Ultimate Guide to Essen’s Christmas Market
Essen is one of Germany’s many Christmas Markets, and is often ranked among it’s best, which is no small feat given the options! Essen is a smaller market, and tends to be a bit less crowded than some of the larger markets. It’s an international Christmas Market, which means it features many German foods and goods, in addition to a wide variety of international options.
The highlight of the market is certainly the epic Christmas Lights that are strung across the entire Kennedyplatz above all the stalls. Nighttime in Essen is magical!
Keep reading for my full guide and tips for visiting the Essen Christmas market!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Jump To:
- Essen Christmas Market Map & Location
- Tips for Visiting Essen’s Christmas Market
- Essen Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2024
- What to Eat at Essen’s Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Essen
- Getting to Essen
- Essen Christmas Market Overall Ranking
- Essen Christmas Market Gallery
Essen Christmas Market Map & Location
Essen’s Christmas Market spans across a few of the major streets & squares that make up the small downtown area of Essen. From the train station you can walk down Kettwiger Straße, one of the main streets in Essen. This main street is lined with Christmas Market stalls & decorated with lights and other decor during December.
As you walk down Kettwiger Straße, you’ll pass Burgplatz Market on your right, this is where you’ll find the giant Ferris Wheel. You can continue straight to Porschekanzel & Markt where you’ll find the Medieval portion of the Christmas Market.
Finally, head to the main attraction, Kennedyplatz. This is where you’ll find the majority of the stalls selling food and drinks, including the famous talking moose, Charly, at the Glühwein stand! You can also head to the X-Mas Lounge & Café on Kennedyplatz. This multi story bar offers some of the best views over the market!
You can easily explore all the areas highlighted in the map above in a few hours!
Tips for Visiting Essen’s Christmas Market
- Essen is less crowded and touristy than other markets in Germany, so it’s good to visit here on a weekend and save the busier markets for the week
- Essen has more of a party/drinking vibe than some of the other markets, they have live music on the weekend nights that brings a lot energy to the festivities
- The market (and town) is small and can easily be seen in one day or half day
- Glühwein & other alcoholic beverages are served in mugs. They charge you for a mug deposit (usually 2-3 euro) that they’ll refund you when you return the mug, otherwise you can keep it as a cheao souvenir!
- Essen has some of the most impressive Christmas Lights of any of the markets I saw, make sure you visit or stay til when it is dark out to get the full experience!
- Head to the X-Mas Lounge & Café on Kennedyplatz. This multi story pop up bar is right off the main market and the second story offers some of the best views over the market and the epic lights!
Essen Christmas Market Dates & Hours 2024
Dates : 11/15/25 – 12/23/24
Times:
Sun-Thurs: 11AM – 9PM
Fri & Sat: 11AM – 10PM
What to Eat at Essen’s Christmas Market
You definitely won’t go hungry at a German Christmas Market, and Essen is no exception! Essen is an international Christmas Market, so you’ll find more variety than some other German Christmas Markets. Here were some of my favorites:
- Langos – technically a Hungarian specialty but you’ll find them in Germany too! Fried dough topped with cheese and sour cream
- Gingerbread – Lebkucken – another German classic!
- Steak Sandwiches – one of my favorite things at the Essen makret, get one at Der Klopper
- Cacio e Pepe Pasta – they really do have it all in Essen!
- Glühwein – mulled wine is an absolute must at any Christmas Market, but Germany has the best! Essen even has a Glühwein bar with a talking moose to add to the festivities
Where to Stay in Essen
Essen is a small city and there are a few hotel options right near the main train station that also are right near where the Christmas Markets are located. I’d recommend staying in one of these hotels
Hotel Essener Hof; Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Convenient location, on-site bar, clean rooms – simple but exactly what you need!
Residence Inn by Marriott Essen City
RIght in downtown Essen near the train & city, on site restaurant, breakfast buffet, parking & more! A bit more expensive than the Essener Hof, but a nicer stay!
Getting to Essen
By Train:
Essen’s main train station is connected to the rest of Germany and is easy to reach. It’s also directly across the street from the Christmas Markets, meaning it’s easy to hop off the train and explore Essen’s markets right away.
By Car:
You can also drive to Essen if you’ve rented a car. There are parking areas around the city if you want to travel via car to the Essen Christmas makets.
Essen Christmas Market Overall Ranking
9 of 11
While I enjoyed Essen’s stunning lights and authentic feel, it wasn’t my favorite of all the markets I’ve visited. I think Essen is worth stopping by if you’re visiting neary Cologne or Düsseldorf, but you don’t need more than a few hours there and I probably wouldn’t recommend staying overnight in Essen.
Essen Christmas Market Gallery
