Our History
From a Small Bakery to Europe's Largest Christmas Market Café
Only Santa Claus himself has more Christmas experience than we do. For over 50 years, our business has been the vibrant center of Essen’s Christmas market. This is where people know each other. This is where people meet. But above all, people have been enjoying all the small, homemade delicacies for more than five decades. We can tell many stories. And in essence, we are one ourselves.
From a Small Bakery to Europe’s Largest Christmas Market Café.
Our History
1972: The First Christmas Market in Essen
Involved from the very beginning. From 1972 until today. Only a few entrepreneurs can claim that. We can! When the Essen Christmas market first took place over 50 years ago, we were already in the midst of it, albeit as a newborn then. Alongside our father and grandfather Erich Knocke, who helped stage the first Essen Christmas markets. As an idea generator. As a trendsetter. As a driving force. As enthusiastic entrepreneurs of our city.
Founder and Master Confectioner Claus-Dieter Müller-Knocke
In essence, it had to turn out this way! For the Christmas season, there’s hardly a more fitting craft than confectionery with all its temptations, pleasures, and aromas. And with all the professional know-how and finesse of an experienced master confectioner, Claus-Dieter Müller established our family tradition in 1972 with a first stand at the start of the Essen Christmas market.
The Construction of the Small Bakery
How misleading names can be! The construction of our ‘small bakery’ was nothing less than building the largest single stand at the Essen Christmas market for a long time. With eight by eight meters, our stand gave us unique opportunities from the start for oven-fresh culinary culture, such as our Baumkuchen, which is known far beyond Essen’s city limits and which we produce on-site on a 1-meter roll. Generations of Christmas market visitors have shown their gratitude to this day with their loyalty.
1996: Fresh Churros at a Christmas Market for the First Time.
To this day, our formidable churros are not only eye-catchers but above all taste sensations.
In 1996, we introduced them in the Small Bakery using an original Mallorcan recipe at the Essen Christmas market and scored a real hit. For many visitors, these specialties are now more than just a small, fine delicacy. They are a true ritual.
For the 50th Anniversary: The Big Expansion
Steffi Oliver Müller take over the family business, and with the opening of our spectacular X-Mas Lounge, they elevate the family tradition at the Essen Christmas market to a new level. The lounge combines tradition with innovation in the best way. The small bakery still forms the heart of the stand, harmoniously expanded with a restaurant, event location, and rooftop terrace.
