christmas and medieval market

An easy trip on the S-bahn from Stuttgart and then a short walk from the Esslingen station (follow the other people!) to the market. We went to a number of markets - Stuttgart, Ludwigsberg and Esslingen. This one has a 'conventional' market, as well as the medieval part. It was great fun, and the stall holders - of food and games - dressed in their medieval clothes, were really enthusiastic. It helped everyone get in the spirit. One of the most fun markets we went to.

We have been to a lot of German Christmas markets and this was one of the busiest ones. It was absolutely crazy the closer you got to the Medieval portion of the market.

Easy to reach from the Stuttgart main station on the S1 line. You need to walk along the main high street and over the bridge to find the market. The market is a mix between a standard Bavarian Xmas market and a medieval style market. Smaller than the Stuttgart market but worth a visit

We really enjoyed the medieval market in Esslingen. The old world atmosphere that was created was inspiring, taking us back in time. We had spent the week going to various Christmas Markets in Stuttgart, Tubingen and Paris. Although those were larger they did not have the character found here. The craftsmen, entertainment and decorating made it a worthwhile experience different than the others.

The Christmas Market portion of the city is like any other Christmas Market around. It's fun, filled with little shops and chalets to buy Christmas trinkets, gluhwein and street meats, and it's definitely worth a trip. However, the middle ages part of the fest is what really sets it apart. They have games and rides like a man-powered Ferris Wheel or bow and arrow shooting. They have lots of great foods to try cooked in the way of the middle ages. And, you get really cool ceramic cups to drink your hot drinks from. It's definitely worth a visit; lots of fun!

We really enjoyed this Market. There was a total of 3 markets, the Medieval Market, the Advent Market, & the Main Christmas Market. There was a ton to see & do. There is really something for all ages. The Medieval market was great for kids and had some good stuff for adults. We really enjoyed the band with their medieval horns. There was shopping for everyone. Toys for kids, ornements all hand made, some from wood, others from all natural things, and even some hand blown glass ones that were hand painted that you can place candles in. There was antiques, christmas trees, pottery, and even one vendor that made lamps from gourds and even made some with swarovski crystals incrested in them. There was a ton of food to choose from we had 3 different vendors food and all was really good. My favorite food was the Jagerpizza it was cooked over an open fire and the smokeiness that gave the pizza just added to the flavor. I had some type of ghulwein that had chocolate in it and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Most vendors was pretty good at english. the decorations were amazing as well. One of the things I truly enjoyed about the Esslingen Christmas Market is that there is so much else you can do and see while there other than just the Market.

At some point during the visit you will be forgiven for thinking that you are back in time. The market is amazingly decorated, shop keepers wear clothes in medieval style, actually if you gave something similar you could turn up with it as there are many who do. If you don't own anything but would like to buy the market sells everything at reasonable prices. Don't miss the shows held regularly in the market as they are a huge hit among young and old. The food is exclusively tasty here, there are some dishes you won't find in the markets nearby.

Seems like this is not in your main stream German Christmas market search. But don't let that fool you this is one of the best.

What a great visit. We had visited the markets on the Champs Elysees in Paris and the local Xmas markets at Ludwigsburg and this was a stand out. The market snakes its way around the inner city streets, filling plazas and lanes.The theme is well supported and the whole place is a lot of fun. The medieval themed games alley is a hoot and there is plenty of variation on food outlets - of course there is plenty of the "usual" there but the themed food stands are great.There are lots of handicraft stalls (always ask - we were about to buy and found out they came from Indonesia - we walked away) so be aware that not all are local - most were though.Its a bit of a walk from the station but well worth it. If you really wish to wear your legs out combine it with a walk up the steps to the Burg. Later at nigh trains can be infrequent so yoi may have to sit at the station for a while. Most certainly worth the visit

As someone who has been to several Christmas Markets, this one is truly worth the visit. I would definitely NOT try to go there by car (parking is so bad I once drove around for an hour before giving up and going home), but it is very convenient to get to from the S-Bahn stop in Esslingen. Just follow the crowds and you will soon be in the heart of the market. The town is charming in and of itself, and it is certainly worth a stroll any time of year. The market itself is just more "fun" than most of the other Christmas markets. There was a Ferris Wheel for children that was pushed by men in medieval outfits, there is a place where you can throw hatchets at a target, you can buy unusual snacks like "bread on a stick," and generally you get to enjoy the atmosphere of part Renaissance fair, part Christmas fun. A fair number of people dress up to go to this market, but if you wear street clothes you will still be fine. Like most other Christmas markets in Germany, there are plenty of handcrafted items and fun decorations that will be appreciated year-round.It can be a little difficult to navigate the crowd with a large stroller, so I would recommend using a baby carrier if your child is small enough, and an umbrella stroller otherwise. Also, be aware that there are not a lot of places to sit down, so if you are trying to feed a child, I really recommend travelling with a friend so that you all can help each other.

My best friend lives in Esslingen, so the first time I visited at winter she took me to the Christmas market! It was beautiful. So lively, loads of stalls with all different types of things being sold. Loads of traditional german food to try, was all delicious. A medieval band playing in the medieval part of the market, and every body was dressed up that was working on these stalls. Lots of mulled wine and beautiful smells. Hand made crafts being sold.I really reccommend going to either Esslingen, Stuttgart or Ulm's christmas Market. I visited them all and they're all beautiful!

This was our first Christmas Market. Had wonderful booths of food and drink (a hot mug of Gluwein taste great on a really cold evening). Amazing chocolate booths. Loved the medieval theme--blacksmith, archer, shows and clothing items.

We went to both Stuttgart and Esslingen Xmas Market, plus the Medieval Market in Esslingen as well. Xmas market in Stuttgart is nice, nothing to say. But if you have to chose, go to Esslingen, 20mn. drive from Suttgart: charmful town much more "traditional" like and the market is alike. We enjoyed this market more than Stuttgart, which is a pleasant town anyway.If children, they will LOVE all medieval games prepared for them! Really worth.

Great food, great entertainment and so many different ways to sample Gluhwein! Guaranteed to fill you with Christmas spirit...visit if you can.

My teenage sons enjoyed walking this small town and taking in its beauty. The train ride from Stuttgart was fast and had very nice scenery of vineyards . The town has a river that is picture perfect.