International Christmas Market Essen

This year, your visit to the International Christmas Market Essen will be twice as criminally good. The thrilling escape game “The Mulled Wine Mystery” is back, with a brand-new case: “The Cinnamon Trail Beneath the Cathedral.” Of course, you can also play this year’s edition of the popular 2025 game, “Operation Winter Crown.” The best part is that the two escape games are not connected and can be played independently of each other.

In the original, “Operation Winter Crown,” you have to find out why mulled wine stall owner Rudi Racken was poisoned. “The Cinnamon Trail Beneath the Cathedral” is about the mysterious kidnapping of spice expert Anne Kessler shortly before her big comeback. In short: a new story, new suspects, and new locations. What both tours have in common, however, are gripping stories filled with humor and depth. All you need to play the two escape games is one smartphone per group, a little detective instinct, and above all, plenty of good cheer. Once the cases are solved, it’s time to raise your mulled wine mugs and celebrate together!

Teams of 2 to 50 people can play—perfect for Christmas parties, team events, or a winter escape experience with friends and family. Both tours are also available in English, making them ideal for international groups.

So book the two escape games today—they’re also available as a bundle for small groups—have the game materials sent to you by mail, or get started right away digitally. Look forward to unforgettable team experiences filled with sparkling lights, humor, and the aroma of mulled wine—only from November 13 to December 23, 2026, and only at the International Christmas Market Essen!

Book your slot now at www.gluehweinkrimi.de

Creating magical moments together in Essen—that is the aim of “Essen funkelt”, a joint project by Radio Essen, WAZ Essen, and EMG – Essen Marketing GmbH. From December 4 to 6, the city’s most beautiful Christmas party will be celebrated at Burgplatz, right behind the Ferris wheel, while donations are collected for “Aktion Lichtblicke.” Similar to last year’s WDR2 Christmas Miracle, the editorial teams of Radio Essen and WAZ Essen will broadcast live from a glass studio for three days. There will also be a stage featuring local artists as well as stars such as Sportfreunde Stiller, Iggi Kelly, Tiffany Aris, and Jack Dean. Admission is free.

Anyone who would like to take part in the stage program can apply now at essenfunkelt.de. Dance groups, sports clubs, choirs, soloists, and music groups are all welcome to apply.

Donations will be accepted from December 4 to 6 during the event at the Lichtblicke-Funkel-Karree on Burgplatz. You can also donate online at essenfunkelt.de or by bank transfer (Aktion Lichtblicke e.V. , IBAN: DE12 3607 0050 0123 4567 89, reference: Essen funkelt).

Find all the information at essenfunkelt.de .

In keeping with the tradition of “European Green Capital 2017,” sustainability plays an important role at the International Christmas Market. This year, the Essen Christmas Market was also named “Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe” by the travel portal “European Best Destinations”!

Arriving with a group, coach parking, and offers related to the Christmas Market: find everything under Services for coach tour operators.