Christmas markets in Cologne

There is not just one big Christmas market in Cologne city center, but at least twenty! Depending on your mood, you can choose between the large historic Christmas markets on the left bank of the Rhine, the cozy district markets in the “Veedeln” or the alternative Christmas markets. Immerse yourself in the world of spicy gingerbread, steaming hot drinks and enjoy the varied stage program.

If you are traveling with children, you should definitely show them the children's play tent at the Christmas market at the harbor. If you're looking for handcrafted gifts, you'll find them in the Stadtgarten. And if you've arranged to meet up with friends for a mulled wine, why not try the Heiße Vergnügen on Rudolfplatz?

Top Christmas markets in Cologne

If you are in Cologne in the run-up to Christmas, you should not miss out on the wintery Christmas atmosphere at the Christmas markets. But the biggest and best-known Christmas markets are not always the most popular. Let yourself be surprised: We present the best places for festive anticipation, eco-friendly gift ideas and good live music.

The Christmas market in Cologne on Neumarkt is the oldest and a true angel's market. Hundreds of starry lights, real-life angels and other mythical creatures on stilts and even St. Nicholas can be found here, and not just on St. Nicholas Day.

Not the oldest, but the largest and most impressive Christmas market in the city is located on Alter Markt and Heumarkt: Heinzel's Winter Fairytale. There are around 120 stalls and an ice landscape with a skating rink and curling accompanied by swing music on the square around Heumarkt. At the Alter Markt, you can buy handicrafts directly from regional producers from NRW and surprise your loved ones with them. Traditionally, there is also a snack alley for the hungry, a large selection of jewelry in the Goldgasse, a children's carousel and a small Ferris wheel for children.

Christmas market with children

The Christmas market on Rudolfplatz is characterized by its family-friendliness. The festively decorated St. Nicholas village against the backdrop of the 13th century Hahnentorburg castle radiates a contemplative festive atmosphere: Not only the half-timbered houses are festively illuminated with warm LED lights. Daily craft and painting activities for children make the visit a successful experience for the little ones.

In the Rheinauhafen, the Christmas market presents itself in a maritime atmosphere. From the 50-metre-high Ferris wheel, you can admire the many colorful lights of Cologne for 12 minutes. There is also a children's program here beyond Christmas: at the subsequent New Year's market, the little ones will find great entertainment in play boats and in the puppet theater.

A great children's carousel awaits the little adventurers in the Lindenthal Winter Village. Parents can look forward to gin gingerbread, hot limoncello or tasty treats from the western grill.

Alternative Christmas markets

How do you reconcile sustainability, social responsibility and Christmas? It's simple: visit the city's alternative Christmas markets! Blackfoot Beach at Fühlinger See is transformed into a fairytale winter wonderland where you can make presents, listen to stories around a campfire or shoot bows by torchlight.

Artists and creative fashion designers sell fair fashion, recycled jewelry and handmade accessories in innovative designs at the Super Christmas Market on the second weekend of Advent. There is also a great offer at the Christmas G'art'en in the Wachsfabrik in Industriestrasse: In addition to street art and a music program, various workshops such as sculpting courses or experimental photography await.

More small Christmas markets with special features

In December, many other small Christmas markets with different themes take place in the various districts. These usually only last a few days. In the Eigelstein district, for example, St. Nicholas gives away chocolate every day around 6 December and there is live Christmas music in the evening.

The Voodmarkt attracts more than just vegans! On the third weekend of Advent, you can feast: the menu includes soups, tarte flambée, cheese spaetzle, waffles and cherry punch - all vegan, of course! A light show and live music round off the program.

Locations and opening hours of the Christmas markets

Cologne's Christmas markets usually open around November 20. If you would like to visit a Christmas market at the end of November, you should ask the respective market about its opening times: Smaller Christmas markets sometimes only open in December.

Most Christmas markets are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and close on December 23. In the old town, however, you can stroll through the ice landscape of the Heinzels Wintermärchen until January.