Europe is known for its Christmas markets. Germany is particularly famous. The Christmas markets in Cologne however are what draw people from all around the world to visit. This is because Cologne in itself is a remarkable city with interesting architecture, intriguing museums, a great food scene and so much more. The Christmas markets in Cologne are spread across the city and they are very large compared to the ones in other cities.
Christmas in Cologne is a cheerful affair. While most people spend the actual day at home with families, you will find that many people choose to hang out at the Christmas markets with a warm glass of mulled wine. Despite the dark days, the lights and laughter makes the season festive. I never realized just how much I would look forward to the atmosphere till I had weathered a winter in Europe.
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Christmas Markets In Cologne Dates
The Christmas markets generally open towards the end of November. This year they started off on the 18th of November and will close up on the 23rd of December. This gives everyone plenty of time to visit the city.
Where To Stay In Cologne
Since the Christmas markets in Cologne are very popular, getting good and affordable accommodation can be very difficult. This is because people book their hotels way in advance which is something that I recommend that you do too. We tried to book our accommodation a month in advance and found only the most expensive options available. It was even harder because we were traveling as a huge group. Don’t make the same mistake!
- Stadthotel am Römerturm – Central and luxury
- Hotel Stadtpalais – Set in a historic building and luxurious
- NH Collection Köln Mediapark – Budget family rooms
- Premier Inn Köln City Mediapark – Budget family rooms
Parking In Cologne
There are plenty of underground parking garages in Cologne. We parked our car in one right next to the Cologne cathedral. That way we could easily walk to almost all the Christmas markets in Cologne. The one at the harbor was a bit far for the kids but definitely doable for the adults.
Christmas Markets In Cologne
When I first heard about the Christmas markets in Cologne, I assumed that it was one big market that covered the expanse of the city. I was however wrong. While the markets do merge into each other at certain points, you will find that they stand separately and each of them has something unique about them. I’ll try and chronicle the markets that we visited and talk about which ones we loved the most.
1. Christmas Market At The Cologne Cathedral
The most popular and central market is the Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral. The iconic part about this market is its huge tree that is in its center. There are numerous stalls that circle the square and the best view that you can get of the market is from the top of the cathedral tower.
This market is aimed at all age groups but because it is so central, it is also one of the most popular markets. By the time 6pm rolls in, you will find that there is very little space to move about. There is a lot to see and eat.
One of our favorites here was the mushrooms in cheese sauce that were served hot with a side of bread. Obviously the usual fare of bratwurst with bread, mulled wine and hot chocolate are also seen.
The market has plenty of souvenir shops, sweets, cookies and everything in between. Its a cheerful atmosphere to say the least. The best part is that there is parking right next door and paid toilets too.
2. Heinzels Winter Fairytale
Our favorite Christmas market was the Heinzels Winter Fairytale. Not only did it have a huge ice skating rink, it was also decorated very nicely. It had a decorative ski lift, lots of little gnomes and plenty of other Christmas decorations. If skiing isn’t your thing, you could just catch a glass of mulled wine and watch everyone from around the rink which was fun too. This activity was so popular that the lines were very long.
We chose to get some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while we stood around. The kids loved it and it was a great way to spend the evening. This also has plenty of unique souvenirs that are handmade. If you want to buy Christmas decorations, cute candles and more, the Heinzels market is where you will find it. I also found that the edible souvenirs were great here. From butter cookies to nougat that was stacked in huge blocks, chocolates, candied nuts and more!
3. The Angels’ Market
The most iconic attractions at the Angels’ Market is the Merry Go Round. The decorations are also different. Here you will find plenty of stars hoisted over the little wooden cottages. Its a more elegant theme. The fairy lights give the market a festive flair. It is a popular market though we hardly spent time here because the kids enjoyed the Heinzels market more which makes sense because the theme caught their attention.
4. The Harbor Christmas Market
The Harbor market was one of the markets that we missed even though it was pretty central. We chose to have a slower paced day instead of heading there since our kids were tired and so were we. Our friends who had joined us in Cologne explored this market. They said that they liked it but Heinzels remained their favorite too.
One thing that I should mention is that the Lindt Chocolate museum is right next to this market so most people combine both locations. You can also head for a ride on the Ferris wheel. It is located right in front of the chocolate museum.
5. Advent Village At The Cathedral
Location: Am Hof
This market is located very close to the one next to the Cologne cathedral. In fact, it is just a few streets away. You will spot it by the huge windmill / pyramid structure which is called the Christmas pyramid. It is illuminated and large so you can see it from a distance. The market here is small and cozy.
Other Christmas Markets In Cologne
With two days in Cologne, it was hard to visit all the Christmas markets in Cologne. We could have rushed from one to the other but that would defeat the purpose. These are some of the other markets in the city that you could add to your list.
- Village Of St. Nicholas (Rudolfplatz)
- Vringsadvent (Chlodwigplatz)
- Sulzer Weihnachtsdorf (Elisabeth-von-Munn Platz)
- Stadtgarten Christmas market
Souvenirs From The Christmas Markets In Cologne
If you want souvenirs from Germany that are specific to the Christmas season then you will find that the Christmas markets in Cologne are one of the best places to shop at. Here are some of the items that caught my attention while in the market.
Decorative
- Carved wooden Christmas decorations
- Brubaker (German Christmas pyramid)
- Christmas themed candles
- Cologne mulled wine glasses
- Wooden Christmas village
- Wooden Christmas tree
- Nutcracker
Edible
- Chocolate
- Nougat
- Cookies
- Candied nuts
- Festive bread
- Lebkuchen
- German wine
- Jagermeister
- German whiskey
Things To Do In Cologne When Visiting The Christmas Markets
Now I know that there are tons of things to do in Cologne. If you are specifically looking for things that are worth doing if you are visiting just for the Christmas markets in Cologne, you will find that these are the highlights of the city.
Cologne Cathedral
No matter what you do in the city, visiting the iconic Cologne cathedral is a must. This church took 2000 years to construct and its styles evolved over the centuries.
Today when you look at it, it looks impressive but the true wow factor is when you read and see how the architects managed to combine all the different styles into one impressive monument. It even has the remnants of a Roman city incorporated into it.
Entry to the cathedral is free. If you want to climb to the top of the cathedral tower you have to pay a fee.
Now a couple of things that I need to warn you about. The climb is long. Its a narrow spiral passage so be prepared. My five year old did it on her own but we were all exhausted by the end. From the top, you get to see an amazing view of the city and the Christmas markets in Cologne.
You can also combine the Cathedral with a guided tour of the Old town. This way you learn a lot about the history of the city. It is one of the most popular tours with people who are in the city for a short time.
Visit The Chocolate Museum
Chocolate is great in all seasons but in the winter it offers a special kind of comfort. The Lindt chocolate museum is one of the most popular museums in the city. It is very close to the Harbor Christmas market which makes it easy to combine a quick detour to see how chocolate is made. There is even a Ferris wheel right in front that you can book a trip on.
Rhine River Winter Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (310 Reviews) Price: $24 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Cologne, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer, pier 10 opposite Musical Dome and Goldgasse Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If your feet are worn out and you need a break but you still want the vibe then consider taking one of the winter cruises down the Rhine river. The first thing I thought about was the cold because its December in Germany. I’m here to tell you, don’t worry about the cold because it is all inside the boat and warm!
“Fantastic river cruise. Great vibe, reasonably priced drinks. Very Christmassy. Brilliant value for money. Recommend to anyone visiting Cologne. Super easy to find the meeting point.”
Michael (read more reviews now!)
Not only is it warm, you get some amazing panoramic views of the city skyline. All this while there is festive music playing the background. You can even buy some of the festive drinks onboard so you aren’t missing out. The best part is that they have both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks onboard so you don’t have to worry about the kids.
Try The Kölsch Beer In Cologne
Everyone knows that German beer is excellent. The Kölsch is one of the unique light beers that is served up in most places in Cologne. If you love beer then this is one that you just have to try. Shawn said it was the best beer he has ever had.
I don’t generally drink beer but even I found it good. Now there are many places that you can head to and you can even book a tour to try the different spots. My recommendation is the Gaffel am Dom – Brauhaus. Absolutely loved the vibe and the beer was so on point.
And that is about all I have to say about the Christmas markets in Cologne. Will I head back again? Probably yes. Not just for the markets in themselves but also for the ambiance, the food and the general vibe.
This is one time that I can say that Cologne met and surpassed all the expectations that I had. I wish that we had longer in the city but the two days that we spent exploring the Christmas markets were a lot of fun.