Event Details
Welcome to the Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market 2026
From 24 November to 22 December 2026, the picturesque old town of Esslingen am Neckar transforms once again into a medieval Christmas world. The Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market is widely considered one of Germany's most original and beautiful Christmas markets: between half timbered houses, Rathausplatz, Kleiner Markt and Hafenmarkt, classic festive charm blends with medieval spectacle right on the banks of the Neckar river.
Highlights
- Around 180 stalls and roughly 500 cultural program points over the four week run
- Authentic medieval scene with jugglers, fire and stilt performers, and musicians
- Warm bathing tub on Hafenmarkt
- Medieval games, archery and a candle making workshop for visitors to try
- Germany's smallest hand cranked Ferris wheel
- Traditional craft stalls selling genuine handmade pieces
- The scent of hot mulled wine, sweet mead and berry juice throughout the old town
Program
The market opens on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, with sales starting at 4:00 PM and the official opening at 5:00 PM; it traditionally always opens on the Tuesday before the first Sunday of Advent. Until 22 December, the market spreads from Rathausplatz across Kleiner Markt and along the Altes Rathaus to Hafenmarkt. Jugglers, fire eaters, storytellers and medieval musicians provide a varied daily stage program; the exact schedule is posted at the market entrances and published online on the organiser's website. The medieval market borders directly on the classic Christmas market, letting visitors experience both worlds in a single stroll.
Tickets
Admission to the Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market is free. Individual attractions such as the bathing tub, certain hands on activities and food and drink are paid for separately on site.
Visitor Tips
- Note the opening hours: daily 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30 PM.
- Expect especially large crowds on opening day (24 November) and on Advent weekends; a weekday visit is more relaxed.
- Traveling by train is recommended, as Esslingen has its own station with good connections to Stuttgart.
- Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are advisable due to the historic cobblestone streets.
- Families should plan a targeted visit to hands on stations like the candle workshop and archery in the afternoon.