Essen Christmas Markets: Discover the Best Holiday Festivities

2. Essen Medieval Christmas Market

The Essen Medieval Christmas Market at Burgplatz offers a unique journey back in time, capturing the spirit of the Middle Ages in a festive holiday setting. Known for its historical charm, this market invites visitors to experience Christmas as it was celebrated centuries ago. From the moment you step into the market, you’re transported to a different era, surrounded by traditional wooden stalls, costumed vendors, and medieval decorations. Artisans demonstrate ancient crafts like blacksmithing and leatherwork, giving visitors a glimpse into historical craftsmanship. Food stalls serve up medieval-inspired treats, including hearty stews, roasted meats, and herbal elixirs, while warm mulled wine flows from wooden casks, adding to the market’s cozy ambiance. Performers dressed as minstrels and jesters provide entertainment, adding authenticity to the medieval atmosphere. This market is particularly popular with families, as children enjoy the interactive activities and storytelling sessions. Located near Essen’s historic sites, the Medieval Christmas Market at Burgplatz offers a magical, educational experience that’s perfect for history enthusiasts and holiday lovers alike.

• Address: Burgplatz, 45127 Essen, Germany
• Dates: November 17 – December 23, 2025
• Weekly Opening and Closing Times: Monday-Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free entry

Nearest T Stations

1. Essen Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) – 10-minute walk to Burgplatz.
2. Rathaus Essen U-Bahn Station – Just a few steps from the market.

Events

1. Medieval Performances – Actors in medieval costumes perform shows and reenactments.
2. Traditional Craft Demonstrations – Artisans display medieval crafting techniques.
3. Minstrels and Musicians – Live medieval-style music for an authentic experience.

Famous Shops or Stalls

1. Handmade Leather Goods – Beautiful leather items crafted in traditional medieval style.
2. Herbal Elixirs – Unique herbal drinks reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
3. Medieval Sweets Stall – Authentic sweets made using medieval recipes.

Special Spots You Should Not Miss

1. Old City Walls – Historic site that adds an authentic touch to the market.
2. Medieval Tower – A historic tower decorated with lights.
3. Blacksmith Workshop – Watch skilled blacksmiths at work.
4. Heraldic Banner Alley – Lined with banners representing medieval symbols.
5. Medieval Music Stage – Enjoy traditional sounds and songs from the era.

Parking and Parking Fee

Parking available at Rathaus Galerie Parking Garage for approximately €1.50 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

1. IntercityHotel Essen – Convenient, modern hotel close to Burgplatz.
2. Novum Hotel Arosa – Comfortable and centrally located.
3. Mercure Hotel Plaza Essen – Stylish hotel with good access to transport.

Nearby Restaurants

1. Unperfekthaus – A unique spot with creative food options.
2. DAMPFE – Das Borbecker Brauhaus – Authentic German dishes and brews.
3. Restaurant Wallberg – High-quality dining in a cozy atmosphere.

3. Essen Rüttenscheid Christmas Market

The Essen Rüttenscheid Christmas Market is a charming, community-focused event located on the bustling Rüttenscheider Straße. Known for its intimate atmosphere, this market has become a favorite among locals who seek a cozy and less commercialized holiday experience. The Rüttenscheid Christmas Market is filled with artisan stalls offering handmade goods, including ornaments, candles, and unique holiday decorations crafted by local artisans. The market is also known for its delicious food offerings, with vendors selling everything from traditional German sausages to freshly baked stollen and gingerbread. A unique feature of this market is the Candlelight Shopping Nights, where nearby shops stay open late and offer special holiday deals, allowing visitors to browse both the market and local boutiques. The entire street is lined with illuminated trees, creating a warm and welcoming holiday ambiance. With its focus on supporting local artisans and businesses, the Essen Rüttenscheid Christmas Market provides a quaint, authentic experience that captures the true essence of Christmas in a tight-knit community setting.

