Cologne's Christmas Markets: A Magical, Multi-Location Experience

Cologne is a beautiful city with a rich history that transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The city is known for its culture and history and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. With its magnificent cathedral, charming old town, and bustling markets, Cologne offers a magical experience for all ages. The city boasts a variety of Christmas markets scattered throughout its neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the popular market in front of the cathedral to the quaint Angel's Market and the family-friendly Nicholas Village, there is something for everyone in Cologne during the festive season.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

Cologne is a city that truly embraces the Christmas spirit, with a sparkling array of Christmas markets to choose from. The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the city's most popular festive event, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. Located in the shadow of the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the symbol of the city, this market offers a magical experience.

Dates and Times

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market opens its gates from 18 November to 23 December 2024. It operates from 11 am to 9 pm on Sundays to Wednesdays, 11 am to 10 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays.

Location and Transportation

The market is situated in Roncalliplatz, right next to the iconic Cologne Cathedral. To reach the market, visitors can take advantage of the city's efficient public transportation system. The closest airport is the Köln-Bonn Airport, located about 15km southeast of the city, with regular rail services into the main railway station next to the cathedral.

Attractions and Offerings

The market features 150 stands offering a variety of handmade treasures, organic delights, and festive drinks. A giant Christmas tree stands at the centre, surrounded by a stage with live performances. The market also boasts a web of lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy live music, shop for unique gifts, and indulge in delicious food and drinks. The market has something for everyone, including activities for children, such as carousels and ice-skating rinks.

Accommodation

For those looking to stay close to the action, the Eden Hotel Früh am Dom is a great choice, located just a minute's walk from the market and the cathedral. The hotel offers spacious rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city's Christmas markets.

The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town

Cologne is a city steeped in history that transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the festive season. The German city of Cologne hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the country, "Heinzel's Winter Fairytale", attracting over four million visitors each year. This market is based on the long-told legend of the hardworking Heinzelmännchen, little people who did the work of the people of Cologne while they were sleeping. The market transforms the city's historic old town, located between Heumarkt and Alter Markt, into a winter wonderland.

The Old Town Christmas Market stands out due to its sheer number of Christmas stalls, attractions, and entertainment. With about 120 stalls, a 1,800-square-metre ice landscape, a spectacular ice-skating rink, and a mythical ice landscape, this market offers something for everyone. The ice landscape at Heumarkt includes sleigh rides, an outdoor ice rink, curling, and Christmas music. Over at Alter Markt, visitors can enjoy mulled wine, local street food, and shop for handmade items such as jewellery and wooden sculptures. The attention to detail and design of the market makes it seem like a permanent feature of the city.

The market is usually open daily from 11:00 to 22:00, with the Heumarkt section remaining open until January 7th. The market's website, https://www.heinzels-wintermaerchen.de/, provides more detailed information.

Practical Information

To make the most of your visit to Cologne's Christmas markets, it is recommended to wear warm clothing, carry cash as some stalls may not accept cards, and bring a camera to capture the festive moments. The city centre is the best place to stay to fully enjoy all that Cologne has to offer during the holiday season. The Hyatt Regency Cologne, located along the Rhine River, offers unparalleled views of the city.

Getting to Cologne

Cologne is easily accessible by train, with the regional rail link (S-Bahn) providing regular services to the main railway station, located next to the cathedral. The closest airport is Köln-Bonn Airport, located about 15km southeast of the city, with regular flights to and from London St. Pancras International.

The Angels' Market

The market is located beneath a canopy of trees, from which the starlights are hung, creating the feeling of a night sky. It is a popular spot for locals to meet up for a drink after work, with at least three large bar areas. There is also a bar that specialises in hot Christmas cocktails, including a hot Aperol Spritz. The market is also known for its teenage girls dressed up as angels, who wander around the stalls giving sweets to children.

Nicholas Village

The "Village of St. Nicholas", also known as "Nicholas Village", is a Christmas market in the Rudolfplatz square, located to the west of the city centre near the inner ring road. The market is situated in front of the historic Hahnen City Gate, between Neumarkt and the Belgian Quarter. It offers good public transport connections, with stops on lines U 1, 7, 12, and 15.

The market is a delight for all ages, with its festive stage programme, hot drinks served in "Nicholas boot mugs", and a magical Christmas atmosphere. The village lanes are adorned with cosy decorations, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The "Village of St. Nicholas" is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the festive cheer.

The "Village of St. Nicholas" has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. The first Christmas market in Cologne, known as the Nicolaimarkt, was established in 1820 in the old town. Over time, the market grew in size and popularity, but in 1885, the authorities decided to ban it due to concerns over the large number of stands and rowdiness. However, the tradition of Christmas markets in Cologne continued, and today, the city boasts a variety of markets, including the beloved "Village of St. Nicholas".

The market usually opens in late November and remains open until December 23rd. In 2023, the dates were from November 20th to December 23rd. The market is typically open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 10:00 pm. These timings may vary from year to year, so checking the official website, www.nikolausdorf.com, is recommended for the most up-to-date information.

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market

The stalls and exhibitors change weekly, so there is always something new to discover. Visitors can enjoy a range of treats, including organic mulled wine, delicious stews, tarte flambée, crêpes, almonds, raclette, and waffles – all homemade with fresh ingredients.

A highlight for children is the Christmas stage, featuring puppet shows, children’s theatre, fire-eaters, storytellers, and jazz concerts. The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the festive season in Cologne.

Frequently asked questions