Guide to visiting the Medieval Market and Christmas Market of Esslingen in Germany. The Esslinger Mittelaltermarkt & Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas festivities will take place from 26 November to 22 December 2024 .
I love the Christmas market in Ettlingen, the town where I live, because the central square Marktplatz has two very old buildings, the town hall and the clock tower, which give a medieval touch during the market period. But in Esslingen I can say that it is on another level!
For the most up-to-date information, be sure to visit the festival’s official website .
We have published a calendar of the German Christmas Markets in 2024, be sure to check it out.
Medieval Market and Christmas Market 2024 in Esslingen, Germany
Everything is so beautiful that it seems to have come out of a fairy tale book or even a medieval film.
We went to visit the Esslingen Christmas Market during the weekend we were in Stuttgart and getting there is super easy.
The local train (SBahn) leaves from the central station, Hauptbahnhof, and is located on the lower platforms, the ones marked S, for Strassenbahn. Then, take the S1 towards Kirchheim, which runs every 10 minutes and takes 20 minutes to reach Esslingen central station. From the station to the Christmas market, just follow the crowds… you can’t miss it.
The Esslingen Christmas Market starts in the central square near the church of St. Dionysius. At first it is a standard German Christmas Market, but it is already very pretty due to the surroundings, with its half-timbered houses, some old buildings and the castle on the horizon.
Walking a little further you will reach the picturesque and coolest part of the Esslingen Christmas market, the Mittelaltermarkt, the medieval market. From there the stalls and people are transformed, not to say they go back in time, trying to emulate a fair from that time.
Everything is now sold and made according to the story. At Mittelaltermarkt you can find:
- Food , there were so many different options in this area that Genoveva do maridoviski went crazy… Breads, sandwiches, freshly smoked fish, soups, served with very rustic wooden plates and cutlery.
- Drinks , in this part of the fair we only found Glühwein, Kinderpunsch and Mead, water, soda or other drinks had to be bought in the non-medieval part of the fair.
- Games : instead of a carousel, there was a mini Ferris wheel for the little ones, with the added bonus that it was spun by two men; it was a hit with the kids. There was also the mouse game (you let the mouse go and bet on which house it will go into), archery, throwing a club, and so on.
- Crafts , many things were made on the spot, like glass charms or metal things, so in the crafts area there was fire on one side, the sound of knocks on the other… Everything was made to the customer’s taste.
- Costumes , another really cool thing is that from time to time some people would pass by dressed up and the little girl loved it… She kept calling them dragons the whole time 😀
That alone was worth it.
Esslinger Burg, the Esslingen Castle
Since the day was so beautiful, we burned off the extra calories by climbing up to Esslinger Burg. It’s a never-ending staircase, but the view from the top is really beautiful.
And as a bonus, we saw a display of hawks and owls that left us speechless, they were all so cute 🙂
We took the opportunity to take lots of photos of the sunset with the city in the background… Detail of the sunset at 4:00 pm…
So we returned to the fair to recharge our batteries and face the cold night.
Reinforcing for those who are too lazy to leave Stuttgart’s Glühwein, the Esslingen Christmas market exceeded expectations and was well worth the trip.
Accommodation Offers in Esslingen, Germany
Find the best hotel, hostel and B&B accommodation options to visit the Esslingen Christmas Market in Germany.
Booking.comEsslingen Tours Deals in Germany
In addition to the Esslingen Christmas Market, you can take the opportunity to visit other attractions in the city and in Baden Wurttemberg, Germany.
Travel Posts and Experiences in Germany
Suggestions for travel posts and experiences in Germany. If you’re planning a trip to Germany, we have some publications that can be very helpful:
- Berlin, Germany – Top 20 sights and things to do and visit
- The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
- Best travel tips for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
We also write about 8 of the best attractions on the Romantic Road in Germany with up-to-date tips, be sure to check it out .
Are you traveling to Germany?
Specifically about international travel by plane to Frankfurt Airport, we have the best post:
Where to stay near Frankfurt Airport Germany – FRA, Frankfurt/Main
Search for the best place to stay near Frankfurt Airport, including hotel and hostel at different prices.
