Look forward to five weeks of festive cheer and sparkling lights at the Essen International Christmas Market. Preparations are already in full swing so that you can once again experience magical Christmas moments in Essen city centre from 14 November to 23 December 2025. A major highlight this year is the ‘WDR 2 Christmas Miracle’, which will be held on Burgplatz from 13 to 17 December. It's going to be a celebration!
We look forward to seeing you!
Your EMG - Essen Marketing GmbH
14 November – 23 December 2025
daily from 11am to 9pm
Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 10pm
Sunday shopping on 14 December, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Exceptions:
16 November (Remembrance Day) 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
23 November (Sunday of the Dead) the market will be closed all day
Gingerbread Alley
Star Alley
Fir Alley
Bell Alley
Comet Alley
This year, you can solve an exciting fictional crime case, the ‘Mulled Wine Mystery,’ in the middle of the International Christmas Market. In about 90 minutes, you have to find out why mulled wine stand operator Rudi Racken was poisoned. All you need is a smartphone, a little detective work and, above all, a good mood. Once the case has been solved, it's time to raise your mulled wine cups and celebrate together!
The game can be played in teams of 2 to 50 people – perfect for Christmas parties, team events or as a winter escape experience for friends and families. As it can also be played in English, it is perfect for international groups.
So, book your escape game conveniently online today, have the game materials sent to you by post and look forward to an unforgettable team experience amid sparkling lights, humour and the scent of mulled wine – only from 14 November to 23 December 2025 and only at the Essen International Christmas Market!
Book your adventure now: www.gluehweinkrimi.de
In the spirit of the "European Green Capital 2017", sustainability plays a major role at the International Christmas Market. This year, the Essen Christmas Market was also recognised as the ‘ Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe ’ by the travel portal ‘European Best Destinations’!
EMG - Essen Marketing GmbH
Tourist Info
Kettwiger Str. 35
45127 Essen
