{"id":11508,"date":"2023-07-06T04:40:10","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T04:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christmasmarkets.io\/?p=11508"},"modified":"2024-05-03T00:45:39","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T00:45:39","slug":"essen-christmas-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christmasmarkets.io\/germany\/essen-christmas-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Essen Christmas Market 2024: Stalls from 20 Countries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Essen’s industrial heritage, typified by the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, contrasts beautifully with the city’s festive glow in winter and the Essen Christmas Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the following sections, you’ll find details on what to expect at this year’s event, from the unconfirmed dates, opening times and regional specialties.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Schellenberg<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Essen Christmas Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The city’s iconic industrial sites and parks are decorated in festive lights, contrasting the old and the new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike many other German markets, Essen stands out for its diverse international stalls, featuring more than 20 countries represented with unique crafts and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the city centre, Kennedyplatz is filled with an enchanting forest of 450 fir trees, all illuminated with twinkling lights. The ice skating rink is an additional highlight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dates and Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n

Essen Christmas Market dates:<\/strong> 15th November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location:<\/strong> Kennedyplatz
Opening times:<\/strong> Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm. Friday and Saturday: 11am \u2013 10pm.
Christmas Day:<\/strong> Closed.
Admission:<\/strong> Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights:<\/strong> Yes, switch on date: 15th November (unconfirmed).
Santa:<\/strong> Yes, but limited times.
Ice skating:<\/strong> Yes, at Kennedyplatz.
Vegetarian:<\/strong> Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan:<\/strong> Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free:<\/strong> Yes, but limited.
Accessible:<\/strong> Yes.
Pet-friendly:<\/strong> Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking:<\/strong> Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit:<\/strong>\u00a0International stalls and the decorated fir tree forest.
Recommended tour:<\/strong> A bus tour is a great introduction to the city<\/a>.
Specialities:<\/strong> Westphalian sandwiches, kartoffelpuffer, marzipan and hot apple cider.
Where to stay:<\/strong>
NH Essen<\/a> is well located, 3-minutes from Kennedyplatz.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Convenient Hotels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Essen-Stadtkern is the city’s historic centre. Staying here will put you within walking distance of the main attractions and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend the NH Essen Hotel<\/a> in this area. I’ve stayed at NH hotels on several occasions, which are always convenient and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Read my guide to exploring the best Christmas markets in Germany<\/a> for more ideas on where to go this year. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Event Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n