As the chill of winter cloaks Esslingen, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of seasonal activity, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets providing a charming backdrop. The city’s rich history and unique appeal draws crowds to its renowned Esslingen Christmas Market.
In this guide, I’m going to share all the essentials for your visit – key 2023 dates, opening hours and the local specialties not to miss.
Esslingen takes on a magical quality during the festive season, its medieval architecture beautifully adorned with Christmas lights.
Esslingen Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Esslingen uniquely blends a Medieval Market and a traditional Christmas Market.
Its stalls, each one more enticing than the last, specialise in artisan crafts, traditional medieval-style goods and Christmas decorations. In Esslingen, emphasis is placed on authenticity and quality rather than mass-produced goods.
One of its highlights includes intriguing demonstrations of ancient crafts. Also, don’t miss the chance to try the local speciality food and drink, including hot mead served in clay goblets.
More than 200 Christmas stalls and 500 cultural activities await, with vendors donning medieval costumes and craftspeople demonstrating age-old techniques, giving a glimpse into the bygone era.
Dates and Location
Esslingen Christmas Market dates: 23rd November to 21st December 2023.
Location: Marktplatz and in front of the Old Town Hall.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8:30pm. Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, from 23rd November 2023.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Medieval Fair, historical reenactments, candle workshops, Swabian delicacies and a trombone choir.
Specialities: Swabian specialties, classic pretzels, gaisburger marsch, schupfnudeln, locally produced mulled wine.
Where to stay: Ecoinn is a popular, eco-friendly hotel located 7-minutes from the Christmas market.
Hotels near Esslingen Christmas Market
To stay near Esslingen Christmas Market, I suggest staying in the Old Town near the Town Hall and the main Market Square. This area places you within a short walk of the Christmas market and numerous other attractions.
For a comfortable hotel in a superb location, I’d recommend Ecoinn, renowned for its green initiatives and excellent reviews.
Location of Esslingen Christmas Market
Christmas in Esslingen
The following video provides a great representation of the Esslingen Medieval Market if you’re curious about what to expect.
To help you plan your trip and explore more celebrations across the country, you can refer to my guide to the best Christmas markets in Germany 2023.
Christmas Specialties in Esslingen
Sauerbraten: A classic German pot roast, usually made from beef, Sauerbraten gets its distinctive flavour from a long marination process in a mixture of vinegar, water, and spices. It’s typically served with potato dumplings, red cabbage, or sauerkraut, making for a hearty winter meal.
Kartoffelsalat: A common side dish, Kartoffelsalat is a potato salad with a distinct German twist. It’s typically made with vinegar, mustard and onions, then served warm. It pairs excellently with sausages or other meat dishes but can be enjoyed on its own for a lighter, vegetarian option.
Stollen: Stollen is a bread-like fruitcake, dusted with powdered sugar, that’s a staple in German Christmas celebrations. Its dense dough is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices and often a marzipan centre.
Lebkuchen: These are traditional German Christmas cookies, similar to gingerbread. Made with honey, spices and nuts, Lebkuchen comes in many shapes and sizes, often beautifully decorated or glazed with sugar.
Rote Grütze: A popular Esslinger dessert, Rote Grütze is a red fruit pudding. It’s traditionally served with vanilla sauce or cream and is made from a mixture of berries like redcurrants, raspberries and cherries. It’s popular in summer, but you can find winter versions too.
Glühwein: No German Christmas would be complete without a warming mug of glühwein. This spiced mulled wine, often enhanced with a shot of rum, helps to ward off the winter chill and is a beloved tradition at Christmas.
Food at the Christmas Market
Swabian Maultaschen: A regional specialty of Swabia, these are large dumplings filled with minced meat, bread, onions and spinach. They can be served in broth or fried with onions and eggs. Maultaschen is a perfect, hearty snack to enjoy while exploring the market.
Schupfnudeln: These are finger-shaped potato dumplings, typically pan-fried with sauerkraut or bacon. At the Christmas market, they offer a warm, filling street food option that is deliciously savoury.
Bratwurst: This ubiquitous German sausage is a common sight at Christmas markets. Grilled to perfection and served in a bun with mustard or ketchup, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat that can be enjoyed while walking around the market.
