Christmas is coming and nowhere is more Christmassy than SouthWest Germany. In the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, all five senses come in to play: guests see sparkling decorations at Europa-Park; hear carols and Advent music at historic palaces and monasteries; smell and taste hot mulled wine and gingerbread in Baden-Baden’s Christmas markets; touch and buy locally hand-made Christmas decorations on tempting stalls. And all just a short hop away on direct flights from across the UK to Stuttgart Airport.
Europa-Park: where a winter wonderland is guaranteed
Named the world’s best theme park for the fourth year in a row, Europa-Park welcomes guests from November 25th 2017 to January 7th 2018 (excluding December 24th/25th) during their wonderful winter season. With thousands of lights and 2,500 snow-covered Christmas trees, the park glitters; visitors enjoy the festive spirit of the Christmas market, with its cosy atmosphere. And, at the end of a magical day, the winter romance continues, when guests stay at one of Europa-Park’s five 4-star themed hotels.
More information: http://www.europapark.de/en
SouthWest Germany’s palaces and monasteries: the spirit of Christmas
From the grandeur of Heidelberg Castle to Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nothing matches SouthWest Germany’s historical palaces and monasteries in November and December. Some sites offer fascinating tours with costumed guides leading the way with lanterns or flickering candles. Other venues host concerts of Baroque music, family-oriented opera or variety shows, with dinner, hot, spiced wine or glasses of bubbly. And steps away from the magical setting of centuries-old cloisters and grand palace halls are traditional and intimate Christmas markets with one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas decorations.
More information: http://www.schloesser-und-gaerten.de/en/
Baden-Baden: the Romantic Christmas Market (Nov 27-Dec 30)
On the edge of the Black Forest, one of SouthWest Germany’s largest Christmas markets is straight out of a fairy tale. Flickering candles and lights sparkle outside the Kurhaus; beautifully-decorated stalls contrast with the Kurhaus Colonnade’s exclusive boutiques. The 100 or so stalls are perfect for finding that special gift, from local crafts to Christmas jewellery. Youngsters love the Christmas treats, the children’s bakery, merry-go-round, nativity scene and the live Christmas shows on the open-air stage. And everywhere, the aroma of mulled wine, roasted almonds and gingerbread fills the air.
More information: https://www.baden-baden.de/en/tourist-information/places-of-interest/baden-baden-christmas-market/
Stuttgart Airport: The gateway to Christmas
For a winter getaway close to home, SouthWest Germany is the perfect destination and Stuttgart Airport is the quickest way to get there. A stone’s throw away are the Black Forest’s snowy mountains for winter walking, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing. For a more relaxing yet entertaining short break, head for one of Stuttgart’s five different Christmas markets, Esslingen’s medieval Christmas market or Ludwigsburg’s Baroque festive market. Stuttgart Airport welcomes daily direct flights from Birmingham, London Heathrow and London Gatwick, plus regular flights from London Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
More information: www.stuttgart-airport.com
