RAVENNA GORGE CHRISTMAS MARKET 2024 (Tickets + Dates)
Tucked away in the Black Forest is Germany’s most beautiful Christmas market. This is none other than the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
If you’re a true Christmas enthusiast, I cannot recommend the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market enough.
Unlike the bustling, mass-produced stalls of larger markets, this Christmas market offers a more intimate and authentic experience. Here, you’ll discover local artisans showcasing handmade crafts, the air filled with the sweet scent of traditional treats. The Christmas market has a warm, cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Christmas fairy tale.
This guide is packed with my tips to help you plan the perfect visit to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. Including insider advice on things I wish I had known beforehand! I’ll cover how to get your ticket and the best places to stay, ensuring you have a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
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Brief History of the Ravenna Gorge Christmas
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market began as a small gathering of local vendors, and now it draws visitors from around the world. The purpose of the market was to showcase the stunning beauty of the Black Forest with a traditional German Christmas Market. Today, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market has support from local artisans, musicians, and vendors who create beautiful handicrafts, music, and delicious sweet and savory treats for you to indulge in during your visit.
What Makes the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market Special?
Ravenna Gorge, or “Ravennaschlucht” in German, is located in southern Germany in the Black Forest. The closest towns are Hinterzarten and Freiburg. During the winter months, the gorge transforms into a winter wonderland, creating a fairytale location for a Christmas market.
The market is built under a stone viaduct that spans across the gorge. Decorated wooden stalls line the market, offering handcrafted gifts and regional specialties. The atmosphere is festive, with holiday music, twinkling lights, and the scent of hot wine and bratwurst filling the air.
The Ravenna Gorge is unlike any other Christmas Market—it blends the rugged beauty of nature with the cozy traditions of the Christmas season.
Believe me when I say this Christmas Market is worth the hype and it’s guaranteed to fully immerse you in the holiday spirit.
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market Dates
2024 Dates and Opening Hours
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market begins at the end of November and ends in mid-December. Dates vary slightly each year. In 2024, the market was open on the following dates:
- 2024 Opening Date: November 22, 2024
- 2024 Closing Date: December 15, 2024
The market will only be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The exact opening hours for the market are as follows:
- Fridays: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturdays: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sundays: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
❗Important❗ Tickets will sell out! In 2024, all tickets sold out in early November. Therefore, in order to visit the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market – you need to plan ahead!
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market 2025 Tickets and Dates
Ticket sales and dates for the 2025 Christmas market have not been announced yet.
🎄Popover Tip: Sign up for the Hochschwarzwald newsletter to learn the exact time and date when 2025 tickets go on sale. For reference, in 2024, ticket sales opened in October.
Tips for Visiting Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
- Book Tickets in Advance – It’s essential to book your tickets ahead of time for the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. Tickets typically go on sale in mid-October. As I shared earlier, sign up for the Hochschwarzwald newsletter to be the first to know when tickets go on sale!
- Choose your Time Slot –Do you want to experience the market during the day, or see the lights twinkle at night? I recommend both, but visiting the market during the day is always my preference. You’ll have fewer crowds, and warmer temperatures, and you can appreciate the beauty of the nature around you.
- Plan your Transportation – When booking your tickets and selecting your entry time, it’s important to consider how you’ll be getting there—whether by train, bus, or car. Reserved parking spots are required and tend to fill up quickly. Additionally, hotels in the Black Forest are limited and can book up fast, especially on weekends when the Christmas market is open
- Pack Warm Clothes – The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is all outdoors. It’s the coldest Christmas Markets I’ve ever been to! It’s common for the ground to be covered in snow, and the only place to stay warm is by a fire pit. Therefore, waterproof boots, warm socks, gloves, scarves, hats, and a winter coat are must-haves!
- Bring Cash –All vendors at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market only accept cash (Euros). An ATM is on-site, but you’ll get a better exchange rate if you take out Euros at a bank in advance.
How Long Do You Need at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Markets?
All tickets have a 2-hour timed entry in the Christmas market. However, for even the most seasoned Christmas market enthusiast, I promise 2 hours is enough time.
