Torchlight Parade to the Castle
Visitors and market stallholders carry lit torches through the night on a walk up to Esslingen Castle to mark the winter solstice. Upon arrival at the castle grounds, a massive wooden pyre is ignited in front of over a thousand spectators to begin the festivities. The celebration continues in the castle courtyard with live medieval music and a dramatic fire show.
See more other Christmas activities near Esslingen am Neckar
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Torches: €2 each.
Hours
Torch sales begin at 20:00; the procession starts from the Rathausplatz, but no start time is stated.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Altstadt
Accessibility
Accessible toilets, including a Toilet for All, are at Agneshof, with more in the Mittlere Beutau underpass and at Hafenmarkt.
Pets
Dogs are best left at home. On the market grounds they must be on a very short leash and muzzled where required.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Head to the stage on Rathausplatz to buy your torch, because torch sales happen there and the procession sets off from the same spot.
- Dress warmly for a winter night outdoors, since you'll walk up to the castle and then stand in the circle around the bonfire.
- Stay after the bonfire is lit for the fire show in the castle courtyard, which is when the celebration on the castle grounds gets going.
- Expect a big crowd, as more than a thousand people gather in a circle around the bonfire at the castle.
- Leave your dog at home if you can, since the organizers advise against dogs at the busy weekend market and any dogs must stay on a very short leash.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 2026 procession marks the winter solstice on December 20.
Links & Contact
Run by Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the procession?
Buy a torch at the stage on Rathausplatz. The procession leaves from there after the market closes.
Who walks in the parade?
Visitors and market traders walk together with their torches up to the castle.
What happens at the castle?
A big woodpile is built on the castle grounds hours ahead. More than a thousand people form a circle, and the market traders light the fire. Then the celebration begins, with a fire show in the castle courtyard.
Why is the parade held?
It celebrates the longest night of the year around the winter solstice. It's an Esslingen tradition that has run since 2006.
Where are the nearest public toilets?
There are public and accessible toilets at Agneshof, which has a Toilet for All, in the Mittlere Beutau underpass, and at Hafenmarkt by Café am Museum.
Browse Christmas in Stuttgart
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.