Winter guide to Essen-Germany: The ultimate Christmas market getaway
- Authentic Chica
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Looking for a magical winter weekend escape or a cozy few-day getaway? In this winter guide to Essen in Germany I will show you why this city truly is an underrated gem, especially during the holiday season.
Just a short 1–3 hour trip from the Netherlands, this vibrant Ruhr town offers one of Europe's best Christmas market, fewer crowds than bigger names like Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Munich, and plenty of local specialties and sustainable sparkle.
Think: festive lights, delicious international food, as well as local delicacies, unique winter activities and cultural sightseeing.
All that and more I will share in this blog, including custom Google map, so keep reading if that sounds good to you too!
Last summer I already experienced the versatility of this lesser-known German city. But I was told that winter should be even more special, so I decided to come back with a friend last week to explore more of the city in December and see what the buzz is all about!
I will happily share all my findings with you through many tips and pictures taken by me, and my photographer friend Remke of @Bold_Creates. But first:
Why visit Essen in winter?
Essen’s International Christmas Market has been voted ‘Best Christmas Market in Germany’ 3 years in a row and is recognized as Europe's most sustainable.
Featuring luminous, eco-friendly LED animal sculptures scattered throughout the city center, over 170 festively decorated stalls, and a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability.
This makes it the perfect spot for a less touristy yet magical vibe.
The market runs until December 23, 2025 and is open daily from 11 AM–9 PM (until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays).
There's also a shopping Sunday in the city on December 14 from 1-6 pm, and WDR Christmas Miracle event with music and concerts on the Burgplatz from 13-17 December.
Find out more with all details about this German city on Visit Essen.
Beyond the market, winter highlights include the unique 150-meter ice rink at the UNESCO-listed Zollverein site, a spectacular industrial backdrop turned winter wonderland.
How to get there?
Essen is incredibly easy to reach, especially from the Netherlands:
By Car: 1–3 hours from most parts of the Netherlands (e.g., Arnhem 1 hour, Utrecht 1.5 hours, The Hague 2.5 hours) via the A3/A40 highways. And there are many parking garages directly under or near the market squares.
By Train: Frequent ICE connections from Amsterdam Central (2–2.5 hours, often with one easy change).
By Bus: Affordable FlixBus routes in 3–4 hours. Arrive by public transport for stress-free exploration.
The Christmas Market on the Willy-Brandt-Platz is right outside the station and from there you can just walk on straight to find all other markets.
Winter guide Essen-Germany & Essen's International Christmas Market
The market spans 5 connected areas in the city center, including a medieval section, offering international cuisine, high-quality crafts, and a cozy atmosphere.
I especially loved the authentic gifts, delicious drinks and food on the market, of which below some of my favourites:
Must-try (foodie) spots
Willy-Brandt-Platz: Food hub with a towering Christmas pyramid, perfect for mulled wine, and other hot cocktails.
Also a must here is the parmesan-wheel pasta, or go for the Prague ham and goat cheese.
Get a taste via this gallery:
Kettwiger Straße/Burgplatz: Flamed salmon, veggie dishes, tarte flambée, smash burgers.
Markt/Porschekanzel: Coconut macaroons, decadent hot chocolate, 'Klopper' treats.
Medieval Market on the Flachsmarkt: Evening fairytale storytelling for adults after 7 pm, hot cherry wine with Amaretto, or honey mead. Get an impression in this gallery:
Kennedyplatz: This was my favourite market because of the impressive fairytale lighting and diversity of stalls.
There are many delicious food stalls here like Peruvian potatoes, fire-baked Czech trdelník, and we tasted the legendary crêpes, from the stall that's on the market since 1973, and should not be missed! See for yourself in this gallery:
As should the atmospheric Xmas Lounge, go warm up inside with an authentic Feuerzangenbowle and traditional Baumkuchen. It also offers great balcony views over this stunning market!
See the full map of all Christmas squares here:
And don’t forget to pass by Zollverein for the temporary ice rink with some atmospheric food stalls. It's only there from 6 December 2025 - 6 January 2026.
The 150-meter outdoor rink is set between the historic coke ovens of Shaft XII with evening illumination by Speirs Major that should be magical!
A day ticket costs €10 incl. skate rental and is a popular winter attraction within this UNESCO site.
Sightseeing tips Essen
Essen combines industrial heritage, history, and fairy-tale charm so well. I was here last summer already and found many unique spots, nice neighborhoods and restaurants, about which you can read more in my previous Essen blog.
Find all these spots marked on this custom-Google map, on which all other hotspots from this blog are added too:
Essen Cathedral (Dom)
This stunning Gothic church on the Burgplatz traces its roots to a 9th-century convent for noblewomen and was consecrated in 1275. Elevated to cathedral status in 1958, it's dedicated to Saints Cosmas, Damian and the Virgin Mary.