Think ahead before you select your time slot when buying tickets. I recommend selecting a time slot right before sunset so you can see the market during the day and in the evening when the lights turn on. Sunset is around 16:30 this time of year.
Alternatively, you can buy two tickets with back-to-back time slots to spend even more at the Christmas Market.
Keep in mind that the shuttle tickets have a time stamp for your return, and lines for the shuttle can be long. So make sure you’re early to get a spot on the shuttle!
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Markets: Getting Your Tickets
To prevent overcrowding, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market requires you purchase entry tickets in advance for your specific date and time.
The positive side to a time entry are the crowds and lines are kept to reasonable levels! You’ll enjoy the market more when you’re not shoulder to shoulder with a stranger, or spending your whole time waiting in lines!
Of course the downside to advance ticketing is you need to plan ahead! Luckily, I’ve taken care of that part for you and will share everything you need to do so you can secure your tickets and feel prepared!
Securing your Tickets
- Sign up for the Hochschwarzwald newsletter to learn the exact time and date for when tickets go on sale. The newsletter will be in German, but you can copy and paste it in Google Translate.
- Tickets go on sale in mid-October. In 2024, the ticket sales opened on October 14, at 10:00 a.m. CET (3:00 a.m. CST). Add a calendar reminder for yourself on your phone then visit this site to book your tickets.
- Know the date and time slot you want to visit before you book. You only have a two-hour time slot to visit. However, a secret I’ll share is it’s possible to buy back time slots if you feel like two hours won’t be enough.
Where do I buy tickets?
Buy tickets on the Hochschwarzwald website. You can print out your tickets, or show them on your phone. Cell phone service can be sparse in the market, and if you’re using your phone, I recommend taking a screenshot of your ticket.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are very reasonable in price! Adult tickets (16+) are 5.50 € if you enter before 4:00 p.m. and 7.50 € if you enter after 4:00 p.m. Children are free! If you plan on taking the shuttle you’ll need to buy children a shuttle ticket for 2.00 €. I’ll share more information on the shuttle later!
How to Get to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is located in the southern Black Forest near the town of Hinterzarten, underneath the famous Ravenna Viaduct. Here are some options for how to get to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
By Train
The closest train station to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is in Hinterzarten.
From Freiburg (Freiburg Breisgau Hbf), take the regional train (Breisgau S-Bahn) towards Seebrugg or Titisee, and get off at the Hinterzarten station. From Hinterzarten, you can either take a free bus shuttle or walk to the market which takes roughly 10 minutes.
For a more scenic and unique experience, you can book a torchlit walk to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market on our first night from Hinterzarten – I share more on this later!
Shuttle Bus
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offers free shuttles from three nearby train stations: Hinterzarten, Himmelreich, and Titisee. When you purchase your tickets, you’ll see the options to book shuttle tickets from one of these train stations. Your shuttle tickets will include roundtrip transportation and entry to the Christmas market for the booked time slot.
Children ages 6-15 will need a ticket for the shuttle bus, which is 2.00 €. Children up to and including 5 years of age can sit on your lap in the shuttle bus free of charge and do not require their own ticket.
Shuttle Bus from Freiburg
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market also offers convenient direct shuttles from Freiburg! These tickets are more expensive (starting at €24), but they include your entrance to the market tickets and assigned seats on a comfortable coach bus from Freiburg. They’re only running these buses a couple times per day, but it’s a great option to avoid the hassle of parking or crowded trains.
By Car
If you’re driving to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, there are a limited number of reserved parking places near the market that can be purchased online in advance when you buy tickets. The parking lots are located at Hofgut Sternen, Höllsteig 76, 79874 Breitnau/Hinterzarten.
What to Do at the Christmas Market
After you’ve bought your tickets, the fun part begins! Here are the things you must plan to do at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
Take a Torchlit Hike to the Christmas Market
For a perfect blend of natural beauty and Christmas spirit, book guided torchlit hikes to the Christmas market. You’ll meet your group at the Hinterzarten visitor center, and make your way down to a historic sawmill where you’ll light your torch!
