Residents of Heidelberg's Kurfürsten-Anlage are growing increasingly frustrated due to ongoing issues with drug activity, noise, drunkenness, and violence, with no solutions in sight for the PHV bus stop problem. Meanwhile, the city is preparing for a vibrant cultural and culinary year. In February 2026, the popular pop-up restaurant 'Stories' will return to Heidelberg's historic Palais Prinz Carl, offering a unique Japanese-inspired dining experience. The event, organized by the Bliss Group, will feature a special menu curated by 2-star chef Benjamin Peifer, known for his expertise in Japanese cuisine and recent accolades as 'Chef of the Year' by Gault&Millau 2025. The restaurant will operate from February 5 to May 2, with 50 sessions held Wednesday through Saturday, where guests will enjoy a 5- to 17-course menu inspired by the Japanese Omakase tradition, emphasizing trust in the chef's selection. The Palais will be transformed with atmospheric design, flexible for other events, and tickets are available online. Additionally, Heidelberg's Christmas market in 2025 remains a festive highlight, while the city prepares for the debut of the Maifeld Derby music festival in 2026.