Travel to Essen in the heart of the Ruhr region from November 14 to December 23, 2025, and experience the joy of a Christmas market that has won two awards. Not only is it the most sustainable Christmas market in Europe, but it is also the “Best Christmas Market” in all of Germany. An international crowd-puller for decades, it guarantees an unforgettable Advent outing with its high-quality variety of goods and unique twinkling lights.
The first of the three large Christmas market areas begins directly at Willy-Brandt-Platz opposite Essen main station. The absolute eye-catcher there is the XXL mulled wine pyramid, which celebrated its premiere at the Essen Christmas market last year. At 20 meters high, it is one of the largest in the world. Just a few minutes’ walk away is Kennedyplatz, the heart of Essen’s International Christmas Market. Here, you can stroll leisurely under a twinkling net of lights along the stalls and be inspired by the wide variety of goods on offer. This year, vendors come from nearly 20 countries around the world. Jewelry from the Baltic States is represented, as are Christmas decorations from Israel and delicacies from France 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 focus is on beautiful, high-quality goods and gifts. Nevertheless, culinary Christmas market classics such as mulled wine, churros, roasted almonds, and potato pancakes are an absolute must. Nor can the medieval market on Flachsmarkt, which has been a popular part of the Christmas market for years. Here, merchants dressed in medieval clothing sell their mostly homemade goods by torchlight and to the sound of jugglers’ music.
New this year is the Christmas market’s own escape adventure, “The Mulled Wine Mystery.” The fictional “crime case” involving a poisoned mulled wine stand operator takes place at the Christmas market and in the adjacent areas of the city centre and can be played by couples, families, small or large groups in both German and English. All you need for this open-air puzzle fun is a smartphone, a good mood, and a little detective work.
The International Christmas Market gets its uniqueness from the Essen Light Weeks, which celebrated their 75th anniversary last year. For ten weeks, the atmospheric light motifs make for a unique Christmas stroll and dazzling moments. A highlight—especially for young visitors—are the illuminated animals from all continents of the world. The great thing is that with giraffes, moose, kangaroos, and other animals, you can take ideal souvenir photos of a wonderful trip to Europe’s most sustainable Christmas market.
Visitors have the best view from the top. Until November 25, the Ferris wheel carries its guests to lofty heights, from where they can not only overlook the city centre and the entire Christmas market, but on a clear day, they can also see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein and even the Schalke Arena.
Whilst on a trip to Essen the former Zollverein coal mine is worth a visit in both summer and winter. Once the largest coal mine in the world, today it is not only gigantic to look at, but also a place for culture, leisure, and sports. Before Christmas, the large ice rink along the coke oven battery attracts visitors. If the weather is not so good, the Museum Folkwang is a good choice, offering world-class art with free admission in Sir David Chipperfield’s stylish building. Also within walking distance of the Christmas market and the city centre with its numerous shops is the Stadtgarten with the Philharmonic and the Aalto Theatre, venues for all kinds of Christmas concerts and magnificent ballet performances.
Stay within walking distance, right in the city centre or in the centrally located Stadtgarten park next to the Philharmonic concert hall. The Hotel Essener Hof and the Sheraton Essen Hotel await you. In the Essener Hof, you step into the timeless charm – it is the city’s oldest hotel, steeped in history and tradition. Here you embrace the season with cosy comfort, festive cheer, and the magic of Christmas at your very doorstep. Just a few meters further on you enjoy festive luxury in the Sheraton Essen Hotel. The exclusive Christmas package includes an overnight stay in the spacious and comfortable rooms, full breakfast buffet, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer. Perfect for couples, families, or a winter getaway with friends. Book now and make your Christmas in Essen unforgettable!
International Christmas Market Essen
November 14 to December 23, 2025
Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri/Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
November 16, 2025, open from 2 p.m.
Closed on November 23, 2025
Sunday shopping in Essen city centre on December 14, 2025
visitessen.de/weihnachten
Essen Light Weeks
October 26, 2025 to January 3, 2026
visitessen.de/lichtwochen
Outdoor Escape Adventure
“The Mulled Wine Mystery”
ruhrescape.de
Contact
Tourist Information
Kettwiger Str. 35
45127 Essen
Tel.: +49 201 8872333
touristinfo@essen.de
visitessen.de
