The city centre of Cologne is turned into a festive winter wonderland in the weeks leading up to the national holiday each year when the Christmas markets open. Welcoming millions of visitors from around the world, the Christmas markets in Cologne offer everything you could ever want for Christmas, and more!
Christmas market in the heart of the Old Town
One of the most festive Christmas markets in Cologne remains the Old Market, in front of the city’s town hall. Folklore says that the Heinzelmännchen (house gnomes) assist the locals in getting ready for Christmas and setting up this traditional market.
Visitors can stroll among the festively decorated huts while shopping for handmade decorations, toys, gifts and accessories. Or they can enjoy the delicious aroma of Christmas baked goods like gingerbread, pastries and chestnuts while sipping on a hot mug of mulled wine or a pint of German beer. Children and young families, in particular, will enjoy the roundabout, puppet theatre and Santa Claus quarter.
Plenty of holiday gift ideas at Cologne’s Christmas markets
Underneath the tallest natural Christmas tree in North Rhine-Westphalia, visitors can enjoy the Cathedral Christmas market, which is in front of one of the country's biggest attractions. At the 150 wooden pavilions, visitors can watch glassblowers, pewter pourers and wreath binders demonstrate their arts while sampling regional delicacies and organic food.
The oldest Christmas market in Cologne is held on the Neumarkt, by the main shopping district. Here at the Angel’s Christmas Market, visitors can expect to be enchanted by charmingly decorated chalets, beautiful handmade goods and decorative Angels, who drift through the alleys, handing out treats and spreading Christmas cheer to all.
When are the Cologne's Christmas markets open?
Not all of the markets are open for the entire Christmas market period. It's always worth double-checking the official sites before you head over, but here's an overview of the dates for each market:
Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
November 18 - December 23
Sunday to Wednesday: 11am-9pm
Thursday and Friday: 11am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Cologne Harbour Christmas Market
November 18 - December 23
Sunday to Thursday: 11am-9pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am-10pm
Sunday, November 24: 6pm-9pm
Village of St. Nicholas
November 18 - December 23
Sunday to Thursday: 11am-9pm
Friday: 11am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Angel’s Christmas Market
November 18 - December 23
Sunday to Thursday: 11am-9pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am-10pm
Sunday, November 24: Closed
Stadtgarten Christmas Market
November 18 - December 23
Monday to Friday: 4pm-9.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm-9.30pm
Vringsadvent
November 21 - December 23
Daily: 11am-10pm
Heinzels Winter Fairytale
November 25, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Monday, November 25 to Monday, December 23: 11am-10pm
Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25: Closed
Thursday, December 26 to Sunday, January 5: 11am-9pm
With the festive music in the air, varied entertainment programmes and numerous traditional stalls offering goods, it’s obvious why Cologne’s Christmas markets are so popular among visitors. To make the most of your visit, we do recommend travelling by public transport, to fully immerse yourself in the festive mood.