Cologne's Christmas Markets: When The Magic Begins

Cologne's Christmas markets are a sight to behold, with the city offering a variety of festive delights. The markets usually open in mid-November and close in late December, with some staying open until the new year. The city's first Christmas market opened in 1820, and today, there are several markets to explore, each with its own unique theme, decor, food, and drinks. So, whether you're looking for angelic performers, a romantic atmosphere, or a fun gay Christmas market, Cologne has something for everyone.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the city's most popular Christmas event. It is held in the shadow of the symbol of the city, the majestic Cologne Cathedral, which amps up the fairytale vibe. The market features around 150 stands in the Roncalliplatz, with organisers expecting over 4 million visitors each year.

The market offers a wide range of handcrafted gifts, festive delicacies, and traditional Christmas decorations. There is also a giant Christmas tree, a stage with performances, and a web of lights. The market is open from 18 November to 23 December 2024, with different timings on different days of the week.

The market is conveniently located in the city centre, next to Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Central Station. It is also close to the FRÜH beerhouse and the station for the Christmas Market Express, which takes visitors to other markets around the city.

The market has a vibrant and festive atmosphere, with live music and mulled wine. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends, so planning a visit during the week is recommended. Overall, the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit.

The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market

Dates and Times

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, or 'Heinzels Wintermaerchen' (AKA: The “Gnome” Market), will be open from 25 November until 23 December 2024 (although the section with the ice skating rink will remain open until 5 January). It will be closed on 24 and 25 December. The market will be open from 11 am to 10 pm, and after 26 December, it will close one hour earlier at 9 pm.

Location

Located in the heart of Cologne's Old Town, the market is just 200 meters from the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The closest airport is Köln-Bonn Airport, located about 15km southeast of the city, with regular train services into the main railway station next to the cathedral.

History

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market is themed after the city's famed Heinzelmännchen—legendary house elves, who are believed to do the housework of locals while they sleep. According to the Heinzels Wintermärchen website, the Christmas market traditions in Cologne’s Old Town date back to 1820, when the city first opened its Nikolaimarkt. However, 65 years later, the market was banned by the City Council due to its size and rowdiness. It wasn't until the 1970s that the Christmas market tradition was revived in the Neumarkt and Alter Markt.

Attractions and Activities

The market is known for its exquisite attention to detail, with delightful bauble-esque mugs, a central skating rink, and richly decorated chalets. The various displays are spectacular, with little Heinzelmännchen everywhere, from whirling around on mini-ski lifts to elaborate welcome gates. There is even a fun skating rink, perfect for soaking in the magical ambiance (or attempting to stay upright!). The market is split into various themed "alleys" that spill into both the Heumarkt and Alte Markt, so be sure to dedicate plenty of time to exploring every corner.

Food and Drink

The market offers a variety of delicious food options, including a raclette stand and Reibekuchen (crispy potato pancakes) served plain or with apple sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, you can find waffles shaped like the Cologne Cathedral and Baumkuchen, a decadent and light layered cake. Of course, no Christmas market is complete without Glühwein (mulled wine), and The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market offers a variety of options, including mulled rosé.

Shopping

The market features a wide array of unique handicrafts and gifts, including hand-carved wooden ornaments, ceramic houses, and special Karneval hats. You can also find an assortment of local food products, such as artisanal jams, cheeses, and cookies, which make perfect souvenirs or gifts.

Nearby Attractions

While exploring Cologne, be sure to visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral, just a short walk from the market. During the holiday season, the cathedral is adorned with festive lights and nativity scenes. You can also enjoy the magical Christmas light displays throughout the city centre and adorable festive photo spots. For a unique experience, check out the Christmas Circus, the China Lights at the Zoo, or take a ride on the Christmas Market Express to explore the different markets.

The Angels' Christmas Market

The Angels Christmas Market, also known as the Angel Market, is one of the original markets that restarted the Christmas market trend in Cologne in the 1970s. It is held in the Neumarkt square, a little outside the immediate city centre in the shopping district. The market features charming chalets and high-quality products, with a nostalgic flair provided by decorative plates with illustrations of Christmas markets sold alongside other artisanal products.

The Angels Christmas Market is open from 18 November to 23 December 2024, with the following opening times:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

One of the highlights of the market is the angels themselves, particularly for children. Dressed in white and sprinkling glitter powder, they wander through the market spreading Christmas cheer. Once a week, Santa Claus, accompanied by an angel, makes a grand entry onto Neumarkt on horseback.

The Angels Christmas Market offers a range of food and drink options, including mulled wine, egg punch, and hot chocolate. The mulled wine stands have evocative names like "Cloud Nine" and "Gabriel's". Many locals come to the market after work to enjoy the atmosphere and warm drinks.

The Angels Christmas Market is just one of the many Christmas markets that can be found in Cologne. Others include the popular market in front of the Cologne Cathedral, the Harbour Market, the Gay Christmas Market, and the Village of St. Nicholas. Each market has its own unique theme and atmosphere, offering a variety of handicrafts, gifts, festive delicacies, and traditional Christmas decorations.

Nicholas' Village Christmas Market

The Nicholas Village Christmas Market in Cologne, Germany, is a festive wonderland located in the Rudolfplatz square, with excellent public transport connections. This year, the market will be open from 18 November to 23 December, with specific hours varying throughout the week. On Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the market will be open from 11 am to 9 pm, while on Thursdays and Fridays, it will remain open an hour later, until 10 pm. On Saturdays, the market will open an hour earlier, at 10 am, and close at 10 pm.

The Nicholas Village Christmas Market is just one of the six main markets that make up the Cologne Christmas Market. Each market has its own unique theme and is located in different areas of the city centre. The Nicholas Village is known for its cosy village lanes, a festive stage programme, and hot drinks served in "Nicholas boot mugs". It is located in front of the historic Hahnen City Gate, between Neumarkt and the Belgian Quarter.

Cologne's Christmas markets offer a variety of delicious food and drinks, including mulled wine and waffles. Visitors can explore the markets and enjoy the festive atmosphere while warming themselves with a hot drink and tasting seasonal delicacies. The market stands feature a wide range of handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and traditional Christmas decorations.

In addition to the Nicholas Village Christmas Market, other popular markets in Cologne include the Cathedral Christmas Market, located in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral, the Market of Hearts, and the Harbour Market, located next to the Chocolate Museum. Each market offers a unique experience with different themes, decorations, and attractions.

Stadtgarten Christmas Market

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is held in the beer garden of the main restaurant in the Stadtgarten park, on the edge of Cologne city centre. The market is a popular meeting place, with over 60 exhibitors changing weekly, showcasing a range of products from fashion to jewellery, handicrafts, and design. The market is decorated with festive huts, fairy lights, and Christmas trees.

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market offers a range of food and drinks, including the vintner's mulled wine, made with red or white wine and refined with oranges, lemons, spices, and sugar. The red wine is a cuvée of Dornfelder and Regent grape varieties, while the white wine is made from Müller-Thurgau grapes. Both wines have a higher alcohol content than the legal minimum for mulled wine, so visitors are advised to enjoy in moderation. An alcohol-free punch is also available for children, young people, car drivers, and cyclists.

The market is open from 15 November to 23 December 2024, with different opening hours on weekdays and weekends. On Mondays to Fridays, the market is open from 6 pm to 11:30 pm, while on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 12 am to 11:30 pm.

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market can be easily accessed via the U-Bahn, although some visitors suggest that better signposting at the U-Bahn station would be beneficial. It is a quieter alternative to the central markets, offering a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Frequently asked questions