Torchlight Parade to the Castle
Visitors and market stallholders carry lit torches through the night on a walk up to Esslingen Castle to mark the winter solstice. Upon arrival at the castle grounds, a massive wooden pyre is ignited in front of over a thousand spectators to begin the festivities. The celebration continues in the castle courtyard with live medieval music and a dramatic fire show.
What to Expect
Winter solstice torchlight walk up to Esslingen Castle with fire shows.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Altstadt
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Visitors who enjoy historic nighttime spectacles
Vibe
Dramatic and festive
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Torches: €2 each.
- Hours: Torch sales begin at 20:00; the procession starts from the Rathausplatz, but no start time is stated.
- Accessibility: Accessible toilets, including a Toilet for All, are at Agneshof, with more in the Mittlere Beutau underpass and at Hafenmarkt.
- Pets: Dogs are best left at home. On the market grounds they must be on a very short leash and muzzled where required.
Tips & Advice
- Head to the stage on Rathausplatz to buy your torch, because torch sales happen there and the procession sets off from the same spot.
- Dress warmly for a winter night outdoors, since you'll walk up to the castle and then stand in the circle around the bonfire.
- Stay after the bonfire is lit for the fire show in the castle courtyard, which is when the celebration on the castle grounds gets going.
- Expect a big crowd, as more than a thousand people gather in a circle around the bonfire at the castle.
- Leave your dog at home if you can, since the organizers advise against dogs at the busy weekend market and any dogs must stay on a very short leash.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 2026 procession marks the winter solstice on December 20.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the procession?
Buy a torch at the stage on Rathausplatz. The procession leaves from there after the market closes.
Who walks in the parade?
Visitors and market traders walk together with their torches up to the castle.
What happens at the castle?
A big woodpile is built on the castle grounds hours ahead. More than a thousand people form a circle, and the market traders light the fire. Then the celebration begins, with a fire show in the castle courtyard.
Why is the parade held?
It celebrates the longest night of the year around the winter solstice. It's an Esslingen tradition that has run since 2006.
Where are the nearest public toilets?
There are public and accessible toilets at Agneshof, which has a Toilet for All, in the Mittlere Beutau underpass, and at Hafenmarkt by Café am Museum.
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