Essen (dpa / lnw) - As one of the first Christmas markets in NRW and nationwide, the Christmas market in Essen-Steele was officially opened on Thursday evening. The market traditionally starts much earlier than other markets shortly after All Saints' Day, as organizer Léon Finger said on Friday. Around 97 stands and structures were prepared this year. A six-digit number of visitors is expected, with the market going until December 30th, which is an unusually long time.
The main attraction is expected to be a real steam locomotive from 1882, which is to be delivered on Monday (November 7th) by a heavy-duty transporter. According to the plans, Nikolas lands on December 6th with a real helicopter in the nearby Ruhrwiesen and is taken to the Christmas market in a horse-drawn carriage - followed by many children.
In addition to mulled wine, bratwurst and Christmas presents at the stands, numerous pop singers traditionally perform at the market. Among other things, Stefan Mross and his wife Anna-Carina Woitschack have been announced, said the organizer.
