Weekendo
Essen International Christmas Market
Large city-centre market stretching from the light-canopied Kennedyplatz to a medieval market on Flachsmarkt. 13 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Thu 19 November, 11:00
Dortmund Christmas Town (Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt)
Hansaplatz, Alter Markt und Reinoldikirche · Dortmund, GermanySeason19 November – 30 December 2026
Todayclosed
Entryfree
Whereoutdoors
The market is inside Ruhr low-emission zone (Umweltzone Ruhrgebiet)
A green emissions sticker (Umweltplakette) on the windscreen is required — also for foreign cars.
Guide: what to do · official website · Most P+R sites are inside the zone; without a green sticker, take a regional train to Essen Hbf, Dortmund Hbf or Duisburg Hbf (P+R: check the official website).
About
The Weihnachtsstadt fills Dortmund's centre, from Hansaplatz across the Alter Markt and around St Reinold's Church. Its landmark is a 45-metre giant tree with about 138,000 LED lights, first lit on the day after Totensonntag. From 5 pm a short light show repeats regularly. Unusually, the market stays open between Christmas and New Year, until 30 December. Mulled-wine and food stalls usually close a little later.
Opening hours
Mulled-wine and food stalls stay open about one hour longer.
| Monday | 11:00–21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00–21:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–21:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00–21:00 |
| Friday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–21:00 |
- Sun 22 November — closed
- Thu 24 December — 11:00–14:00. Christmas Eve: only some stalls open.
- Fri 25 December — closed
- Sat 26 December — 12:00–21:00. Boxing Day: shorter hours.
Combine with
Other markets nearby for the same trip.
opens Thu 12 November, 11:00
Duisburg Christmas Market
Market along Königstraße through Duisburg's whole city centre, with an ice rink for Bavarian curling. 12 November to 30 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Aegidii Christmas Market Münster
Family-friendly market in the Aegidiimarkt courtyard, around a large wooden pyramid with a chime and a nativity scene. 23 November to 23 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Giebelhüüskesmarkt at the Überwasser Church, Münster
Small market with a student vibe in front of the Liebfrauen-Überwasser Church, with views of the cathedral towers. 23 November to 22 December 2026.
opens Mon 23 November, 11:00
Kiepenkerl Christmas Market Münster
A small Christmas village among half-timbered houses around the Kiepenkerl statue, with Westphalian specialities. 23 November to 23 December 2026.
Lichtermarkt at St Lambert's, Münster
Blue pointed-roof huts at the foot of St Lambert's Church, with Münster's biggest Christmas tree. 23 November to 22 December 2026.