Maritime Engelkemarkt in Emden: A festival of the senses and tradition!

Maritime Engelkemarkt in Emden: A festival of the senses and tradition!

The anticipation of the festive season is increasing, as the image of the city in Emden is transformed into a lovingly decorated Christmas village. The popular one Engelkemarkt opens its doors from November 24th to December 23rd and from December 27th to 31st, 2025. Every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. you can experience the festive atmosphere in the historic Ratsdelft and Stadtgarten.

Where does the name Engelkemarkt come from? It goes back to the “Engelke up de Muer”, the golden maiden eagle in the city’s coat of arms. The heart of the market is an impressive Christmas pyramid, which sits enthroned in front of the East Frisian State Museum. Here, visitors can not only admire the pretty stalls, but also smell the delicious scents of almonds, spices, gingerbread, cinnamon and vanilla. And from December 1st, Santa Claus has his chocolate Santas with him every day and opens a door in the Advent calendar.

A maritime experience

The maritime flair that the Engelkemarkt exudes is particularly exciting. The ambience with glowing museum ships and traditional sailing ships creates a very unique atmosphere. Here you can have a good time on the lightship “Amrumbank/Deutsche Bucht” with a mulled wine or a Nordic punch. Culinary delicacies such as hot smoked eel and hearty sausages round off the experience.

There is plenty of entertainment for families at the Engelkemarkt. While Sinterklaas makes the children laugh, the festive lighting along with the market stalls artfully grouped around the large pyramid create a contemplative atmosphere. Emden’s Engelkemarkt combines tradition and maritime flair, making it a real highlight of the Christmas markets in northern Germany.

Other markets in Emden

But Emden has even more to offer! During Advent, visitors can expect the “Advent at the Harbor Gate” with five stands on the first weekend of Advent. The second weekend of Advent is reserved for “Advent in the Karree Town Hall,” where homemade stollen and lectures are on the program. And don't forget: the winter steam market on Bahnhofsplatz, which delights with steam trains and delicious food.

The official opening ceremony will take place on November 24th at 5 p.m. So if you want to experience the festive atmosphere in Emden, you shouldn't miss the Engelkemarkt and its diverse offerings. However, short-term changes to the dates or opening times cannot be ruled out - if you want to be on the safe side, you should check the Christmas market website or the local tourism association for up-to-date information beforehand deutsche-weihnachtsmarkt.de recommends.

The Engelkemarkt in Emden is not only a highlight for the locals, but also attracts many visitors from nearby cities. The festive atmosphere, the culinary delicacies and the maritime backdrop make this market one of the most beautiful in Germany, as the experts from ADAC point out.