• Address: Rüttenscheider Straße, 45130 Essen, Germany
• Dates: December 1 – December 23, 2025
• Weekly Opening and Closing Times: Monday-Friday 3 PM – 9 PM, Saturday-Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free entry

Nearest T Stations

1. Rüttenscheider Stern U-Bahn Station – Located directly on Rüttenscheider Straße.
2. Martinstrasse U-Bahn Station – A short walk to the market area.

Events

1. Christmas Choirs – Local choirs perform Christmas carols on select evenings.
2. Candlelight Shopping Nights – Shops stay open late, offering special holiday deals.
3. Kids’ Craft Corner – A fun area for children to create holiday crafts.

Famous Shops or Stalls

1. Artisan Bakery – Freshly baked goods, including stollen and gingerbread.
2. Handcrafted Ornaments – Beautiful decorations to take home.
3. Local Wine Stand – Enjoy a glass of regional wine with festive flair.

Special Spots You Should Not Miss

1. Rüttenscheider Arkaden – Shopping area with Christmas decorations.
2. Illuminated Trees – The entire street is lined with festive lights.
3. Art Corner – Local artists display their holiday-inspired works.
4. Pop-Up Shops – Unique holiday items from small businesses.
5. Local Boutiques – Independent stores offer unique holiday gifts.

Parking and Parking Fee

Parking available at Rüttenscheider Stern Parking Lot for approximately €1.50 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

1. Atlantic Congress Hotel Essen – Elegant hotel with top amenities.
2. GHOTEL Hotel & Living Essen – Modern, comfortable rooms near Rüttenscheider Straße.
3. Hotel Maximilians – Cozy boutique hotel perfect for holiday stays.

Nearby Restaurants

1. Mörchens Eis – Famous for its seasonal, holiday-themed ice cream.
2. Sausalitos Essen – Mexican-inspired dishes with a festive twist.
3. Il Mulino – Italian restaurant with holiday specials.

4. Essen Steele Christmas Market

The Essen Steele Christmas Market, located at Kaiser-Otto-Platz, is a beloved holiday event that transforms the historic district of Steele into a festive winter wonderland. This market is known for its community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and locals alike. The Essen Steele Christmas Market is beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights illuminating the trees and buildings around the square. The highlight of the market is the Steele Christmas Parade, where costumed characters and decorated floats bring a sense of magic to the streets. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, which offer a scenic view of the charming Steele district. The market is filled with stalls selling handcrafted gifts, woolen goods, and holiday decorations, along with food vendors offering traditional German snacks, mulled wine, and sweet treats. With its strong sense of community and variety of holiday activities, the Essen Steele Christmas Market provides a festive and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the season in a historic setting.

• Address: Kaiser-Otto-Platz, 45276 Essen, Germany
• Dates: November 22 – December 23, 2025
• Weekly Opening and Closing Times: Monday-Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free entry

Nearest T Stations

1. Essen-Steele Bahnhof – A short walk to Kaiser-Otto-Platz.
2. Steeler Straße S-Bahn Station – Easily accessible and close to the market.

Events

1. Steele Christmas Parade – A festive parade with decorated floats and costumed characters.
2. Carriage Rides – Enjoy scenic rides around Steele in a holiday-decorated carriage.
3. Children’s Storytelling Tent – Magical holiday stories read aloud for children.

Famous Shops or Stalls

1. Handcrafted Woolen Goods – Warm hats, scarves, and gloves perfect for winter.
2. Local Honey Stand – Organic honey and beeswax candles.
3. Wooden Toys – Traditional, handmade wooden toys.

Special Spots You Should Not Miss

1. Historic Steele Church – Beautifully lit and decorated for the season.
2. Christmas Mural Wall – A wall of festive paintings done by local artists.
3. Steele Clock Tower – An iconic landmark decorated with lights.
4. Christmas Photo Booth – Capture holiday memories with themed backgrounds.
5. Steele Village Lights – A scenic display of lights throughout the village.

