Host Nation Update, Dec. 1, 2023
Christmas markets in the Stuttgart Districts
Up to 20,000 visitors come to the Vaihingen Christmas market every year
On the first weekend of Advent, 2 and 3 December, the Vaihinger Fachgeschäfte (VVF) association organizes the 44th Vaihinger Christmas Market around the district town hall and the Vaihinger Markt. With around 120 stalls, it is one of the largest markets in the region organized by volunteers. A mixture of volunteers such as local clubs, kindergartens, schools, private individuals and professional traders is what makes it so appealing. Another special feature is the Vaihingen school picture show in the district town hall. Parallel to the Christmas market on the first weekend of Advent in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, the association “Pflege des Kulturgutes Alte Spieleisenbahnen, Blechspielzeug und Dampfmaschinen” invites you to an exhibition in the Häussler-Bürgerforum on Schwabenplatz. It will be open on Saturday from 12 noon to 6 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 4.30 pm. On two floors and an area of more than 700 square meters, railroad trains and sheet metal ambience from the years 1895 to 1964 can be seen in high quality and rarity, supplemented by modern equipment from the modern era. Admission costs seven euros, concessions two euros. Children accompanied by an adult pay nothing.
The Möhringen Christkindlesmarkt is a purely charitable market: every euro goes to a good cause. It is organized by the citizens’ association. This year’s market is on December 2. It is open from 11 am to 6 pm. Clubs and organizations offer food, drink and Christmas crafts at 37 stands. The youth farm sets up an adventure trail for children. And St. Nicholas will be giving sweets to the little ones. The Liederkranz concert begins at 6 pm in St. Martin’s Church.
Feuerbach Christmas will be heralded on Saturday, December 2, when the trade and commerce association (GHV) invites visitors to Wilhelm-Geiger-Platz from 3 to 7 pm. There will be children’s singing, dance performances and performances by the trombone choir and the Feuerbach city orchestra. A week later – on December 9 and 10 – the Feuerbach Christmas market takes place around Rudolf-Gehring-Platz. On Saturday, district head Johannes Heberle and GHV chairman Jürgen Reichert will open the event at 6 pm. There will be hip-hop performances by “DanceHouse74” and the “Silent Jazz Trio”. On Sunday, the Christmas market is open from 11 am to 6 pm. Stars from the musical “Tina” will be performing from 11 am to 11.30 am. From 12.30 to 15.30 there is always soap bubble magic. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., children can collect their filled Santa Claus boots from the GHV stand. There will also be performances by “DanceHouse74” and the sports association.
The Protestant parish is once again organizing an Advent market in Zuffenhausen this year. On Saturday, December 9, numerous associations and groups will present themselves at around 20 stands around the Johanneskirche at Marbacher Straße 13. Among others, the Protestant youth organization will be there with its jukebox and the Catholic scouts with a fire bowl. The event starts at 9.30 am with a prayer service in St. John’s Church. The market ends at 4 pm with the ringing of bells.
The Old Town Association invites you to the Christmas market in Bad Cannstatt. There are 13 booths with lots of culinary delights between the town hall and the pea fountain. The Christmas trees are once again in Marktstraße, colorfully decorated with red bows and tags made by children. Traditionally, there are also wish trees with wishes from people in need. The Cannstatt Christmas market is open daily from 11.30 am to 9 pm until Saturday, December 23. (Stgt Nachrichten, Dec 1, 2023)
Snow Sledding in Stuttgart
From the highest point in the city (549 meters above sea level), the Bernhartshöhe in Vaihingen, you can sledge down the hill. Alternatively, winter enthusiasts can opt for sledging fun with a special view in front of Solitude Castle. The upper section is particularly suitable for younger sledgers.
Birkenkopf
A circuit leads downhill around the Birkenkopf. The route is rather flat, but quite long. The fact that the descent here is not quite so steep has two advantages. Firstly, it reduces the risk of accidents. Secondly, the ascent is easier. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city.
Rotenberg
Rotenberg on the Egelseer Heide is also not particularly fast on a sledge. The route is not particularly steep, but it is spacious and not particularly crowded. So you don’t have to worry about being hit by runners as you run up the hill.
Bismarck Tower
The route from the Bismarck Tower over the Feuerbacher Heide is very popular, relatively steep and wide enough for the large crowds. The ride here doesn’t take too long. But you are quickly back at the top and can enjoy the wonderful view over the valley basin as you catch your breath.
Wernhalde in Degerloch
The toboggan run at Wernhalde in Degerloch opposite Waldau is even marked as such on the city map. A pile of snow has been heaped up especially for a lively start. The run takes you rapidly through the forest to the Bopserhütte. By shifting their weight, experienced sledgers can master the long bends without braking.
Solitude
Sledging fun in front of the castle: The slope in front of Solitude Castle offers a wide, not too steep run. The upper section is more for the little ones. Perhaps the longest toboggan run in the city continues through the forest via Ludwigsburger Allee. And the uphill run is only half as difficult here with a view of the palace. It goes without saying that you have to be careful on all descents and always ride with caution. Particular caution is required on routes that you share with other road users. (Stgt Nachrichten, Dec 1, 2023)
Six-lane expansion of the A8 near Pforzheim fully closed at the beginning of December
The A8 Autobahn will be fully closed in both directions between the Pforzheim-Süd and Pforzheim-Nord junctions due to simultaneous construction work. This was announced by the southwest branch of Autobahn GmbH. The full closure will begin on Friday, December 1, at around 8 pm and will be lifted again on Monday, December 4, at around 5 am.
Maintenance work from December 4 to 6 – Night closures in the Schönbuch Tunnel
The reason given by Autobahn GmbH Niederlassung Südwest for the full closure is to reduce the impact of the overall project on residents and road users by bundling various measures together with the construction companies involved.
Further information can be found at: www.autobahn.de/suedwest. (Stgt Nachrichten, Dec 1, 2023)