Internationale Kerstmarkt Essen
Visitors can wander through illuminated streets featuring a diverse selection of market stalls, food, and holiday drinks. The event includes a dedicated medieval market alongside traditional holiday offerings. Throughout the market, vendors emphasize regional, organic, and fair-trade goods.
What to Expect
Recognized as the Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Essen Marketing GmbH (EMG)
Food & Drink
The market offers varied food and drinks; caterers use reusable tableware with a deposit, while chips and churros are served in paper bags.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Christmas shoppers and sustainability-minded visitors
Vibe
Festive and international
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12:00-21:00; Friday-Saturday 12:00-22:00; 15 November 14:00-21:00.
- Parking: Parking is available in the city centre, and dedicated coach parking spots are marked around Essen.
Tips & Advice
- Bring a reusable shopping bag with you, because plastic bags are completely banned at the Internationale Kerstmarkt Essen.
- Expect to pay a deposit on cups, glasses and plates, since caterers serve food and drink for eating on site only on reusable tableware.
- Don't plan a visit for November 22, when the market is closed all day, and remember it opens later than usual on November 15.
- Head to the Flachsmarkt for the medieval market, where stalls such as Ablassfrei pour liqueurs and gin among the Christmas stands.
- Pair your market visit with the city-centre shopping day on December 13 to combine stall browsing with shopping in Essen's centre.
Special Events & Promotions
- Named Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe by European Best Destinations this year.
- City-centre shopping day on December 13.
- Shorter opening on November 15 (Day of Mourning).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see besides the market stalls?
Christmas lights line the streets. There's a medieval market on the Flachsmarkt, a baroque carousel, a light crown on Kennedyplatz and stalls inside the Marktkirche.
What food and drink can I find?
There's a wide range of food and drinks. Stalls include a Peruvian potato stand, and Ablassfrei sells liqueurs and gin at the medieval market. Chips and churros come in paper bags.
Do I have to pay a deposit on cups and plates?
Yes. Caterers don't use disposable tableware for eating and drinking on site. Cups, glasses and plates are reusable and carry a deposit.
Can I bring plastic bags?
No. Plastic bags are completely banned at the market, so bring your own reusable bag.
What makes the market sustainable?
It runs only on green electricity from E.ON. The organizers favor regional, fair-trade and organic products when choosing suppliers. This year it was named Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe by European Best Destinations.
More Christmas Events Near Essen
More Christmas Events near Essen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.