See all Essen Christmas happenings this year!
Essen sparkles for Christmas 2025 near the Zollverein and city centre, where industrial heritage meets sparkling markets and joyful lights. Christmas celebrations, winter festivals, and holiday experiences offer markets, live music, and culinary treats perfect for chilly evenings.
Find the best Essen Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Essen
- International Christmas Market Essen
- Zollverein Ice Rink
- WDR 2 Weihnachtswunder Essen
- International Medieval Christmas Market Essen
- Silvesterlauf Zollverein
- 49th Steeler Christmas Market (Essen-Steele)
- Weihnachtsmarkt Essen 2025
- Cranger Weihnachtszauber (Herne)
- Mülheimer Schiffsweihnacht (Mülheim an der Ruhr)
- Der Geist der Weihnacht - The Spirit of Christmas Musical (Oberhausen)
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Essen Christmas Events
Essen Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Immerse yourself in the festive magic of the International Christmas Market Essen, running from November 14 to December 23, 2025. This acclaimed market, recognized as Europe's Best Sustainable Christmas Market, offers a dazzling array of over 100 vendors, seasonal delicacies, and enchanting light displays. Don't miss the special 'WDR 2 Weihnachtswunder' event and the thrilling 'Glühwein-Krimi' escape game.
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Journey back to the Middle Ages at Essen's International Medieval Christmas Market on the Flachsmarkt. Browse authentic stalls offering everything from handmade soaps and honey wine to intricate jewelry and crystals. Enjoy live medieval music, engaging storytelling for all ages, and witness traditional crafts like blacksmithing and leatherworking. It's a unique festive experience transporting you to another era.
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The 49th Steeler Christmas Market transforms Essen-Steele into a festive wonderland. Wander through streets filled with the aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread, browsing stalls offering unique products and delicious treats. Enjoy live entertainment on the main stage and marvel at the impressive rotating Christmas tree. Don't miss the unique 'Eisenbahndorf' with its historic steam engines and the lively 'Almrausch Party' nights.
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Essen transforms into a winter wonderland for the 2025 Christmas season with multiple festive markets. The International Christmas Market in the city center, a multi-award-winning event, features over 170 stalls from around 20 countries offering unique gifts and global culinary delights. Experience the magical 'Essener Lichtwochen' with stunning light displays, a medieval market on Flachsmarkt, and a Ferris wheel offering city views. Smaller, charming markets in Werden and Kettwig provide a more regional and family-friendly atmosphere.
Essen Christmas Giving Opportunities
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Experience the 'WDR 2 Weihnachtswunder' live from Essen this holiday season. Tune in to hear WDR 2 hosts broadcasting nonstop from a special glass studio located next to the Essen Cathedral on Burgplatz. This heartwarming event aims to bring people together and raise crucial funds for over 30 projects fighting global hunger, in collaboration with 'Aktion Deutschland Hilft'.
Essen Other Christmas Activities
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Experience a unique winter wonderland at the Zollverein Ice Rink, set against the spectacular industrial backdrop of the Zollverein coking plant. Glide along the 150-meter-long ice track, especially enchanting in the evening when a light installation bathes the historic structures in atmospheric light. Special events like ice disco nights and ice stock sport add extra fun to this unforgettable winter experience.
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Lace up your running shoes for the Silvesterlauf Zollverein, a traditional New Year's Eve race set against the stunning industrial architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Offering distances from a 400m Bambini run to a 10km main race, there's a challenge for every participant. Experience the unique charm of running through this historic landmark.
Christmas Events Near Essen
Bottrop Christmas Events
Muelheim Christmas Events
Oberhausen Christmas Events
Hattingen Christmas Events
Velbert Christmas Events
Herne Christmas Events
Duisburg Christmas Events
Ratingen Christmas Events
Dorsten Christmas Events
Datteln Christmas Events
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