Last updated: December 01, 2024
Discover the festive atmosphere of Esslingen with our event guide. For locals and visitors alike, this guide through the Advent season provides a comprehensive overview of the winter festivities.
The medieval marketplace forms the heart of the celebrations, surrounded by picturesque half-timbered houses and historic alleyways. From here, the festivities extend along Ritterstrasse to the Harbor Market, where traditional craftsmanship, regional specialties, and cultural performances bring the old town to life. The neighboring districts and the Postmichel Fountain offer additional venues for the winter program.
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Esslingen Holiday Markets and Shopping
Esslingen Medieval Market & Christmas Market
The Esslinger Medieval and Christmas Market offers a unique atmosphere with over 180 stalls and almost 500 cultural program points. Visitors can experience medieval craftsmanship, traditional food, and a diverse cultural program.
Medieval Performances
The Esslinger Medieval and Christmas Market offers a unique blend of medieval atmosphere and festive charm. With over 180 stalls offering a variety of handicrafts, gifts, and culinary delights, the daily cultural program featuring music, theater, and art crafts ensures continuous entertainment.
Advent Market
The Advent Market in Esslingen offers a diverse range of handmade crafts and quirky creations. Approximately 30 artisans from all over Germany showcase their works and treasures, including Christmas gift ideas from professionals and amateurs.
Craft Demonstrations
On the Esslingen Christmas market, there are daily handicraft demonstrations where blacksmiths, glassblowers, and basket weavers showcase their skills.
Living Nativity Scene
The living nativity scene at Postmichelplatz offers an authentic Christmas atmosphere with life-sized nativity figures and real animals like sheep, lambs, and a donkey. Visitors can enjoy the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine and use a wish list mailbox to send their wishes to the office of the Christ child.
Handicraft Stalls
The Ettlinger Sternlesmarkt offers a beautiful backdrop with a historic town hall and St. Martin's Church. Over 40 stalls offer gift ideas, handicrafts, and culinary delights. The 8-meter-high Christmas pyramid shines brightly, and the children's carousel and train ride are special highlights.
Mulled Wine and Treats
At the Esslinger Medieval and Christmas Market, you can find a variety of delicious foods and drinks. Filled hemp pastries, freshly baked waffles, grilled skewers, and knight's plates are just a few of the treats that will delight your taste buds. Many of these delicacies are also vegetarian or vegan. A freshly mulled glühwein warms you from the inside and provides the perfect accompaniment to your culinary discovery tour.
Esslingen Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Torchlight Parade
The Fackelumzug to the Esslinger Burg is a highlight of the Esslingen Christmas and Medieval Market. After the market ends, visitors and market vendors make their way up to the Esslinger Burg with their torches, where a fire show with fire dance awaits.