Essen’s industrial heritage, highlighted by the UNESCO-listed Zollverein, contrasts with the city’s festive winter glow and the Essen Christmas Market.
In the following sections, you’ll find details on this year’s event, including dates, opening times, and regional specialties.
Essen Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Essen Christmas Market dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Kennedyplatz.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: A bus tour provides an introduction to the city.
Public transport: U-bahn: Hirschlandplatz or take the tram.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Centralgarage Kennedyplatz is the nearest parking.
Where to stay: NH Essen is well located, 3-minutes from Kennedyplatz.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: No announced switch on date.
Santa: Yes, but limited times.
Ice skating: Yes, at Kennedyplatz.
Reason to visit: International stalls and the decorated fir tree forest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Westphalian sandwiches, kartoffelpuffer, marzipan and hot apple cider.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Essen-Stadtkern is the city’s historic centre. Staying here will put you within walking distance of the main attractions and events.
I recommend the NH Essen Hotel in this area. I’ve stayed at NH hotels on several occasions, which are always convenient and comfortable.
Read our German Christmas Markets List for more ideas on where to go this year.
Event Location
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
What to Expect
Essen’s industrial heritage is lit up with festive lights, creating a striking contrast between the old and the new.
In the city centre, Kennedyplatz is transformed into a forest of 450 illuminated fir trees, with an ice skating rink as a main attraction.
Unlike many other German markets, Essen stands out for its diverse international stalls. Over 20 countries are represented, offering unique crafts and food.
Food Specialties
- Bratwurst: A classic German sausage served with sauerkraut or mustard.
- Kartoffelpuffer: Grated potato pancakes that are fried until crispy, usually served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Lebkuchen: A traditional gingerbread cookie.
- Glühwein: Classic mulled wine served in a commemorative mug.
- Stollen: A sweet, fruit-filled bread similar to fruitcake and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Candied almonds roasted with sugar and cinnamon.
- Marzipan: A sweet almond paste often shaped into various figures and shapes.
- Käsespätzle: A type of small noodle topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions.
Sustainability Tips
- Consider staying in an eco-friendly hotel that uses renewable energy as its electricity source.
- Plan your meals carefully and buy only what you need to avoid food waste. Look for smaller portions or share with a friend.
- Choose locally sourced and organic foods to support local farmers and sustainable food production.
- Try to eat more plant-based meals, as meat production significantly contributes to emissions.
- When attending events or shopping, take public transport or ride-sharing services instead of driving alone. If the weather permits, walk or ride a bike to get around.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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