Home for the Holidays? Don’t miss these on-post events.
Compiled by USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
Tuesday, Nov. 26- Wednesday, Dec. 11
Operation Angel Tree
- Help a child have a brighter holiday this year by picking a child (or children) from The Angel Tree at the Panzer Main Exchange or Patch Commissary and purchasing holiday gifts for them! The nomination window for recipients is open through Sunday, Nov. 29. Drop off unwrapped gifts at ACS by Dec. 11 and ACS will distribute those gifts to recipients.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Robinson Barracks Tree Lighting at Building 168
4 to 7 p.m.
- Enjoy selfies with Santa, a food truck, JROTC performance, games, baked goods, cocoa, and more!
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Patch Barracks Tree Lighting at Patch Chapel parking lot
5 p.m.
- Photo opps with Santa, caroling, food trucks, home-based businesses and hot cocoa followed by a tree lighting.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Kelley Barracks Tree Lighting at Parade Deck Building 3314
4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa, treats and Santa. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 7
Thriftmas at Patch Thrift Shop
Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The annual winter holiday shopping event at the Patch Thrift Shop includes everything you need to deck the halls this season. Shop from a large variety of holiday decor, gifts, clothing, trees, wreaths, kitchen items, gift wrap, and more.
Friday, Dec. 6
Frosty Fest and Panzer Tree Lighting at Panzer Kaserne
Galaxy Bowling Center Parking Lot (Frosty Fest), Headquarters (Tree Lighting), and Panzer Fitness Center Turf Field (Army vs. Navy)
3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- This year’s Frosty Fest features pics with St. Nick in the Galaxy Bowling Center from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., a tree lighting at 5 p.m., and Army vs. Navy flag football at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy live performances, holiday treats and trinkets and a family friendly fun zone with inflatables, ski and snowboard simulators, and more.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Ugly Sweater Run 5K at Patch Barracks
9 a.m.
- Put on your kitschiest holiday sweater and join other community members for a frosty 5K around Patch Barracks. There will be a prize for the tackiest costume and the first 100 participants will receive a shirt. Registration is $20 before Dec. 4 and $25 through the morning of the race. Register at any Fitness Center or on Webtrac.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Single and Unaccompanied Service Member Holiday Dinner by USO Stuttgart
6 to 8 p.m.
- Don’t miss out on the holidays just because you’re away from home and family! The USO is preparing a special celebration just for single unaccompanied community members with an incredible meal, gifts, and more! Registration is required and opens on Dec. 5. One ticket per attendee.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Services
Times TBD
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day Services
Times TBD
Other Local Community Events
Our host nation is known for its Christmas markets and a comprehensive list would be extensive, but here is a small sample of a few unique markets in our local area. Nearby cities, towns, and villages also have their own celebrations, including Böblingen, Vaihingen, and Möhringen.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
Wednesday, Nov. 27- Monday, Dec. 23
Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday/Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Enjoy one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany conveniently right in the heart of Stuttgart at the Schlossplatz.
Esslingen Medieval Market
Tuesday, Nov. 26- Sunday, Dec.22
Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Almost 200 booths in a medieval setting greet visitors of this market.
Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market
Tuesday, Nov. 26-Sunday, Dec. 22
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- Just 30 minutes north of Stuttgart, the Baroque market in Ludwigsburg is one of Germany’s most popular markets. Shop for locally made crafts at more than 150 stalls in the elegant Baroque main square while listening to music from carol singers, choirs, and quartets.
Tübingen Chocolate Festival & Christmas Market
Tübingen kicks off the holiday season with a one-week chocolate festival in the Altstadt (Old Town) from Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 8 followed by a one-weekend Christmas market in the same area from Friday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 15.
- Hours vary so check the event websites for details.