Essen - Internationaler Weihnachtsmarkt

The Essen International Christmas Market is one of the largest and most atmospheric markets in Germany and is known for its unique, international flair. It stretches picturesquely through the entire city centre of Essen, starting at Willy-Brandt-Platz, across the central Kennedyplatz to the historic Flachsmarkt. Every year, it attracts visitors with around 170 lovingly designed stalls offering an exceptionally diverse and high-quality range of products. Its special feature is its international orientation, with traders from around 20 different countries and regions offering their specialities, gift items and traditional handicrafts, which gives the market its name.

An absolute highlight is the integration of the market into Essen's Light Weeks. Kennedyplatz in particular is bathed in a magical atmosphere by the impressive, sparkling crown of lights made up of over 100,000 light points that span the entire square. On a culinary level, the market offers much more than classic German specialities. In addition to traditional mulled wine and roasted almonds, visitors can enjoy international delicacies such as French cheese, Prague ham, pasta from a Parmesan wheel or raclette. A special attraction is the flax market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Middle Ages, complete with traders in historical costumes and appropriate medieval delicacies such as mead and tarte flambée. The market attaches great importance to sustainability and has already been awarded the title of ‘Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe’, underlining its high standards of quality and responsibility.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train: Essen Central Station (distance 100 m)

- By underground: Hauptbahnhof or Hirschlandplatz stops

- By tram: Hauptbahnhof or Rathaus stops

By car:

- Venue: city centre

Parking:

- Q-Park Gildehof car park (Gildehofstraße 3)

- Car park at Deutschlandhaus (Lindenallee 10B)

- Centralgarage Kennedyplatz car park (Vereinstraße 2)

- Q-Park Rathaus Galerie P1 car park (Am Porschepl. 2)

- Q-Park Rathaus Galerie P2 car park (Ribbeckstraße 40)

- Q-Park Am Limbecker Platz car park (Ostfeldstraße 9)

- Citycenter car park (Alfredistraße 26)