During your walk, you’ll sing German Christmas carols as your guide leads your parade of torches to the Christmas market. You’ll walk by rushing creeks with your torch lighting your way down to the Christmas market.
The enchanting winter landscape is beautiful, but it is chilly! You’ll need to have a warm coat, gloves, winter boots, and a scarf for this walk!
The entire trek is only 1.5 km downhill. With stops to light your torch, it takes around 1 – 1.5 hours.
You can book this guided torchlit hike on the Hochschwarzwald website under “events”. In 2024, ticket prices were €38. Your ticket includes entrance to the Christmas market. After you leave the market, you’ll take the shuttle back to the train station at the end of the night.
Shop and Admire the Beautiful Stalls
The quality of vendors is one of the reasons the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is the best in Germany! You won’t find any mass-produced items here!
All the products are handmade by local artisans. It’s common to see handcrafted ornaments, silver jewelry, wooden figurines, or wool clothing for sale. They also have a selection of Black Forest specialties like sausages, mustards, fruit jam, and spirits for purchase.
If you’re looking to bring home a unique gift take the time to browse these stalls and talk to the vendors. You can see a full list of the vendors here, so you can come prepared!
As a reminder, almost all of the vendors only accept cash. Because of the remote location of this market, internet service can be limited, which is why the vendors prefer cash.
It’s also helpful to bring a small reusable bag or have extra space in your bag if you buy something. Shopping bags typically cost extra in Germany if you don’t have your own.
Even if you’re not one for shopping, take a moment and admire the detail on the wooden stalls. Every stall is different and the decorations add to the charm to this already unique Christmas market.
Eat all the Food and Sip on Festive Drinks!
This Christmas market even takes their food and drink game to a new level! I share exactly what to get in more detail below.
With over 15 different vendors they have something for everyone and all ages. This is a great place to share regional delicacies unique to the Black Forest.
For something to eat that’s unique to the Black Forest region, you need to get homemade soup! It was so flavorful and made with local meat and vegetables! To drink, don’t leave with trying the bratapfel glühmost. This spirit tastes like apple pie! It’s topped with a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon.
If you prefer traditional Christmas market food, you can’t go wrong with a bratwurst (roasted sausage) and a glühwein (mulled wine).
As a reminder, all of the food vendors only take cash.
Explore the Nativity Trail
At the back right corner of the market is a trail lined with wooden nativity scenes. The nativity scenes are created by a local artist, Simon Stiegeler, who lives in the Black Forest region. At night, the trail is lit up to enjoy, but I recommend visiting the nativity trail during the day for better visibility and see the amount of detail that goes into each wood carving.
See the Christmas Market from Above
For the most stunning panoramic views, you need to take the trail up to the Galgenbühl Höllsteig observation deck. I was so glad I went back to the Christmas Market during the day because when I tried to find this trail at night it was too dark!
This is where you need to go if you’re looking to get the best photos and a stunning panoramic view of the market. You might get lucky and see the train passing over the viaduct when you’re at the top!
The trail that will take you to the panoramic viewpoint is before you pass under the viaduct arch to the right. If you have trouble finding the trail, search “Galgenbühl Höllsteig” on your phone.
If it’s snowing, the trail might be closed because of ice. It’s not very steep and will only take a few minutes to reach the top.
Send a Postcard to Santa
The perfect activity for a family! Find the Christmas Post Office where kids (and adults!) can write and send a postcard with your Christmas wish list to Santa Claus.
Warm up by a Fire Pit
Stay warm and cozy next to one of the large wood-burning fire pits. It’s going to be chilly, but this is where you go to appreciate the noise of fire crackling, laughter, and clinking of glüwein glasses.
Watch the viaduct change colors hourly from blue to green, and red to purple! If you’re lucky you might catch the train flying by along the viaduct!
My favorite memory from the market was the moment a train crossed the viaduct, its whistle echoing through the air. As if on cue, the entire Christmas market crowd burst into cheers, creating a magical moment that perfectly captured the festive spirit of the place.
