A Trip Back in Time at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Esslingen’s Medieval Half-timbered Houses are a great backdrop for their Medieval Christmas Market:

Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market at the Marktplatz

Before coming to Stuttgart, we didn’t know anything about the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market or Esslingen town for that matter. Tony came across information about their Medieval Christmas Market by chance and so we take time out from Stuttgart to visit Esslingen.

A town full of markets

The Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market is held at the Marktplatz or market square. Even before  reaching the Marktplatz we are set into a Christmas market mood. The long street from the train station to the Marktplatz is lined with stalls, and these are just the normal weekend market stalls.

Medieval Christmas Market

A green archway marks the entrance to the Esslingen Christmas Market. The Medieval Market reminds us of the Dresden Medieval Market, but it is much larger. With more than 180 booths, it is one of the largest markets in the Baden-Württemberg region.

Medieval setting for Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market – Courtesy Esslingen Tourism

Esslingen is a beautiful town. Taking a quick look around Esslingen Marktplatz, it’s easy to see why this town is a perfect setting for a medieval Christmas market. It’s medieval half-timbered houses create a special and atmospheric backdrop for its medieval-themed Christmas market.

What’s on at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

At the Medieval Christmas Market, merchants in historical garments offer their goods for sale just as they did hundreds of years ago. Craftsmen like pewter makers, felt-makers,  blacksmiths, rope-makers, basket-weavers, glass-blowers and many others demonstrate their craftsmanship at the market.

Medieval ironsmiths at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Travelling minstrels and various stage artists entertain visitors with medieval music and dances.

Street artists at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Kids can enjoy rides on the wooden ferris-wheel. Two attendants work very hard at spin the wheel manually. There is also a merry-go-round which the kids seem to enjoy.

Merry- go-round at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Medieval Food and Drinks

Today’s maximum temperature at Esslingen is only -1°C. There are plenty of calorie-enriched stomach-warming food such as stuffed pastries, grilled pork, hearty stews, duck leg and venison goulash. Instead of glühwein, medieval hot drinks served here include a hot berry wine or honey-sweet mead, a brandy punch, or a hot spiced beer.

A meat stew at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Very Popular Market

Esslingen’s Medieval Market is very popular with Germans. In the evening crowds flock in from the station. The people of Esslingen also enjoy this period when they can take a trip back in time. From their costumes to the goods on sale, no effort is spared to promote their medieval-themed Christmas market.

A vendor at the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market 2023

The Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market runs for almost four weeks.  From Stuttgart Stadt-Mitte station, the S1 S-bahn to Esslingen is a 15 minute train ride.

Christmas Market Dates: 23.11.2023 – 21.12.2023
Times:
Sunday to Thursday 11:00 – 20:30
Friday & Saturday 11:00 – 21:30

Places to Stay

Check out the range of hotels, apartments and inns close to the Esslingen Christmas Market Here.>

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