Essen makes Christmas dreams come true
From Nov. 14 to Dec. 23, 2025, travel to Essen, in the heart of the Ruhr region, and enjoy a Christmas market that has won two awards.
It is not only the most sustainable Christmas market in Europe, but also among the "best Christmas markets" in all of Germany. For decades, this market has been an international crowd puller and, with its high-quality assortment and unique lights, makes for an unforgettable advent outing.
Right at Willy-Brandt-Platz begins the first of the three large Christmas market areas. Absolute eye-catcher there is the XXL mulled wine pyramid. With a height of 20 meters, this is one of the largest in the world. Just a few minutes' walk away is the Kennedyplatz, the heart of the International Christmas Market Essen. Here you can leisurely stroll past the stalls under a sparkling net of lights and be inspired by the wide range of products on offer. This year's traders come from about 15 countries around the world. For example, there are jewelry from the Baltic states, nativity scenes from South Tyrol and delicacies from Spain and Italy. Unlike many other Christmas markets in Germany, the organizers place great importance on ensuring that no more than 30 percent of the stalls are food stalls. The emphasis is on beautiful and high-quality products and gifts. Yet culinary Christmas market classics such as mulled wine, churros, roasted almonds or potato pancakes are certainly not to be missed. Nor should the Flachsmarkt's own medieval market. By torchlight and to the accompaniment of medieval music, medieval-clad merchants sell their mostly homemade wares here. New this year is the Christmas market's own Escape Adventure, "Der Glühwein-Krimi" (The Mulled Wine Crime). The fictional "crime case" involving a poisoned mulled wine vendor takes place at the Christmas market and in adjacent parts of the city center and can be played in German and English. For this outdoor puzzle game, you need nothing more than a smartphone, a little sleuthing and, above all, a good mood.
'Essen Light Weeks' provide unique light show
The International Christmas Market is unique in Germany thanks to the traditional "Essen Light Weeks," which start Oct. 26. For 76 years they have provided a dazzling Christmas stroll with changing light motifs. A real highlight - especially for young visitors - is the light animal park, where brilliantly illuminated animals from all continents bring the evening to life. Rhinoceroses, kangaroos, orcas, deer and other animals provide the ideal background for a wonderful souvenir photo of your unforgettable visit to the International Christmas Market. So come to Essen and make your Christmas dreams come true.
International Christmas Market Essen:
November 14 to December 23, 2025
Shopping Sunday in downtown Essen on December 14, 2025.
Essense Light Weeks
October 26, 2025 to January 3, 2026
