Esslinger Medieval Market & Christmas Market

A Dual Staging as a Trademark

Esslingen am Neckar has developed its Medieval Market & Christmas Market into one of the most famous and beautiful medieval Christmas markets in Europe over the years. What makes it special: the dual staging. In the historic Esslingen old town with its medieval market square, Rathausplatz, and Ritterstraße, not only a classic Christmas market takes place, but also an authentic medieval market in parallel — both complement each other in the same urban space, with seamless transitions.

Medieval Market — Crafts, Music, Spectacle

The medieval market features traditional craftsmen (blacksmith, woodturner, leatherworker, potter, coppersmith), traders with mead and beer from wooden barrels, stalls with mead and honey products, ointment mixers, and candle makers. Central attractions are the fire artists, jesters, and jugglers, who give performances several times a day — as well as the minstrels with medieval music (lute, hurdy-gurdy, drum) on the four stages.

Christmas Market — 80 Handmade Stalls

In parallel, the classic Christmas market with over 80 handmade stalls — crib figures from the Erzgebirge, wooden toys, glassblowers, candle makers, jewelry designers, textile artists. Mulled wine, bratwurst, chestnuts, and sweets characterize the culinary side. In addition, a nostalgic carousel, workshops for candle dipping (hands-on activity), Advent music in front of the town hall.

180 Stalls, 500 Program Points, Four Stages

In total, the market gathers around 180 stalls and approximately 500 cultural program points spread over the five weeks. The four stages are continuously active: from performances by minstrels and medieval music ensembles to choirs, wind quintets, and storytellers. The density and diversity of the program are a unique selling point of the Esslingen market.

One Million Visitors Per Season

Over 1 million visitors come every year — from the entire Stuttgart metropolitan area, from Southern Germany, France, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries. The Esslingen old town can be reached in 15 minutes from Stuttgart via the S-Bahn S1, making the market ideal for day-trippers.

An Additional Advent Market on Ritterstraße

The main market is complemented by a smaller weekend Advent market on Ritterstraße with over 30 artisans and designers — a highlight for individual gifts away from mass production. A total of five weeks of market atmosphere, filled anew each weekend.