Come and experience a unique Christmas market this holiday season near Stuttgart! Take a thrilling trip back in time at the Esslingen Medieval Market and Christmas Market, which sees merchants dress up in historical costumes to peddle their special wares to shoppers, just like they did hundreds of years ago.

Image: courtesy of Maximilian Schwarz / Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH

The largest medieval & Christmas Market in Baden-Württemberg

With more than 180 booths, offering everything from traditional crafts to handmade soaps and regional German specialities, the Esslingen Market in Baden-Württemberg is one of the largest in the region. For close to four weeks in the run-up to Christmas, visitors will be able to enjoy the authentic atmosphere created by dedicated vendors and merchants wearing historical garments. 

Blacksmiths, glass-blowers and basket weavers will all demonstrate how they create these traditional items, while stilt walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters entertain crowds throughout the day.

Image: courtesy of Maximilian Schwarz / Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH

Travel back in time at the Esslingen Medieval & Christmas Market

If visitors get hungry, then they will be spoilt for choice as they can enjoy traditional German food like stuffed pastries, freshly baked Heurekaners, grilled pork, stews and more. To wash it all down, there is plenty of German wine and beer on offer as well.

Over 500 cultural events and workshops, taking place in the half-timbered houses that make up the Medieval and Christmas markets, offer visitors the chance to learn the old market language, how to smoke and cure food, or to make their own tinder.

Image: courtesy of Maximilian Schwarz / Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH 

Plan your visit to Esslingen Medieval Market and Christmas Market

Esslingen's medieval half-timbered houses create a unique and spectacular backdrop to enjoy this Christmas - it’s little wonder that people flock from around the country to visit, no matter the weather.

For more information on the market, and directions on how to get there by car or public transport, visit the official Esslingen Medieval Market and Christmas Market event page.

Video credit: YouTube / Wanderlust & City Dust

Thumb photo: ​​​​​courtesy of Mike Traffic / Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH