Cologne's Christmas Market: A Magical Winter Experience

Cologne's Christmas markets are some of the largest and most visited in Germany. The city features eight large Christmas markets, all located in the city centre, with different themes and unique vibes and atmospheres. The most famous of these is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, located in the shadow of the city's iconic Cathedral. However, other markets, such as The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, the Angels' Christmas Market, and the Harbour Christmas Market, are also popular and offer their own unique experiences. With such a wide range of choices, visitors are sure to find something to suit their tastes and interests.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the city's most popular festive event, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year. With stalls offering handmade treasures, organic delights, and Christmassy drinks, there's something for everyone.

Location

Located in the shadow of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, one of the most imposing structures in the country, the market is just a five-minute walk from the train station, making it easily accessible. The market is also within walking distance of several recommended hotels, including the Eden Hotel Früh am Dom, the Savoy Hotel, and the Marriott Hotel.

Dates and Times

The market is typically open from mid-November to December 23, with some sources stating it remains open until January 5. It operates from 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 am to 10 pm Thursday through Saturday.

Food and Drink

The market offers a wide variety of food and drinks to warm you up on a cold day. Here are some of the treats you can expect:

• German classics like Käsespätzle (cheese egg dumplings) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with sugar)
• Churros, crepes, craft beer, and fair-trade coffee
• Bratwurst, Krakauer (Polish sausage), and Currywurst
• Cheese-covered pretzels, potato pancakes with apple puree, and handbrot (bread stuffed with cheese)
• Garlic mushrooms
• Cinnamon rolls
• Mulled wine (glühwein), including red, rosé, and rum or amaretto varieties
• Hot chocolate, with or without a shot
• Alcohol-free punch

Shopping

The market offers a range of shopping options, with stalls selling items such as:

• Hats, candles, lights, decorations, accessories, and more
• Handmade ornaments, including wooden and souvenir-style ornaments
• Local food products like artisanal jams, cheeses, and cookies
• Unique hats, including special ones for Karneval

Entertainment

In addition to the impressive view of the cathedral, the market features a stage with live music and other performances. There is also a giant Christmas tree that adds to the festive atmosphere.

The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market (or "Heinzels Wintermärchen" in German) is a magical, enchanting, and elaborate market that pays tribute to the local legend of Cologne's famous house elves, or "Heinzelmännchen". These whimsical creatures are said to take care of the locals' housework while they sleep. The market is located in the heart of Cologne's Old Town and is spread across two squares: Alter Markt and Heumarkt.

A Festive Atmosphere

Upon entering the market, you will be surrounded by a rich array of decorations, with the legendary Heinzelmännchen adorning the elaborate welcome gates, whirling around on mini-ski lifts, and even on the mugs! The market is divided into various themed "alleys", each with its unique charm. The attention to detail in the displays and chalets is spectacular, and you will feel as though you have stepped into a fairytale.

Skating and Curling

One of the signature attractions of this market is its central skating rink, which spans 2,400 square meters. Here, you can soak in the magical ambiance while skating along a one-way track or try your hand at Bavarian Curling. If skating isn't your forte, don't worry—the rink has a slim margin for error!

Delicious Food and Drinks

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market offers a wide range of savoury and sweet treats to satisfy any craving. Indulge in roasted salmon (Flammlachs), cheese-filled bread (Handbrot mit Käse), potato pancakes (Reibekuchen), or sweet gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen). And of course, don't forget to warm yourself with a cup of glühwein (mulled wine). Be sure to collect the adorable bauble-shaped mugs!

Handmade Gifts and Souvenirs

If you're looking for unique gifts and souvenirs, the Alter Markt section of the market is the place to go. Here, you'll find a variety of handmade goods, decorations, antiques, jewellery, books, and Christmas decorations. Take your time to browse the stalls and discover hidden treasures to bring home.

Practical Information

The House Elves Winter Fairytale Christmas Market is usually open from November 25 to December 23, with extended hours in the evenings. However, it continues until January 5 or 7, giving you plenty of time to visit. To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to go during weekdays in the daytime to avoid the crowds. The market is easily accessible on foot, and you can also take the Christmas Market Express to get there.

The Angels' Christmas Market

The Angels' Market features a rustic angel theme, with white wooden chalets and illuminated stars hanging from the trees. In the evenings, the market is lit up, creating a magical, romantic atmosphere. Performers dressed as angels, even on stilts, add to the festive cheer.

The food at the Angels' Market is a highlight, with savoury and sweet snacks on offer. The Reibekuchen stall, near the main entrance, serves delicious crispy potato pancakes, plain or with apple sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, waffles shaped like the Cologne Cathedral can also be found here.

The market is open from 18 November to 23 December 2024, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on 24 November.

Harbour Christmas Market

The Harbour Christmas Market in Cologne is a unique and exciting experience for visitors from all over the world. Located in a picturesque setting on the banks of the Rhine, the market comes to life at the Chocolate Museum, giving the festive season a delightful maritime flavour. With around 70 stalls, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in the city.

The Harbour Christmas Market is a stylish and modern festive wonderland. Snow-white, festively decorated pagoda tents with wooden floors and pointed roofs evoke the image of planks and sails on a ship, creating a cosy and elegant atmosphere. The market showcases a lively and diverse atmosphere, with "seafarers" offering a wide range of fish specialties, fine foods, and drinks from around the world. The market also features a variety of high-quality goods and crafts themed around the harbour, seafaring, Cologne, and Christmas.

One of the highlights of the Harbour Christmas Market is the impressive 15-metre-long wooden three-mast boat that serves tasty mulled wine from its hull. The culture and entertainment programme further enhances the harbour atmosphere with sea shanties and traditional Christmas songs. The "Rhine Pirates", with their sailor's tales and pirate juggling, are a must-see for children and families.

The Harbour Christmas Market is conveniently located within walking distance of the old town, with nearby attractions such as the Chocolate Museum, the Sport- & Olympiamuseum, the Rheinauhafen, and the Mustard Museum. It is easily accessible by bus, tram, car, and even has a passenger bay for tour buses.

Stadtgarten Christmas Market

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Nestled in a city park in the Belgian Quarter of Cologne, this Christmas market offers a more laid-back and local experience. It is known for its enchanting forest-like setting, complete with fairy lights and Christmas decorations.

The market features over 60 exhibitors each week, showcasing a diverse range of products. From fashion and jewellery to handcrafted goods and exquisite designs, there is something for everyone. The market also offers delicious food options, including tasty salads, fresh bread, and traditional German delicacies.

One unique aspect of the Stadtgarten Christmas Market is its focus on locally produced items. Instead of mass-produced ornaments, visitors can find artisanal salad dressings, honey, and special Karneval hats, making it a great place to support local artisans and businesses.

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is easy to access via the U-Bahn, providing a convenient way to get to the market and enjoy the festive atmosphere. However, it is recommended to arrive early as the market can get quite busy, making it challenging to navigate through the crowds later in the evening.

The dates for the 2024 Stadtgarten Christmas Market are from 15 November to 23 December. The market is open from Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 9:30 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 9:30 pm.

Frequently asked questions