Visiting the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market
I read that there are an estimated 1000 Christmas markets here in Germany during the holiday season. Some run daily during the season, and some pop up for specific weekends in their village. With these numbers in mind, I set a lofty goal of getting to 15 markets. I have not quite hit that number at the time of this article (11), but I have one more week to go!
One of the markets that piqued my curiosity was the Esslingen Am Neckar Christmas and Medieval Market. Just thirty minutes from Stuttgart, it's a place you can visit more than once if you're feeling festive. Our first visit, right after Thanksgiving, was fantastic. The kids were thrilled with the small carousel ride, and browsing the decorated booths was a unique experience for them, as they had never seen a Christmas market before.
Esslingen Christmas and Medieval Market
This market has over 180 booths, the front of the market showcasing traditional Christmas crafts and goods and scrumptious delicacies. The booths towards the back are where you are transported back into medieval times and are greeted with vendors in costumes, performers on stage, and artisans dressed for the period working in their booths. It didn’t take long for the juggler on stage to catch our children’s eyes, and they stood captivated for over fifteen minutes while watching him perform. Standing still for that long with a three and a two-year-old is a feat in itself!
Juggler at the Esslingen Christmas Market
My second visit to the Esslingen Medieval Market was in the evening when my sister came to visit. Since my husband opted to stay home with our two littles since it was raining, I loaded up with my niece and met my sister and the rest of the family at the market. It could not be truer that markets come to life in the evenings. Twinkling lights, live bands performing medieval music, and a festive spirit in the air that was contagious, making it impossible not to get into the holiday spirit.
Wood craftsman at the Esslingen Christmas Market
While we waited for my sister to arrive, my niece and I enjoyed our hot beverages—glühwein for myself and kinder punch for my niece. As we strolled around, she was enthralled watching a metalsmith teach another child how to make metal figurines, so she anxiously waited for her turn and excitedly chose a small cat to make. Her joy at that moment was palpable, and I was immediately thankful for the time we spent together alone.
This market is truly unique. With many vendors offering unique goods such as handcrafted ornaments, traditional German sweets, and locally made crafts, and performers walking the market on stilts, something exciting is always happening. The market is set beneath beautiful half-timbered homes (Esslingen claims to have the oldest row of half-timbered houses in Germany). If you visit on the weekend, they also have an Advent market set up with vendors who rotate weekly, selling specialty handmade items and more.
Band playing medieval tunes at the Esslingen Christmas Market
Esslingen Am Neckar had already charmed me. I have spent much time roaming the old town, brunching with friends, and participating in grape harvests in the fall. So, it is no surprise that this would quickly become one of my favorite Christmas markets in Germany. Two visits were not enough, and I look forward to the 2025 Christmas Market season to dive right back into this fantastic local market.
Foods to try
Of course you can’t go wrong with the traditional brat which I find easy to eat while brewing the markets.
We also tried a phenomenal cinnamon roll which you usually don’t find at markets.
If you are a mac n cheese fan, then you have to try Käsespätzle. Germany’s version of Mac n cheese and it’s so delicious.
Cinnamon roll from the Esslingen Christmas Market
Esslingen Christmas Market Information
November 26- December 22, 2024
11-20:30 Daily | Friday & Saturday 11-21:30
Parking: There are several lots, but I would recommend the lot by the train station or this lot. It’s a quick walk to the market from here.
Train: The S Bahn Line 1 from Stuttgart is a quick twenty minute ride, then a ten minute walk from the station to the market.
Official Website: https://www.esslingen-info.com/veranstaltungen/mittelaltermarkt-weihnachtsmarkt
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