Cologne's Christmas Markets: Where To Go This Holiday Season

If you're looking for Christmas markets to visit in Cologne, you're spoilt for choice. The German city has a variety of Christmas markets, including the popular one in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral, which attracts over 4 million visitors each year. But there are plenty of other options, from the quaint to the quirky, and the traditional to the modern. Here's a round-up of some of the best:

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

The most famous of Cologne's Christmas markets, located in the shadow of the city's iconic Cathedral. Expect a glittering canopy of lights, a large central Christmas tree, and a maze of stalls selling everything from German classics to fancy fair trade coffee.

The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market

Held in the city's Old Town, this market pays tribute to the local legend of the Heinzelmännchen, whimsical house elves who take care of the housework while residents sleep. Look out for the central skating rink and richly decorated chalets.

The Angels' Christmas Market

Located in Neumarkt Square, this romantic market features clusters of beautiful stars suspended in the trees and performers dressed as angels, even on stilts! The stall decor is beautifully rustic, and you can enjoy treats like crispy potato pancakes and waffles shaped like Cologne Cathedral.

Heavenue Cologne

Cologne is known as the gay capital of Germany, and this market proudly bills itself as the city's gay Christmas market. Expect dazzling LED lights, food trucks, white garlands, and glittery baubles.

Nicholas' Village Christmas Market

This adorable Christmas village in Rudolfplatz features half-timbered houses, projections on the centuries-old Hahnentorburg, and unique decor. It's a great spot for a post-work tipple, and keep an eye out for surprises like a chapel decorated with frescos.

Stadtgarten Christmas Market

For a more laid-back, local vibe, head to the Stadtgarten Christmas Market in a city park in the Belgian Quarter. It has an enchanted forest feel, with alcohol, artisanal salad dressing, honey, and special Karneval hats on offer.

Cologne Harbour Christmas Market

This nautical-themed market is located on the Rhine, next to the Chocolate Museum. Enjoy the festive stands, maritime decor, and a wide variety of food and drinks, including mulled wine served on a large wooden ship.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets not just in Germany, but in all of Europe. Located in the heart of the city, in the shadow of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, this market attracts over four million visitors each year. With over 120 stalls spread across two floors, it is the largest and most popular Christmas market in Cologne.

The market is centred around a large stage that hosts an array of free festive events, including live music and entertainment. The stage is illuminated by a canopy of sparkling fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The market also features a 25-metre-high red spruce tree, decorated with stars and 50,000 LEDs, making it the highest natural Christmas tree in North Rhine-Westphalia.

At the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, you will find a wide variety of traditional Christmas foods, drinks, and gifts. Be sure to sample the local delicacies, such as Glühwein (mulled wine), Kölsch beer, and Reibekuchen (hot potato pancakes). There are also over 200 different stalls to browse, offering handmade decorations, crafts, trinkets, and gifts.

The market is usually open daily from mid-November to December 23, with extended hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It is easily accessible by public transport, with the nearest station being Köln Hbf.

To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips:

• Enter from the south of Roncalliplatz to avoid the busiest stalls closest to the train station.
• Visit during the week to enjoy smaller crowds.
• Don't forget to bring cash, as many stalls may not accept cards.
• If you're visiting the famous Cologne Cathedral, be prepared for a challenging climb to the top—it's 533 steps to the top!

The Old Town Christmas Market

At Alter Markt, you'll find an ice-skating rink, curling, and a small Ferris wheel, as well as live music and craftsman demonstrations. Blacksmiths and candy makers showcase their skills, heating hot metal and crafting candy canes by hand. There's also an area dedicated to food, Naschgasse, where you can sample an array of tasty treats.

Heumarkt offers a similar festive experience, with a larger ice rink, curling, and chalet bars. There's also a wooden bridge and a two-floor chalet for those who prefer to observe the ice-skating from above. This market stays open later than Alter Markt, with both sections typically closing at 10 pm, except on Sundays, when they close at 9 pm.

With its enchanting atmosphere, the Old Town Christmas Market is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the magic of the festive season.

The Angel's Market

The Angels' Market is one of Cologne's original Christmas markets, dating back to the 1970s. It is located at Neumarkt Square, just west of the city centre, and is adorned with hundreds of twinkling starlights and trees decorated with illuminated stars and lights, creating a dreamy and festive atmosphere. The market features over 70 stalls with a variety of food and drinks, including handmade chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. It is a popular spot for locals to meet up for drinks after work, with at least three large bar areas. One unique feature of this market is the teenage girls dressed up as angels who wander around the stalls giving out sweets to children.

The Angels' Market is easily accessible by foot, with a 20-30 minute walk from the cathedral. Alternatively, you can take the underground train (U-Bahn) or bus to get to the market. The nearest station is Neumarkt. The market is open from 20 November to 23 December 2023, with specific timings as follows: Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.

Nicholas Village

The Nicholas Village Christmas Market (Nikolausdorf) is a smaller market located to the west of the city centre, but it is still worth a visit. The market is situated next to the 13th-century Hahnentorburg, a medieval city gate. Visitors are recommended to go after dark to experience the light display projected onto the walls of the city gate. The stalls are designed to look like traditional half-timbered chalets, decorated with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, giving a cosy feel to the market.

The market is family-friendly, with activities for children and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. There is also a small festival stage that hosts live entertainment every evening. Santa Claus is on stage every day between 4 pm and 4:30 pm, ready to take questions, take pictures, and chat with the kids. After this, he walks through the village spreading holiday cheer.

In the heated Nikolaushaus, the focus is on children, with experienced personnel guiding them in arts and crafts, painting, and cutting. These craft activities are different every day and are free of charge. From Monday to Friday in the afternoon, daycare groups and primary school classes can take part in an art program lasting several hours.

The market has a relaxed atmosphere, with handmade crafts and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favourite destination for all ages. With hot drinks and tasty treats, the market is the perfect place to experience the magic of the Christmas season.

The Harbour Christmas Market

One of the highlights of the market is the large, real three-master wooden ship, which serves as a popular bar. Here, you can warm up with a cup of winemaker mulled wine, or sample some of the other special drinks on offer, such as mulled beer and fire tong bowl.

If you're feeling hungry, there's an array of culinary delights to choose from, including flame-grilled salmon, steaks, grilled dishes, original Hamburg fish rolls, and sweet treats.

For a small entry fee, you can take a ride on the 48-metre-tall Ferris wheel, which offers incredible views of the city of Cologne, the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral, and the twinkling lights of the Harbour Christmas Market below.

After you've explored the market, you can visit the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in endless chocolate samples.

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