Illustrative photo Essen Light Weeks 2026/2027 – City Centre Illuminations
The Essen Light Weeks 2026/2027 illuminate Essen city centre from 25 October 2026 to 2 January 2027 – free of charge for the 77th time, with a crown of light, illuminated Ferris wheel and festive displays along Kettwiger Straße and Kennedyplatz. From mid-November they link up with the International Christmas Market.
Illustrative photo Steeler Christmas Market 2026-2027– 50th Anniversary in Essen-Steele
The Steeler Christmas Market in Essen-Steele runs from 30 October 2026 to 3 January 2027 for its 50th anniversary. On Kaiser-Otto-Platz and Grendplatz expect wooden stalls, stage shows, the rotating fir and a local neighbourhood feel – free admission.
Illustrative photo Essen International Christmas Market Kennedyplatz, Germany 2026
Essen International Christmas Market 2026: 13 November to 23 December at Kennedyplatz. Free entry.
Illustrative photo Essen Medieval Market, Essen, Germany 2026
Essen Medieval Market 2026: 13 November to 23 December on Flachsmarkt. Free entry, torches and crafts.
Illustrative photo Werdener Weihnachtsmarkt 2026 – Christmas Market in Essen-Werden Old Town
The 45th Werdener Weihnachtsmarkt runs from 26 to 29 November 2026 in Essen-Werden’s historic old town. Free entry, half-timbered streets, regional stalls and mulled wine on the first Advent weekend – a quieter alternative to Essen’s large city-centre Christmas market.
Illustrative photo 257ers Essen 2026 – World Tour Concert at Zeche Carl
257ers perform on November 26, 2026 as part of their anniversary tour at Zeche Carl in Essen. The show starts at 8:00 PM.
Illustrative photo Kupferdreher Adventszauber 2026 – Local Advent Market in Essen-Kupferdreh
Kupferdreher Adventszauber 2026 takes place on 29 November (First Advent) on the market square in Essen-Kupferdreh. The fifth edition of this local Advent event offers free entry, a stage programme, stalls and neighbourhood Christmas spirit – a calm alternative to Essen’s larger Christmas markets.
Borbecker Lichtwochen 2026 – Advent Lights in Essen-Borbeck
The Borbecker Lichtwochen 2026 begin on 1st Advent (29 November) with the switch-on of the lights around 17:00 on Borbecker Platz in Essen-Borbeck. Stars, light displays and the large Christmas tree turn the district centre into a free Advent meeting place; the exact lighting period will be announced closer to the date.
Illustrative photo 257ers Year End World Tour 2026 – Concert in Essen
257ers bring their year end world tour to the Weststadthalle Essen on December 4, 2026. Tickets usually start at 45.90 euros, though sales for this date are currently paused.
Illustrative photo Wintermarkt Rüttenscheid 2026 – Winter Market at Rüttenscheider Stern in Essen
Wintermarkt Rüttenscheid 2026 (23rd edition) runs from 10 to 20 December at Rüttenscheider Stern in Essen. Free entry: stalls, marquee, local food and drink, plus an open Sunday for shopping in Rüttenscheid on 13 December.
Illustrative photo Kerstbierfestival Essen 2026: Belgian Christmas Beer Festival
The Kerstbierfestival takes place on December 12 and 13, 2026 at the Heuvelhal in Essen, Belgium. About 200 Belgian Christmas and winter beers await beer lovers from around the world.
Illustrative photo Kerstbierfestival Essen, Belgium 2026 – Dates, Tickets, 200+ Christmas Beers
O.B.E.R. Kerstbierfestival 2026: 12 and 13 December at Heuvelhal, Essen, Belgium. About 200 winter beers, Gluhkriek, ticket 30 euros.