Kepler Christmas Market Weil der Stadt

Birthplace of the astronomer Kepler

Weil der Stadt, located on the western edge of the Böblingen district (AGS 08115), is the birthplace of Johannes Kepler (1571), the Württemberg astronomer and mathematician who deciphered the planetary orbits. His monument stands in the center of the historic market square — and right there, at its feet, the town sets up the Kepler Christmas Market every year on the second Advent weekend. The Heckengäu, a gently rolling landscape between the Black Forest and Stuttgart, is its backdrop — and the market is considered the largest Christmas market in the Heckengäu.

Three Markets in One

What sets the Kepler Christmas Market apart from others is the combination of three types of markets in a small space:

• The classic Christmas market with around 60 wooden stalls from clubs, long-established stallholders, schools, and craftspeople. Glass, ceramics, wood, iron, felt, wool, silver, and gold — the range of handicrafts is surprisingly large for a small town.
• The traditional market with everyday goods, winter textiles, beekeeping products, and regional specialties.
• The medieval market in a separate area of the old town — with jugglers, blacksmith demonstrations, medieval music, and mead and mulled wine stands.

Artisan Alley and Gnome Forest

Special areas that round off the concept:

• The Artisan Alley brings together regional craftspeople in a dedicated row of stalls — direct sales, often with live demonstrations.
• The Gnome Forest is a themed area for children with decorated fir trees, small gnome figures, and hands-on activities.

Advent Concerts in St. Peter & Paul

The late Gothic town church of St. Peter & Paul, located directly on the market square, opens its doors during the market period for several Advent concerts. Trombone choirs, boys' choirs, and chamber orchestras from the region perform — a quiet counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the market square.

Town Hall Tower with Panoramic View

A special feature for visitors: The town hall tower is open to visitors during the market period — offering views over the illuminated market square activities, the rooftops of the old town, and the wintery Heckengäu. A small climb that is well worth it.

Regional and International Culinary Delights

Throughout the grounds: Swiss cheese fondue, Thuringian bratwurst, wood-fired pizza, Swabian Maultaschen, mulled wine from a regional vintner, non-alcoholic children's punch, gingerbread, crêpes, and candied almonds. At the medieval market, additionally mead, mulled honey wine, and suckling pig on a spit.