Parking and Parking Fee

Available at Steele Parking Lot for approximately €1 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

1. Hotel Franz – Modern and welcoming hotel near Steele.
2. Petul Hotel An der Zeche – Convenient, family-friendly option.
3. B&B Hotel Essen – Affordable stay with easy access to public transport.

Nearby Restaurants

1. Gasthaus Alte Hütte – Traditional German fare in a cozy setting.
2. Pizza e Amore – Delicious pizza and Italian dishes.
3. Grill am Markt – Great for quick bites with a holiday feel.

5. Essen Werdener Advent Market

The Essen Werdener Advent Market, located in the quaint town of Werden, offers a cozy and traditional Christmas experience just outside the city center. Held on weekends throughout December at Marktplatz Werden, this market is known for its charming ambiance and focus on local artisans. The Werdener Advent Market is set against the backdrop of the historic Werden Abbey and features beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering handcrafted items, holiday wreaths, and seasonal treats. The market’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal for families and couples looking to enjoy a peaceful holiday outing. Advent concerts are held in the square, adding to the festive mood with live performances of Christmas classics. Children can enjoy craft workshops, creating holiday-themed crafts to take home. A storytelling tent and fire pits for roasting marshmallows enhance the cozy, nostalgic vibe. With its scenic surroundings and focus on local craftsmanship, the Essen Werdener Advent Market provides a charming, small-town holiday experience that captures the warmth and magic of the season.

• Address: Marktplatz Werden, 45239 Essen, Germany
• Dates: December 1 – December 22, 2025 (Weekends only)
• Weekly Opening and Closing Times: Saturday-Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free entry

Nearest T Stations

1. Essen-Werden Bahnhof – 5-minute walk to the market.
2. Margarethenhöhe U-Bahn Station – A short drive or bike ride away.

Events

1. Advent Concerts – Local musicians perform holiday classics in the town square.
2. Children’s Christmas Workshop – Kids can create holiday crafts on Saturdays.
3. Storytelling by the Fire – Cozy storytelling sessions with hot cocoa and blankets.

Famous Shops or Stalls

1. Artisan Soap Stall – Handmade soaps with seasonal scents.
2. Wreath-Making Booth – Beautiful, fresh wreaths perfect for holiday decor.
3. Christmas Cookie Stand – Delicious holiday cookies made by local bakers.

Special Spots You Should Not Miss

1. Abbey Werden – Historic abbey beautifully lit and decorated for Christmas.
2. Old Town Walk – Scenic stroll through Werdener’s decorated old streets.
3. Historic Market Fountain – Lit up with Christmas lights and decorations.
4. St. Ludgerus Church – Stunning architecture and holiday decor.
5. Holiday Lantern Path – Lit path that creates a cozy evening ambiance.

Parking and Parking Fee

Parking available at Werdener Markt Parking Area for approximately €1 per hour.

Nearby Hotels

1. Hotel-Restaurant Sengelmannshof – Traditional hotel with excellent amenities.
2. Hotel Wilhelmshöhe Essen – Comfortable, family-run hotel nearby.
3. Mintrops Stadt Hotel Margarethenhöhe – Unique and stylish option close to Werden.

Nearby Restaurants

1. Zur schönen Aussicht – Known for its holiday ambiance and local dishes.
2. Kokille Restaurant – Excellent Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
3. Cafe Werntges – Perfect for a cozy coffee and cake during the market visit.

Conclusion

Essen’s Christmas markets each offer a unique experience, blending tradition, local culture, and festive cheer. From the international flair of Kennedyplatz to the medieval charm of Burgplatz and the quaint ambiance of Werden, these markets make Essen a prime holiday destination. Visitors can explore a wide array of artisanal gifts, holiday treats, and family-friendly events while taking in the city’s enchanting holiday decorations. Embrace the magic of the season by visiting Essen’s diverse Christmas markets and discovering all that this vibrant city has to offer during the holidays.