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Already hopped on the big wheel on Burgplatz, visited all the classic Christmas markets around the Altstadt, and been ice skating along the Köbogen? Perhaps you’re looking for something new at the Christmas markets in and around Düsseldorf this year?

Maria, local Düsseldorfer, is here to give you some tips to find beautiful, innovative, romantic and tasty Christmas markets in and around Dusseldorf that are a little different than the usual.

For Medieval Fans: Medieval Christmas Market Essen

It takes 30 minutes to get to Essen by car where you can also spend a few nice hours at the Essen Christmas market. The Christmas market in Essen has a beautiful light tent worthy of your Instagram feed and is situated in the “Flachsmarkt”. Foodwise you can enjoy the medieval flat cakes and “Wassail”, a mulled wine with honey and spices. You can also enjoy other fancy medieval wines like the dragon blood or fairy gold variation.

If you want to continue exploring the area, go on a winter hike around the beautiful Baldeneysee!

For Ice Skating Fans:

Düsseldorf Airport

For five weekends in December and in the first week of January, you can skate a few rounds on the 300 m² area of real ice, free of charge, also the skate rental is for free. This is not available every year, so you’ll have to check ahead of time.

Essen On Ice

When you are keen to continue ice skating after Christmas, you can try out “Essen on Ice”, which takes place from 19th January until 11th March 2018. The ice rink is huge and in the middle of the city.

There are a number of other skating rinks around the city if you’ve already been to the two above!

For Culture fans, light fans, and children: Benrath Castle

The Benrath Castle Christmas market follows the motto “feast, light and Christmas” this year! The light festival in the summer was such a great success, that they decided to bring it back for the Christmas season. There is an extensive program featuring various events such as a castle tour in historical costumes, choir performances, or readings. Admission is free of charge. Also, there’s a children’s program. When you need to warm up, you can also visit the castle café where you’ll find deliciously served cakes that are baked in Dusseldorf. They also offer breakfast until 2 PM.

Düsseldorf Central and easy to reach with public transport: Christmas market at “Andreasquarter”

It’s relatively new, so even though it’s located in the center of the old town, there is a hidden Christmas market at the Hotel de Medici in the Andreasquartier. Even when it is raining, you are well protected under the tent there. This market is a great place to avoid the crowded areas in town and instead, enjoy a dapper atmosphere. PS: You can also have a glass of champagne or a Tarte Flambee instead of the traditional mulled wine.

For romantics and castle fans:

Dyck Castle

During the December weekends before Christmas, there is a huge Christmas market held at Dyck Castle near Dusseldorf. The entrance fee (13 € – always subject to change) will pay off as the Christmas market is huge and extraordinary. There are a lot of handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and home accessories from a total of 160 exhibitors. A special highlight is the nativity play which is especially interesting for children. I can recommend trying the Lumumba instead of Gluhwein, it is just great!

Merode Castle

If you would like to visit a romantic Christmas market that is a little bit outside of the Dusseldorf city center, you can take a look at Merode castle. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region, the entrance fee is 7 € per person.