Hotels Near the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
Although the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is perfect for a day trip, there are several charming hotels nearby for those who want to stay longer. Below are my top recommendations for cozy bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs) close to the market, offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
✔ Hotel Hofgut Sternen – ⭐ 8.1/10 stars (3,734 Reviews)
Located just steps from the market, Hotel Hofgut Sternen is the perfect place to call home for your trip to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. The hotel is decorated in a traditional style giving guests an authentic Black Forest experience with modern amenities. This is the best place to stay if you want to stay near the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market – it will book up fast.
- Address: Höllsteig 76 79874 Breitnau Germany
- Distance to Market: Less than a 1-minute walk!
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, private parking, and a delicious on-site restaurant
✔ Hotel Kesslermühle – ⭐ 9/10 stars (70 Reviews)
Located just a short drive from the market, Hotel Kesslermühle is a four-star family-run hotel that combines luxury with cozy Black Forest charm. The on-site restaurant serves hearty regional cuisine, perfect to warm you up after a night at the Christmas Market.
- Address: Kesslermühle 1, 79853 Löffingen
- Distance to Market: 10-minute drive
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, room service, fitness center, indoor pool, and sauna.
✔ Parkhotel Adler ⭐ – 8.8/10 stars (211 Reviews)
For those seeking a more luxurious stay, Parkhotel Adler in Hinterzarten is an excellent option. This newly renovated five-star hotel combines old-world charm with modern comfort. It has a luxury spa, an indoor pool, and fine dining options.
- Address: Am Kurgarten 1, 79856 Hinterzarten
- Distance to Market: 15-minute drive
- Amenities: Spa, restaurant, private park, fitness center, and pet-friendly.
What to Eat and Drink at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
Come hungry to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market! One of the reasons I love this Christmas market so much is all the delicious food and unique drinks!
The local vendors have all the best food to keep you warm and cozy as you browse the stalls!
As a reminder, all of the vendors only accept cash!
Eat
- Soup: Fresh vegetables and chunky pieces of beef to keep you warm!
- Bratwurst: A German classic sausage served on a toasted bun.
- Raclette: Fresh cheese that’s melted and served with local Black Forest ham.
- Käsespätzle: Thick noodles covered in cheese, caramelized onions, and cranberry sauce. If you’re a macaroni and cheese fan – you will love käsespätzle.
- Crêpe: Not exactly, German – but it’s a Christmas market staple! A hot crêpe smothered in a hazelnut spread is my guilty pleasure!
Drink
- Glühwein: Glühwein is a key part of the Christmas market experience. Hot wine with added spices like cinnamon, star anise, vanilla, and sugar. There are also non-alcoholic versions such as Kinderpunsch for children, or those who don’t drink.
- Feuerzangenbowle: My favorite drink to get at night! A rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire over a glass of glühwein. The sugar slowly drips into your glühwein.
- Bratapfel glühmost: A hot apple liquor topped with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon! I’ve only ever seen this drink sold at this Christmas market – it was delicious!
Is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market worth visiting?
Yes, if you’re a Christmas Market enthusiast the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is a must-visit! However, like any destination, there are pros and cons of visiting. To help you plan, I’ve listed the advantages and potential drawbacks of visiting the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
Pros of Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
- The breathtaking scenery and unique location
- The cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Local vendors selling handmade crafts
- Wide range of food and drink options
- Accessible by public transportation
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Cons of Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
- Open weekends only
- The ticketing system requires you to plan ahead
- Time limit on the duration of your visit might make you feel rushed
- Few major airports nearby.
- The closest international airport would be Zurich (90 minute drive)
- Potential for snow and ice
- Larger crowds during peak hours
- Saturday evenings are typically the busiest
- Cash only
Final Thoughts: Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
German Christmas markets are truly in a league of their own, and the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is no exception! Surrounded by snow-covered trees and the enchanting landscape of the gorge, this market offers a magical, fairytale-like setting. Prepare to immerse yourself in the charm and festive spirit of Germany’s most breathtaking Christmas Market.
Read More About Christmas Markets in Europe
- Christmas in Copenhagen, Denmark
- Best Salzburg Christmas Markets
- Heidelberg, Germany Christmas Market
- Christmas in Tallinn, Estonia
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