multi-stop trip!
If you do stay overnight, check out my Mannheim restaurant guide! When you need a break from Christmas market food, there are plenty of good options here, both German and international.
If you’re planning a multi-stop trip, consider adding on Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Strasbourg and the Alsace region, or Nuremberg for more great Christmas markets!
