The Ultimate Guide to Cologne’s Christmas Markets

Cologne Christmas market season shines bright as one of the best times to visit this part of Germany. In fact, Cologne, the so-called “Cathedral City”, is known to be one of the best destinations for experiencing this cozy winter tradition not only in Germany, but across Western Europe. From the most popular to residents’ favorites, these are the Christmas markets in Cologne you need to know about—along with the most important advice for visiting them during such a busy time of year.

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral

The traditional Christmas market on Roncalliplatz, outside of Cologne Cathedral, is the city’s most revered—also, considered one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Germany. Europe’s tallest Gothic cathedral—and the world’s tallest church with twin spires—surely makes a magnificent backdrop. Beneath the medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site’s shadow, hundreds of wooden stands sell festive gastronomy and wares. Every year, a gigantic Nordmann fir competes against the Cathedral for attention. Standing 82 feet at its record tallest, the Christmas tree is only about one-sixth the height of the Cathedral’s twin spires, but still manages to keep heads craning thanks to extravagant decorations—over 70,000 twinkling lights plus red and golden hanging baubles galore.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cathedral Cologne is known for also holds a medieval reliquary straight out of Jesus’ birth story. The Shrine of the Magi, a basilica-shaped sarcophagus transferred from Milan to Cologne in 1164, is alleged to contain the remains of the three kings who followed the celestial star to Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. The elaborately decorated shrine, gilded and covered in multicolored gemstones, is a popular worship site for pilgrims at any time of year, especially at Christmas.

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral

Besides being Cologne’s largest Christmas market by number of visitors, Cologne Cathedral’s excellent stage program, including over 100 free events and popular Advent Sunday concerts, keeps communal spirit high. While the market might keep a traditional, old-world aesthetic, it notably makes a modern commitment to eco-friendliness. Organic produce is a highlight of the food vendors chosen to sell their winter warmers here; the entire Christmas market has met the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, standards as certified sustainable.

Read: What Is Cologne Known For?

Cologne Harbor Christmas Market

Cologne Harbor Christmas Market

The Harbor Christmas Market is a sweet seasonal addition outside of Cologne’s famous Lindt Chocolate Museum. Right on the Rhine riverbanks, the maritime-themed Christmas market flaunts unique nautical motifs, from white pagoda tents resembling billowy ship sails to a real, three-master wooden ship poised along the water. Live performances keep in line with a seafaring theme, including shanty folk musical performances, pirate entertainers juggling fire, and rope walking. Seafood stalls are also a highlight; among the tasty vendor offerings are Flammlachs, slow-grilled salmon fillets over open flames on wooden planks, and classic Fischbrötchen, smoked fish sandwiches with remoulade, onions, and lettuce inside a crusty roll. Last but not least, grab a mug of Glühwein, mulled wine, and head up the 150-foot Ferris wheel for incredible views across the city and the Rhine.

Market of Angels

Market of Angels

During the season, Cologne’s downtown Neumarkt square becomes, quite literally, heaven on earth. The Market of Angels features innumerable dainty twinkling fairy lights, spread across an enchanting canopy, like a starry sky. Wooden vendor stalls and treetops sparkle just as brightly. Impressively, the Market of Angels and all of its radiance is fully powered by sustainable green electricity. Shop for festive decorations and other kinds of gifts and handicrafts and brace yourself for coming across the market’s Christmas angels. Donning grand, ethereal costumes and headdresses—and of course, glowing lights from top to toe—they float high above the crowds carefully on wooden stilts. More mystical creatures are also to be met along the way, such as the Sternefeen, or “star fairies,” handing out sweet treats to children.

Nicholas Village at Rudolfplatz

Nicholas Village at Rudolfplatz

Rudolfplatz square, on the western side of downtown Cologne, blends North American and German Christmas markets into a completely new mix. Against the striking backdrop of Hahnentorburg, one of Cologne’s 12 medieval city gates, Nicholas Village is a charming recreation of the North Pole complete with Santa and elves—plus, a few traditionally German additions too. Rustic, half-timbered wooden stalls selling trinkets and delicious treats are transformed with North Pole themed twists like reindeer installations and elves, as well as quaint village landmarks like a cute decorative chapel.

Nicholas Village at Rudolfplatz

Meanwhile, an animatronic Rudolph delights visitors by singing out Christmas carols in Kölsch, or Colognian dialect. Sometimes, it pretends to be asleep and “wakes up” to catch the crowds by surprise. The market’s most famous highlight, though, is a giant, elaborate Advent calendar. Every day in the countdown leading up to Christmas, a window is opened, as per German custom—instead of chocolates like in smaller, traditional versions, a special artwork is revealed. Crowds celebrate by cheering, clinking mugs of mulled wine and listening to musical performances. As far as food goes, you’ll find all the typical Christmas market delicacies on offer here, from melt-in-your-mouth Raclette cheese to potato pancakes and gingerbread.

Heinzels Winter Fairy Tale

Toys

This Christmas market in Cologne’s historic Old City celebrates local folklore and Christmas fairy tales. It was named after the Heinzelmännchen, mythical gnome-like helpers who secretly finish the work of idle craftsmen in the dead of the night. Stretched across the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares, 10 rows of enchanting lanes take up a fairy tale theme, from golden treasures to crafts, specialty trader items, and sweets. Wander around and marvel at artisans from across Europe demonstrating their craft in period costume. Woodcarvers, blacksmiths, dessert-making confectioners, and more put on live demonstrations you could marvel at for hours; sometimes, there’s even a chance to take part.

Heumarkt

After you’re done, go ice skating on Heumarkt—the square transforms into an elegant, open-air rink, and you can rent skates by the hour. Or stop by the few lanes dedicated to Stockschiessen, otherwise known as curling. Right on the square, a stage hosting cheery music performances from oompah bands to Christmas carolers also invigorate the experience.

Read: Best Things to Do in Cologne

VeedelsAdvent at the Chlodwigplatz

In Südstadt, on the southern side of downtown Cologne, the VeedelsAdvent is a smaller, more community-oriented Christmas market than its other city-center neighbors. On the lovely Chlodwigplatz district square, against the scenery of Severinstorburg—another one of Cologne’s old medieval city gates—the Veedel, or neighborhood, market keeps up a friendly, more relaxed, and less bustly vibe than others.

Reibekuchen

The dozen or so stalls are put on by Südstadt district residents who sell artisan goods such as honey, handmade soap, or Christmas decorations, as well as a bit of food, including Bratwurst and regional Reibekuchen—potato pancakes. There are vegan options as well as a couple of special “rotating huts” showcasing community initiatives. Kids can spin around on a mini carousel, too.

Christmas Market at Stadtgarten

The Christmas market at Stadtgarten, Cologne’s oldest public park, is the favorite market for many local Colognians. It comprises just a few artisan stands from local designers and independent craftspeople, especially boutiques and studios located in the trendy Belgian Quarter, which Stadtgarten is situated next to.

Belgian Quarter

You can easily combine the Stadtgarten Christmas market with a day of strolling the Belgian Quarter, shopping, and stopping at cafes and restaurants, or enjoying a hearty meal at the public park’s popular beer garden.

Heavenue

Progressive, deeply tolerant Cologne, home to Germany’s largest Pride parade and celebration, is home to an LGBTQI+ Christmas market. Located on Friesenplatz, a downtown square in the heart of the city’s queer nightlife scene, Heavenue offers a modern German Christmas market that’s bold, inclusive, and oodles of fun. Catch a Christmas-themed drag show, snack on pink crepes, and stroll around funky market stalls decorated in tinsel, rainbow, and flashing neon lights.

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Cologne

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