Christmas In Cologne: Festive Fun And Attractions

If you're looking for a Christmas wonderland, Cologne is the place to be. The German city is famous for its Christmas markets, with one source claiming that it hosts the best traditional Christmas markets in the country. There are at least five main markets in the city centre, each with its own unique character, and most neighbourhoods have their own market too.

The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular. Located on Roncalliplatz, next to the city's most recognisable landmark, it features live entertainment and a huge variety of food and shopping options.

Other popular markets include the Harbour Christmas Market, located by the Chocolate Museum; Heinzel's Winter Fairytale, which features an ice rink; the Market of Angels, which is popular with locals; and the Stadtgarten Christmas Market, which is known for its trendy, locally-produced goods.

Cologne's Christmas markets typically open in mid-to-late November and close around 23 December.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the city, with its classic red-covered stalls spread out below the towering spires of the Cologne Cathedral. Located on Roncalliplatz (Roncalli Square), the market is centred around a stage with live entertainment and sits beneath a canopy of fairy lights, which reach a peak in the centre. The market usually opens in mid-November and stays open until around the 23rd of December.

The market is known for its great food options and varied stalls, including a 'guest' stall run by Cologne's twin cities, which rotates every week or so. In previous years, visitors could enter from the south of Roncalliplatz to avoid the busy stalls closest to the train station. There is also a little market right next door on Am Hof, which is worth checking out for a Glühwein.

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the largest and most visited Christmas market in Germany, with over four million visitors each year. There are over 200 stalls to browse, offering a wide variety of traditional Christmas foods, drinks, decorations, crafts, trinkets and gifts. The market is particularly pretty at night, with its twinkling lights and soaring Christmas tree.

A 25-metre-high red spruce tree stands in the middle of Roncalliplatz, decorated with stars and a light tent filled with 50,000 LEDs. Classical carols fill the air, along with the smell of Christmas, and the market is illuminated by vibrant colourful lights.

If you're planning to visit, it's recommended to wear warm clothes, carry cash, and bring a camera to capture the festive moments.

The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town

The Old Town Christmas Market has about 120 stalls and a 1,800-square-metre ice landscape, with sleigh rides, curling, and Christmas music. There's also a large beer hall next to the rink, with a second-storey deck for spectators. The market plays host to local artisans selling handmade jewellery, wooden sculptures, and other traditional handicrafts.

The market is located in the Heumarkt and Alter Markt squares in the Old Town, and is easily accessible by the Christmas Market Express, a festive train that runs between the city's main markets.

The Harbor Christmas Market

The food and drink on offer also follow the nautical theme. You can enjoy dishes such as flame-grilled salmon, steaks, grilled dishes, original Hamburg fish rolls, and sweets. There are also special drinks such as mulled beer and fire tong bowl.

The market is open from 15 November to 23 December, with the following opening hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 11 am–9 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11 am–10 pm

A New Year's market will take place in the same location from 26 December to 1 January 2025, open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.

The Angels' Market

The Markt der Engel, or Angel Market, is a must-see on your trip to Cologne. Located in the popular shopping district of Neumarkt, this market is adorned with hundreds of twinkling starlights, creating a stunning atmosphere. During the day, the market is brought to life with colourful craft and food stands, including handmade chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. By night, the lights create a beautiful backdrop for the angels that float through the crowds.

The market stalls are intricately designed, featuring illuminated oak stars, angel figures, and Christmas wreaths delicately perched in the gables of the houses. The Markt der Engel is also home to a bar that specialises in hot Christmas cocktails, including a hot Aperol Spritz. This market is a popular spot for locals to meet up for drinks after work, with plenty of space to chill and enjoy the festive cheer.

If you're looking to buy gifts, the Angel Market has plenty of options. One visitor praised the market's unique and sophisticated feel, with plenty of food choices and drinks to try. You can also find my favourite ornament shop here, which I visited several times to stock up on gifts.

The Angel Market is easily accessible, with busy tram and metro stations nearby. It is also within walking distance of the other Christmas markets in the city centre, or you can take the Christmas Market Express, a festive train that runs a loop between the Angel Market and three other markets.

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market

The market is known for its delicious food options, such as Spätzle, empanadas, and, of course, Glühwein. The Stadtgarten team offers a homemade mulled wine recipe, sure to warm your body and heart.

To make the most of your visit, wear warm clothes, carry cash as some stalls may not accept cards, and don't forget your camera to capture the magical moments!

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