Anisha Riggs
The Cologne Christmas Markets are some of the largest and most visited in Germany, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The markets are usually held from mid-November to late December, with some transforming into New Year's markets in January. In 2024, the markets are open from 18 November to 23 December. So, is this year's market cancelled?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dates | 18 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 |
| Location | Cologne, Germany |
| Attractions | Ice skating rink, Christmas Ferris wheel, Cologne Cathedral, Chocolate Museum, China Lights at the Zoo, Advent concerts |
What You'll Learn
Cologne Christmas Market dates and times
The Cologne Christmas Markets are some of the largest and most visited in Germany, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The markets run from 18 November to 23 December, with some remaining open until 5 January.
The biggest and most popular market is held in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral, with over 150 stalls in Roncalliplatz. The market features a giant Christmas tree, a stage for performances, and stalls selling food, drink, and handmade gifts. It is open from 11 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, 11 am to 10 pm from Thursday to Friday, and from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays.
Another popular market is the Heinzels Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, located in the heart of Cologne's old town and spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. This market runs from 25 November to 23 December and is open from 11 am to 10 pm every day. It features an ice-skating rink, food and gift stalls, and a packed program of live music and artist performances. The theme revolves around the folk legend of the Heinzelmännchen, which are household spirits.
The Angels' Market, or Markt der Engel, is one of the original markets that restarted the Christmas market boom in Cologne in the 1970s. It is located in Neumarkt Square, just outside the city centre. This market is open from 18 November to 23 December, from 11 am to 9 pm Monday to Thursday, and from 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.
The Harbour Christmas Market is a relatively new market located on the banks of the Rhine in the grounds of the Chocolate Museum. It runs from 15 November to 23 December and is open from 11 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Nicholas Village, or Nikolausdorf, is a Christmas market in Rudolfplatz Square with good public transport connections. It runs from 18 November to 23 December and is open from 11 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is held in the Stadtgarten, one of the parks on the edge of Cologne's city centre. It takes place in the beer garden of the main restaurant in the park from 15 November to 23 December. It is open from 4 pm to 9:30 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 12 pm to 9:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Cologne Christmas Market attractions
The Cologne Christmas Markets are a collection of various markets scattered throughout the city. The biggest and most popular market is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, which features over 150 stalls spread across two floors, offering a wide variety of traditional Christmas foods, drinks, and gifts. The market is set against the backdrop of the iconic Gothic cathedral, with a large Christmas tree and a maze of stalls selling goodies such as German classics, crafts, and trinkets.
Another popular market is the House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, which pays tribute to the city's famous Heinzelmännchen, whimsical house elves that take care of the locals' housework while they sleep. This market features a central skating rink, richly decorated chalets, and elaborate displays, including mini-ski lifts and elaborate welcome gates.
The Angels' Christmas Market is located in Neumarkt Square and features beautiful stars suspended from the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. The stall decor is beautifully rustic, with wooden chalets painted white and simple decorations made of natural materials. This market offers a variety of tasty treats, including crispy potato pancakes and waffles shaped like the Cologne Cathedral.
The Nicholas' Village Christmas Market is an adorable Christmas village nestled in Rudolfplatz, with half-timbered houses, pretty projections, and thoughtful decor. This market has its own chapel and the Nicholas Haus, which offers a fun program for kids.
The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is located in the Belgian Quarter and is a popular market among locals. It has an enchanted forest vibe, with a variety of stalls selling artisanal products such as salad dressing, honey, and special Karneval hats.
The Harbour Christmas Market is a unique, nautical-themed market located along the Rhine River. It features a cute, airy setting and a selection of high-quality gifts and arts and crafts from local artisans.
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Cologne Christmas Market food and drink
The Cologne Christmas Market is a collection of various markets around the city, each with its own unique food and drink offerings. Here is a guide to some of the food and drink you can expect to find at the different markets:
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
This market offers a variety of traditional Christmas foods, drinks, and gifts. Some of the delicacies you can sample here include Glühwein (mulled wine), Kölsch beer, and Reibekuchen (hot potato pancakes). There are also over 200 different stalls to browse, where you can find handmade decorations, crafts, trinkets, and gifts.
Advent Village with Christmas Pyramid
This quaint market offers a selection of treats, bites, mulled wine, and gingerbread cookie ornaments. It is located just around the corner from the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market and is characterized by its sizable Christmas pyramid in the center of the square.
The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town
Also known as "Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale", this market is based on the legend of the hardworking Heinzelmännchen, little creatures who used to do the housework for the people of Cologne. Here, you can find about 120 stalls with Christmas treats and a 1,800-square-meter ice landscape. There are also two sections to this market: the Heumarkt and the Alter Markt. At the Heumarkt, you can enjoy a sleigh ride, an outdoor ice rink, curling, and Christmas music. The Alter Markt offers mulled wine, local street food, and handmade items such as jewelry and wooden sculptures.
The Angels' Market
This market is adorned with hundreds of twinkling starlights and colorful craft and food stands during the day. At night, the starlights create a stunning atmosphere. Here, you can find handmade chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. You may even have the chance to meet some of the "angels" working at the market.
Nicholas Village
This market features an enchanted village with cozy half-timbered houses, creating a relaxed atmosphere. There are handmade crafts, hot drinks, tasty treats, and family-friendly entertainment. Santa Claus makes an appearance every day between 4 PM and 4:30 PM, walking down the village's alleyways and spreading holiday cheer.
The Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten
This market has over 80 vendors offering a variety of unique products such as craftwork, jewelry, and festive decorations. There are also food stalls with dishes like traditional cinnamon rolls, crepes, and Alsatian tarte flambée. The Stadtgarten team offers a homemade mulled wine recipe to warm you up.
Harbor Christmas Market
This nautical-inspired market has 70 stalls with gifts, arts and crafts, and culinary delights. You can find winemaker mulled wine, flame salmon, steaks, grilled dishes, original Hamburg fish rolls, and sweets. There are also special drinks like mulled beer and fire tong bowl. The introduction of a 48-meter-tall Ferris wheel offers incredible views of the city and the harbor Christmas market.
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Cologne Christmas Market shopping
Cologne is home to a variety of Christmas markets, with over seven distinct markets to choose from. The city's first Christmas market opened in 1820, and today, Cologne boasts a dazzling array of markets, including the popular market around the Cathedral, the Market of Hearts, and theme-oriented markets presided over by angels, fairy-tale figures, or mariners. Here is a guide to some of the top Christmas markets in Cologne for shopping enthusiasts:
Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom)
The Cathedral Christmas Market, located in the shadow of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, is a favourite among visitors. With its classic red-covered stalls, carol singers, and twinkling lights, this market offers a unique shopping experience. Here, you can find everything from hot-off-the-griddle waffles to cheesy spaetzle and hand-painted glass ornaments. The market is open from November 18 to December 23, with varying timings on different days.
Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale
Located in the heart of Cologne's Old Town, Heinzel's Winter Fairytale stretches through the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. This market showcases a large ice rink, a beer hall, and a variety of stalls offering traditional handicrafts, including woodcarvings and Polish pottery. It is known for its lively atmosphere and numerous beverage stands. The market is open from November 25 to December 23, with daily timings of 11:00 to 22:00.
Nicholas' Village (Nikolausdorf)
Considered one of the most scenic markets, Nicholas' Village is located in Rudolfplatz and resembles an Alpine village with its half-timbered trim. It offers a range of food and beverage options, including popular potato pancakes. This market is perfect for those seeking a picturesque setting while they shop and indulge in delicious treats. It is open from November 18 to December 23, with timings of 11:00 to 21:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, and 11:00 to 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Markt der Engel (Angels' Market)
The Angels' Market, located in the popular shopping district of Neumarkt, is one of the larger markets with wide lanes. It is known for its ornament shops, where you can find a variety of festive decorations. This market also features women dressed as angels floating through the crowds. It is open from November 18 to December 23, with timings varying slightly throughout the week.
Stadtgarten Christmas Market
The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is located in the trendy Belgian Quarter, away from the tourist hotspots. This market showcases the work of young fashion designers and artists, making it the perfect place to find unique, stylish accessories and gifts. It is also known for serving the best-tasting gluhwein (mulled wine) in the city. The market operates from November 15 to December 23, with timings varying between weekdays and weekends.
To easily get between the markets, you can take the Christmas Market Express, a festive motorized train that runs a loop between several of the markets for a small fee.
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Cologne Christmas Market accommodation
Cologne's Christmas Markets are some of the largest and most visited in Germany, with the historic city providing a beautiful backdrop to the festive celebrations. With the markets spread throughout the city, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, depending on which market you want to visit. Here is a guide to help you find the perfect place to stay.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Right in the shadow of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, this market is located in the heart of the city. The closest hotel is the CityClass Hotel Alter Markt, which is just 50ft from the market and offers elegant interiors, modern bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Other nearby options include the Lint Hotel Köln, which is 300ft away and features city views, and the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, a luxury 5-star hotel directly opposite the cathedral.
Harbour Christmas Market
Held in the beautiful Cologne Harbour, next to the Chocolate Museum, this market is a lively scene in the lead up to Christmas. The closest hotel mentioned in my source is the Cologne Marriott Hotel, which is 350m from the Cologne Cathedral and Christmas Market.
Market of Angels
The oldest Christmas market in Cologne, the Market of Angels is located in the Neumarkt in central Cologne. The Eden Hotel Früh am Dom is a great option nearby, offering a central location, an outdoor terrace, and international cuisine. The Hotel Drei Kronen is another centrally located choice, situated near the Philharmonie concert hall, the River Rhine, and Cologne Cathedral.
Rudolfplatz Christmas Market
A fairytale market with bright lights and beautiful decorations, the Rudolfplatz Christmas Market is located in Rudolfplatz, in the heart of Cologne. The Prevôt Restaurant & Hotel is a great choice, featuring a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, and is just 200m from the Cologne Philharmony.
Old Town Market
Also known as 'The Home of the Gnomes', the Old Town Market is a traditional treat with carols, souvenirs, and an ice rink. The Hotel zur Malzmühle is a great option, located in the heart of the Old Town, offering free Wi-Fi, views of Cologne Cathedral, and a restaurant with a brewery. The Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom is another good choice, situated directly beside the cathedral and the Central Station.
Stadtgarten Christmas Market
A quieter option, the Stadtgarten Christmas Market is held in a municipal garden, with festive music and unique stalls. The STAYERY Cologne Sülz is located 700m from the Nikolauskirche and features free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and express check-in and check-out.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Cologne Christmas Markets are not cancelled.
The Cologne Christmas Markets open in early November and close in early January.
Entry to the Cologne Christmas Markets is free.
The opening times vary depending on the day of the week. Generally, the markets are open from 11am to 9pm or 10pm, with extended hours until 11pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The Cologne Christmas Markets are located throughout the city, including in the historic old town and in the shadow of the Cologne Cathedral.
