Essen Christmas Market 2023: Stalls from 20 Countries

The city takes on an enchanting allure as winter descends on Essen, Germany. The rich industrial heritage of Essen, typified by the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, contrasts beautifully with the festive glow of the city.

Essen Christmas Market, known for its illuminated huts and bustling stalls, is a beautiful seasonal event that adds to the city’s charm.

In the following sections, you’ll find comprehensive details on what to expect at the Christmas market in Essen this 2023, from the confirmed dates, opening times and exact locations to the standout stalls and unique culinary specialties.

Christmas in Essen imbues the city with an undeniable warmth despite the winter chill. The city’s iconic industrial sites and parks are decorated in festive lights, creating a contrast between the old and the new.

Alongside the celebrations, the city’s rich cultural life continues unabated, with seasonal performances and events filling venues like the Aalto Theatre and Philharmonic Essen.

Essen Christmas Market 2023

The Essen Christmas Market is indeed something special. Unlike many other German Christmas markets, Essen stands out for its diverse international stalls, featuring more than 20 countries represented with unique crafts and delicious food.

Picture this: standing in the centre of Kennedyplatz surrounded by an enchanting forest of 450 fir trees, all illuminated with twinkling lights, sipping on a cup of traditional glühwein.

For added enjoyment, there’s a captivating ice rink in the middle of the market, where visitors can skate or relax.

Dates and Location

Essen Christmas Market dates: 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Kennedyplatz
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm. Friday and Saturday: 11am – 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 17th November 2023.
Santa: Yes, but limited times.
Ice skating: Yes, at Kennedyplatz.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Diverse international stalls, magical forest of lights, ice rink, and medieval-themed Lichterwochen Essen.
Recommended tour: A bus tour is a great introduction to the city.
Specialities: Westphalian ham sandwiches, reibekuchen (potato pancakes), marzipan, hot apple cider, and Flammkuchen.
Where to stay: NH Essen is well located, 3-minutes from the Christmas market at Kennedyplatz.

Hotels near Essen Christmas Market

If you plan to visit Essen, you’ll likely want to stay in Essen-Stadtkern, the historic city centre. Here you’ll be within walking distance of all the holiday festivities and many of the city’s other attractions.

I suggest staying at the NH Essen Hotel as it’s located within Essen-Stadtkern, is a 3-minute walk to the Christmas market, and it’s an eco-friendly hotel that uses 100% renewable electricity.

Location of Essen Christmas Market

Christmas in Essen

This video will give you a taste of what it’s like to experience the Christmas market in Kennedyplatz. From the festive decorations and traditional food to the live music and entertainment, you’ll get a glimpse of the magical holiday atmosphere that awaits you.

Read my guide to exploring the best Christmas markets in Germany. It includes information on the best markets to visit, the most delicious food to try, browsing the crafts and gifts and how to get around.

Christmas Specialties in Essen

• Bratwurst: A type of German sausage made from ground pork and seasoned with various spices, often served with sauerkraut or mustard.
• Kartoffelpuffer: Grated potato pancakes that are fried until crispy, usually served with applesauce or sour cream.
• Lebkuchen: A type of gingerbread that’s popular during the holiday season, often decorated with icing or chocolate.
• Glühwein: A hot spiced wine that’s typically served at Christmas markets and other festive events.
• Stollen: A sweet, fruit-filled bread that’s similar to fruitcake, often dusted with powdered sugar.
• Gebrannte Mandeln: Candied almonds that are roasted with sugar and cinnamon, a popular snack at Christmas markets.
• Spätzle: A soft egg noodle often served as a side dish or topped with cheese.
• Marzipan: A sweet almond paste that’s often shaped into various figures and shapes, popular as a Christmas treat in Essen.
• Champignonrahm: A creamy mushroom sauce that’s often served over spaetzle or other German noodles. This dish can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Käsespätzle: A type of macaroni and cheese made with spaetzle noodles and melted cheese, often topped with caramelized onions. This dish can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Essen’s official website might be useful if you’re planning a trip to the city as they share information on local attractions, events, dining options and things to do. Be sure to check it out before your visit.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Essen at Christmas.

• 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 at the Christmas market or share with a friend.
• Opt for locally-sourced and organic foods to support local farmers and sustainable food production.
• Try to eat more plant-based meals during Christmas, as meat production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. There are plenty of plant-based options at the Christmas market in Essen.
• Use public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of driving alone when attending holiday events or shopping to reduce emissions from transport. If the weather permits, walk or ride a bike to get around.

FAQ

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Essen, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.