The Wiesbaden Sternschnuppen Weihnachtsmarkt is easily one of the best Christmas markets in all of…read moreHessen. What makes it especially unique is how it's spread throughout the city's central shopping area, giving the entire downtown a festive and magical atmosphere. There's an excellent variety of food stalls offering classic holiday favorites, along with plenty of booths selling gifts, decorations, and handmade items--perfect for Christmas shopping while you stroll. The layout makes it feel lively and spacious, and it's easy to wander from one beautifully decorated area to the next. Whether you're there for the food, the shopping, or just to soak in the holiday spirit, this market delivers on all fronts. A must-visit during the Christmas season in Wiesbaden!

Many options to the holiday festivities here in Wiesbaden. First market we stopped at had lots of…read morefood and beverage options and a huge ferris wheel! Second one has dozens of vendor booths, live performances on a stage. Fun for the kids during the day and bands for adults at night. Plus a merry-go-round, plenty of gluhwein options and sweet treats. Adult beverages come in a souvenir cup. If you don't want to keep it, return to the vendor for a €3 refund. Several stand-at tables are set up all around to eat and drink. Join a group if there is room. Some enclosed table areas can be rented by the hour. Germany has banned disposable take-away cups, so that is not an option. Over in Luisenplatz there is a train ride and smaller merry-go-round for the little ones plus a a forest of Christmas trees with paths that lead to child sized houses with child size workbenches, tables and chairs. Plus a Santa Clause mail box. At night it's all lit up. Magical. The marktplatz are blocked off with huge concrete barriers so vehicles cannot access the area with police posted for added security. Plenty of families, friend groups and couples are enjoying the festivities and doing some Christmas shopping.

The Hessen State Theatre in Wiesbaden. This theatre is subsidized by the Hessian State Gov't. Three…read morediffferent stages for Opera, Ballet, and symphonies. Opera-wise the STW is not really in the same league as nearby Frankfurt. The productions are less grand and the level of singing talent not as consistent. It is also a much more casual affair with many students in attendance. Mid week performances you're more likely to see jeans than formal attire. On weekends and for Premiers it's a bit dressier but nothing like a major opera house. The Opera House itself is a little over 100 years old and modeled roughly after Vienna and Prague so it has a very old-fashioned feel. It's actually a good place to go for opera newbies. Ticket prices are very reasonable,, dress-code lax, and they rely heavily on thhe standard repertoire so there's a fair chance you can see La Boheme, Tosca, or The Magic Flute. Park in the Casino parking garage just past the Casino at the top of the Wilhelmstrasse.