Inside, you can see the world's oldest sculpted Madonna (from around 980 AD) and a 1,000-year-old seven-branched bronze candelabrum. In winter, the illuminated exterior and peaceful interior offer a serene contrast to the buzzing Christmas markets just outside the church and is surely worth a peek inside!
Aalto Theatre
This architectural masterpiece was twice named ‘Opera House of the Year’ and opened in 1988. It has a striking, white-tiled exterior and asymmetrical deep-blue auditorium seating 1,125 and is a listed monument.
It’s home to the Essen Philharmonic and Aalto Ballett. We got to attend one of the first performances of the dramatic ballet show ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ here.
Often sold-out because of its expressive choreography and impressive Gothic-inspired decor, an absolute must-see in my book.
We even had the honour of a backstage tour before the show, which was truly unique.
Red Dot Design Museum
Housed in the former boiler house of the UNESCO industrial complex Zollverein, it shows over 2,000 award-winning designs from 7 decades.
The hands-on permanent exhibition is the world's largest for contemporary design, drawing 150,000 visitors yearly. Of course we combined it with the nearby ice rink, but in summer you can also stroll the grounds here and visit the Ruhrmuseum for a full day of culture and fun.
Werden District
Essen's oldest quarter, dating back to 799 AD, feels like stepping into a fairy-tale village.
Here you can admire quaint houses along the Ruhr River, authentic alleys and cute cafés in historic buildings, like Eli’s brunch café. As well as the imposing 1,200-year-old abbey church.
Stroll through this small town-district to capture Insta-worthy shots of the half-timbered houses, so typical for Germany. It's quiet, photogenic, and free of industrial vibes, which makes it ideal for a peaceful winter escape.
Margarethenhöhe District
This whimsical 1910’s garden-city neighborhood, founded by the Krupp family for their steel workers, is a collection of storybook cottages with classic façades, climbing roses (bare in winter, yet even more beautiful in spring and summer), hidden courtyards, and overgrown charm.
Wander the green, peaceful streets, enjoy nature walks, unique architecture and cozy cafés overgrown with wisteria and vines. It's often called Germany's prettiest workers' neighborhood, serene and photogenic. Can’t wait to come back in spring when the facades are in full bloom again.
Where to stay in Essen?
For charm in the heart of Margarethenhöhe, you can stay at the Mintrops Stadthotel, Set in a beautifully restored historic building on the picturesque square.
This boutique hotel has elegant rooms, attentive service, and an atmospheric location. Here you will wake up to views of quaint cottages and enjoy easy access to nearby parks and cafés.
Mintrops Land Hotel
For a countryside retreat, choose their Land Hotel in Burgaltendorf, a family-run 4-star gem blending 19th-century farmhouse charm with modern luxury.
Over 50 uniquely themed rooms feature custom artwork, original 1840 beams, and creative ‘landhauskunst’ décor, each feels like a personal atelier.
Get in impression in this gallery of our Wolkenhimmel suite with lovely balcony:
Relax in the serene ‘Jungbrunnen’, their wellness area with indoor pool, sauna, and massage loungers, included in the stay and open until 10 pm!
The hotel has a GreenSign sustainability certificate and is located amidst wide landscapes, with an organic vegetable garden (70 hectares, chemical-free farming since 2012), and extensive nature grounds with horses, donkeys, and chickens.
Free parking is available at the hotel, as well as hiking/cycling trails through the Ruhr Valley. The hotel's tranquil location, just 11 km outside the center of Essen and its friendly and hospitable staff complete the experience.
Find out more and book your own stay here on Mintrops Land Hotel.
MUMM Restaurant
For dinner their on-site restaurant (evenings from 5:30) with upscale regional cuisine using fresh garden produce, served in a stylish setting. For casual meals, their bistro offers delicious options, prepared with homegrown ingredients. And their buffet restaurant serves a delicious breakfast too.
Where to eat beyond the Xmas market
Don't miss C’era una Volta on the lively Rüttenscheider Straße, a dreamy new Italian all-day spot (opened August 2024). It has a unique Capri-Barbie décor, with hanging flowers, authentic breakfasts, antipasti, cocktails, and specialty coffee, making it Essen’s most Instagrammable foodie hotspot.
Find many more restaurants in my previous Essen blog of my summer visit.
So why should you visit Essen in winter? Because this authentic Ruhr city has Germany’s best and most sustainable Christmas market and is easy to reach.
With a big range of atmospheric stalls full of quality goods, top-notch food, delicious local drinks, fewer crowds, sustainable magic and an authentic vibe.
All in a city that is diverse, friendly and easily accessible, perfect for a weekend getaway or short city break.
If you enjoyed my tips, then you can find even more on in my Essen city guide, or check other Germany blogs on my Germany page for ample inspiration.
*While this trip was done in collaboration with Visit Essen, my opinions and tips are always authentic!
I hope that my Essen-Germany winter guide will help you find the best Christmas market stalls, unique hotels, restaurants and sights, to make the most out of your city trip too.
