Stuttgart and beyond at Christmas: Magical Markets, Medieval Adventures and Fairytale Castles

Day 1  Stuttgart
Arrive in stunning Stuttgart, located in the Neckar valley and surrounded by hills and vineyards that spill right into the city. Check in to your hotel before heading out to explore this fascinating city by foot, tram or bus. Make your way to Schlossplatz square, home to Stuttgart’s oldest building the Altes Schloss (Old Palace), built in 941AD, now a fascinating museum. Throughout December the spectacular renaissance courtyard hosts a series of free Christmas concerts, so be sure to catch a concert if you can before heading out to explore one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, first recorded in 1692.  

Over 300 light and pine festooned stalls spread across the old town, each competing for the prestigious most beautiful stall competition. Miniature steam trains, a ferris wheel and a nostalgic wooden carousel will delight families, while in another corner a live nativity scene plays out thanks to the local shepherds, who also sell wool and cheese from their stall. Grab a bratwurst and a glühwein and allow yourself to be transported by the sweet scents of ginger and cinnamon and the festive music floating across the market grounds.

Day 2  Stuttgart
Long known as the “cradle of the automobile”, Stuttgart is the home to the headquarters of both Porsche and Mercedes. This morning why not head out to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, a remarkable building housing a social and scientific history of the development of the combustion engine, from the earliest drawings and vehicles, through F1 cars and futuristic research vehicles. The building itself is just one example of Stuttgart’s remarkable architectural and design history, including the UNESCO listed Le Corbusier houses at the Weissenhof Museum and the breathtaking city library, one of the most photographed and instagramable landmarks in Stuttgart. Head to the rooftop for incredible views of the city.

As dusk falls consider visiting the historic Wilhelma Botanical Gardens and witness as it transform into a glittering landscape full of magical illuminations and light instillations accompanied by music.


Day 3  Stuttgart
Today pick up a car and head out to explore one of the most beautiful old towns of Baden-Württemberg. Half an hour southeast of Stuttgart lies the stunning medieval wine-producing town of Esslingen. Overlooked by a hilltop castle surrounded by vineyards the Old Town features over 200 iconic half-timbered houses, including the oldest timbered house in Germany dating to 1262. Be sure to visit the Altes Rathaus to see the astronomical clock and witness the movement of the figures on the clock tower and the eagle flapping its wings.  

In December the Old Town is transformed to become a remarkable stage for a four-week journey to the past. From 11am – 8.30pm each day the merchants, craftsmen and entertainers of the Medieval Christmas market create a living museum. Medieval songs echo the streets, fire twirlers twist their torches and craftsmen ply their wares, demonstrating everything from smithery and pewter-making to glass blowing and leatherworking. Try your hand at archery or candle-making, be enchanted in the fairytale tent or head to the ornate Mulled wine pyramid while you dine on local period appropriate delicacies. The choice is yours.

Day 4  Stuttgart
After a leisurely breakfast, why not drive south to the university town of Tubingen. Stroll the historic old town and head to the Neckar riverfront to take in the picture-perfect colourful frontages of Tübingen's "chocolate side". At the centre of the old town lies one of Germany’s most beautiful Market Squares, lined with timber-framed buildings dating back to the 15th Century. A busy place to be year-round, in December the square hosts a unique event called chocolART, with over 100 chocolatiers from around the world descending on the town for 6 days of tastings, painting and enticing chocolate-based activities. (3rd to 8th December in 2024). On the third weekend in advent (13th to 15th December in 2024) the square and surrounding alleyways fill once again with light strewn stalls, filled with artisans selling and making seasonal wares.

Later in the afternoon, why not continue the drive south from Tubingen to witness the magical Hohenzollern Castle, as it peaks out of the mists of the valley below.  A masterpiece of German Romanticism, this fairytale castle represents an idealised version of a medieval knight’s home. From late November to 6 January it hosts Royal Winter Magic, an elaborate exhibition inside and outside the castle, including large scale light shows, bubble and marionette performances and of course grand and ornate grand halls, allowing visitors to be carried away to a world of royalty and majesty.

Day 5  Stuttgart
Return your car this morning and enjoy a final stroll around this fascinating city before returning to the airport for your onward flight.