Anisha Riggs
Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is home to a variety of Christmas markets, including the popular market in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral. The city's festive annual Christmas market, Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt, is actually a collection of various markets around Cologne, with the biggest and most festive market located at the ornate Cologne Cathedral. The market boasts around 150 merrily decorated wooden booths serving wintry treats and displaying artisanal crafts. In addition to the market at the cathedral, there are several other Christmas markets in Cologne, including the Harbour Christmas Market, the Angels' Christmas Market, the House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, and the Stadtgarten Christmas Market, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. These markets offer a range of food, drinks, gifts, and entertainment that are sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Christmas Markets | 7 |
| Names of Christmas Markets | Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, The Angels' Christmas Market, Heavenue Cologne, Nicholas' Village Christmas Market, Stadtgarten Christmas Market, Cologne Harbour Christmas Market |
| Dates | 18th November 2024 – 5th January 2025 |
| Opening Times | Vary, but most main markets are open between 11 am – 9 pm or 10 pm |
| Location | Various locations across the city, including the Old Town, the Belgian Quarter, and the banks of the Rhine |
| Attractions | Ice skating rink, carousel, stalls selling food, drinks, handicrafts, and gifts |
| Transport | Walking, hop-on-hop-off mini-train service, taxis |
| Accommodation | Hotels in the city centre, such as the Hilton Cologne, Hotel Mondial, and Hyatt Regency Köln |
What You'll Learn
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
The market is easily accessible and just a five-minute walk from the Cologne Central train station. It is open from 18 November to 23 December, with different timings on different days. The market is closed on 24 November.
The Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral is a must-visit, with its festive atmosphere and the magnificent backdrop of the cathedral. The market is also known for its delicious food and drinks, including bratwurst, mulled wine, potato pancakes, and cinnamon rolls.
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The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market
The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market
The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market (or "Heinzels Winter Fairytale" in German) is a whimsical tribute to the local legend of the Heinzelmännchen, or house elves, who are said to help the people of Cologne with their housework as they sleep. This market is an enchanted wonderland filled with delightful decorations, a central skating rink, and richly adorned chalets. It is one of the most elaborate Christmas markets, with intricate displays and attention to detail that will leave visitors in awe.
The market is located in Cologne's Old Town, just a short walk from the iconic Cathedral. The Old Town itself is a charming area with colourful buildings, narrow cobbled lanes, and eye-catching Romanesque churches. The market spills over two squares, Heumarkt and Alter Markt, with various themed "alleys" for visitors to explore.
One of the highlights of this market is the abundance of cheery elf figurines, which can be found everywhere from the elaborate welcome gates to the mini-ski lifts. Even the toilets at this market are said to be fancy! Visitors can also enjoy a central ice rink, an old-fashioned carousel, a Christmas Post Office, and other festive amusements.
The food offerings at the House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market are diverse and typical of German Christmas markets. Visitors can indulge in grilled meats and fish, baked bread with various toppings, freshly made waffles and crepes, and of course, the famous German potato pancakes. For drinks, there is the ever-popular gluhwein (mulled wine), served in adorable bauble-shaped mugs.
The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market is a must-visit, especially for those travelling with children. It offers a wonderful mix of activities, crafts, and culinary delights that will enchant visitors of all ages. So put on your warmest clothes, bring some cash, and get ready to immerse yourself in a magical winter fairytale!
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The Angels' Christmas Market
The stall decor is rustic and minimalist, with wooden chalets painted white and simple overhead decorations made of twigs and other natural materials. Even the backs of the chalets are beautifully decorated.
The Reibekuchen stall near the main entrance serves delicious, crispy potato pancakes, plain or with apple sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, you can also buy waffles shaped like the Cologne Cathedral.
The Angels' Market is the oldest Christmas market in Cologne, held in one of the city's largest squares, Neumarkt, which is located in a popular shopping district and within walking distance of the cathedral. The market is devoted to all things angelic, with ladies in angel costumes and winter queens (on special days) sprinkling Christmas glitter and reciting Christmas texts to children.
The magical atmosphere is intensified by over 70 snow-white and grey alpine-style chalets, adorned with sparkling lights and stars. The market also features countless natural Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and twinkling paper stars.
A small, traditional merry-go-round is a real treat for children, while the food and drink choices are sure to please all tastes.
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Harbour Christmas Market
The Harbour Christmas Market (or Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt) is one of the newest Christmas markets in Cologne. It is located on the banks of the Rhine, in the grounds of the famous Chocolate Museum, a short walk from the city's Old Town.
The Harbour Christmas Market is made up of 70 snow-white, pagoda-style stalls adorned with twinkling festive decorations. The stalls' elevated gables and wooden floors resemble those of sailing ships, giving off a maritime feel. Adding to the market's special festive ambience is a giant wooden, three-masted boat that has been converted into a bar. Here, you can enjoy a warming glass of glühwein, a refreshing beer, or any other drink of your choice.
In keeping with the Harbour Christmas Market's nautical theme, many of the stalls offer products related to the sea. You can expect to find food stalls selling seafood dishes and snacks, marine-themed crafts, and Christmas ornaments.
A ride on the market's 50-metre-high Ferris Wheel offers sweeping views of the Rhine and Cologne, including its majestic cathedral. Alternatively, you can take in the view from the roof terrace of the Chocolate Museum.
The Harbour Christmas Market is open from 15 November to 23 December 2024, from 11 am to 10 pm daily.
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Nicholas' Village Christmas Market
The Nicholas' Village Christmas Market (Nikolausdorf) is located in Rudolfplatz Square, in front of the historic Hahnen City Gate, one of the twelve gates of the old city wall. The market is easily accessible via public transport, with Rudolfplatz being a stop for various tram lines.
The village is adorned with pretty projections and thoughtful decorations, including winter and Christmas images projected onto the Hahnentorburg, best viewed in the evening. The market is filled with a mix of food stalls and booths selling seasonal goods, including an assortment of nice Christmas-themed snow globes and the traditional "Christmas star".
The mini-village has its own chapel, decorated with frescoes, and the Nicholas Haus, which offers a fun programme for children, run by local artists and performers. Visitors can enjoy hot drinks served in "Nicholas boot mugs" and soak up the festive atmosphere between the cosy village lanes.
The Nicholas' Village Christmas Market is a great option for families, with its half-timbered houses, a life-sized crib, and candy floss sellers. It is also located near the trendy Belgian Quarter, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the city.
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Frequently asked questions
The Christmas markets in Cologne are open from 18 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
The Christmas markets are located in various areas across the city, including the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, the Harbour, the Stadtgarten, and the Rudolfplatz.
You can expect to find a variety of food, drinks, gifts, and decorations. Food options include bratwurst, potato pancakes, gingerbread, and mulled wine. There are also handicrafts, fashion accessories, and artisanal products such as blown glass and wood carvings.