Pretzels: A classic German snack, these are large, freshly baked and salted pretzels that are soft inside with a slightly crunchy exterior. Their unique shape and distinct flavour make them a favourite snack at the Christmas market.
Maroni (Roasted Chestnuts): Roasting over open fires at street corners, Maroni, or roasted chestnuts, offers a simple, warming snack. Their sweet, nutty aroma often fills the air, inviting you to try this traditional winter treat.
Crepe with Nutella: A nod to the neighbouring French cuisine, crepes are thin pancakes filled with various sweet or savoury toppings. A favourite amongst visitors is the crepe slathered with Nutella, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Feuerzangenbowle: This is a festive German alcoholic drink, essentially a more dramatic version of mulled wine. A sugarloaf soaked in rum is set alight and dripped into the glühwein below, creating a spectacular sight and a warming drink.
What to Buy
Handcrafted Wooden Toys: Craftsmanship truly shines in the wooden toys found at the Esslingen Christmas market. Locally crafted figures, intricate puzzle boxes and traditional German Christmas pyramids are among the treasures that delight both young and old.
Decorative Christmas Ornaments: Reflecting the vibrant Christmas spirit, these ornaments range from intricately hand-painted baubles to delicate glass icicles. Adorn your Christmas tree with these unique pieces and bring home a slice of the Esslingen Christmas Market.
Candles: Artisanal candle makers set up stalls showcasing a variety of candles, from plain pillars to ornate creations in various shapes and colours. There are also activities at the Christmas market where you can make your own candles.
Local Wine: Esslingen has a rich winemaking tradition. At the Christmas market, local vineyards sell their wines, making it a great opportunity to pick up a bottle of Trollinger or Riesling as a gift or souvenir.
Lebkuchen Hearts: Often inscribed with festive messages, these gingerbread hearts are as much a decorative gift as a sweet treat. They are typically hung with a ribbon, allowing them to be used as a unique, edible Christmas ornament.
Warm Winter Clothing: Hand-knitted scarves, woolly hats, and mittens are common sights at the market stalls. These not only provide immediate warmth but also serve as practical souvenirs of your visit.
Medieval Craft Items: Given the market’s medieval theme, several stalls sell products reminiscent of that era. Hand-forged ironware, leather goods and pottery offer a unique memento from the Esslingen Medieval market.
I suggest checking out the City of Esslingen’s tourist website for more useful information about visiting the city. It’s in German, but you should be able to translate it in your browser. This list of the main sights is a good starting point.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Esslingen at Christmas.
Use Renewable Energy: Many hotels in Esslingen, including Ecoinn, are powered by renewable energy. By choosing to stay at such establishments, you’re actively supporting the city’s efforts towards sustainability.
Reduce Food Waste: Enjoy the delicious street food at the Christmas markets in Esslingen, but try to only buy what you can finish. This conscious act helps to reduce the overall food waste generated during the festival.
Practise Ethical Consumption: As you shop at the Christmas market, consider the products’ origins. Opt for locally made goods as they support the local economy and have a smaller carbon footprint due to shorter transportation distances. Most Christmas stalls in Esslingen sell locally sourced goods.
Adopt a Sustainable Diet: While indulging in the rich food culture of Esslingen, consider sampling the vegetarian options available at the market.
Use Sustainable Transport: Esslingen’s compact nature makes it ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. The city’s public transport system is also excellent, with electric buses operating in the city centre, reducing the need for car travel.
Limit Single-Use Plastic: Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag while exploring the Christmas market. Many stalls are happy to serve food in reusable containers, reducing the amount of single-use plastic waste.
FAQ
The Esslingen Christmas Market dates are from 23rd November to 21st December 2023.
The Esslingen Christmas Market opens Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8:30pm. Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9:30pm.
The Esslingen Christmas Market takes place in the city centre, transforming the area into a bustling hub of festive activity. It stretches from the Old Town Hall to the Esslingen Market Square.
Yes, there are several hotels in close proximity to the Christmas Market. Ecoinn, for instance, is a highly-rated eco-hotel that is conveniently located near the market.
Esslingen offers various attractions, including Esslingen Castle, the city’s medieval Old Town and the St. Dionys Church. Consider going on a city tour to cover all the main sights.
If you would like to leave a review of Esslingen Xmas Market, comment below.
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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 Esslingen, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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