6 Best Christmas Market in Cologne
The decorations at Cologne’s Christmas markets are fantastic and diverse, making them some of the best in Germany. Each market has a unique theme, from traditional to modern, with tremendous attention to detail. This variety makes them stand out, and it is one of my favourite markets so far.
Cologne’s city center is home to six large Christmas markets conveniently located at the Cathedral, Alter Markt, Heumarkt, and Neumarkt. All markets are within walking distance, except Stadtgarten, a bit further from the Old Town, so exploring them is a breeze.
Christmas Market Express
The Christmas Market
Express, a charming little train, offers a convenient way to explore four of Cologne’s Christmas markets: Cathedral Christmas Market, Alter Markt, Chocolate Museum, and Neumarkt. The best part? You can hop on and off
as you please, making it a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Christmas Market dates
From 16 November to 23 December
Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
Closed on 24 November
Cologne Christmas Market
1-Harbour Christmas Market is located along the banks of the Rhine River, right in front of the Chocolate Museum.
You cannot miss it, with the giant Ferris wheel and the wooden three-mast boat. There are also many small shops where you can purchase mulled wine and other treats.
Opposite the street is the Mustard Museum. Although the museum is closed, you can still purchase jars of various mustards. I recommend buying them after visiting the small market on the other side of the street, as the jars can be pretty heavy.
2-Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the city’s most beautiful, set against the impressive Gothic cathedral. It features a giant fir tree topped with 50,000 lights.
3-Heinzels Wintermärchen
Winter Fairytale (Heinzels Wintermärchen) is a magical market. This market is like stepping into a fairy tale with its beautifully decorated wooden stalls. You can also find an open ice rink.
4-The Angels’ Christmas Market, also known as Markt der Engel, is in the heart of the shopping district and is the city’s oldest Christmas market. This market has an angel theme, with white rustic stalls and illuminated stars hanging from the trees.
5-The Nicholas’ Village Christmas Market is located against the backdrop of the medieval Hahentorburg, one of the city’s last remaining city gates.
Santa and reindeer displays enhance the Christmas atmosphere.
6-Stadtgarten Christmas Market, also known as Heavenue Market, is Cologne’s only gay Christmas market. It features a pink stall with glittering clouds, LED lights, and snow-white garlands, giving it a modern twist compared to traditional Christmas markets.
This market is famous for music and dancing, with numerous drag performances and spectacular light shows. It’s best to visit after dark. Over 80 exhibitors change weekly, offering handicrafts and locally made products.
So much to see
Exploring the town
1-The Cathedrale
As I emerged from the train station, a grand cathedral caught my eye, sparking my excitement to explore it. The Cathedral’s history is truly remarkable. Due to its inconsistent architecture, it took 632 years to construct.
The construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place over several stages, spanning from 1248 to 1880. The lack of a master plan across successive generations led to the diversity in its construction. The interior is truly unique.
2-Dufthaus 4711
The Dufthaus 4711 Cologne House is a world-renowned perfume store located in the heart of the city. Its signature scent has been described as “the prettiest-smelling house in Cologne.” If you’re interested in purchasing fragrant skin care products, it’s worth a visit.
The museum at Dufthaus 4711 is open for just a couple of hours on one day. You can learn more about the old collections dating back to the 1900s. Ask for more information on the specific day of your visit.
The exhibition displays some old collections dating back to the 1900s.
It was a fun stop while walking into town.
3- Galeria Kaufhof
Galeria Kaufhof is a large department store on Hohe Strasse, a long shopping street where products are available for every taste.
I was interested in stuffed animals, so I purchased a small one for my purse. However, the one I loved was expensive.
4-The Cat Cafe Temple Cologne
If you’re visiting Cologne, you absolutely can’t miss FURRst cat café.
The café boasts a cozy, warm atmosphere, complete with vintage sofas, delightful decor, and a welcoming vibe that feels like a living room.
But the real highlight is the four adorable resident cats that roam freely, adding an extra touch of warmth and joy to your visit. Oh, and the food? Simply delicious, with plenty of choices to pick from!
And you know by now that we always visit cat cafes, even though I’m a dog person!
Plan And Book Your Trip
Getting There: Find your train fares using Euro Train
Where to Stay: Booking.com – Expedia TripAdvisor
E Sims: Airalo
To do: Look here. Get your guide
Hotel
Adagio City Aparthotel
Blaubach 3, 50667 Köln, Germany
The Aparthotel Adagio Köln City offers modern apartments with kitchens and all the services you could wish for, including breakfast and Wi-Fi.
A Food store is just around the corner if you want to cook or snack.
This casual apartment hotel is in the Old Town, a 6-minute walk by train from a tram stop. It is also close to everything.
From Aachen, it takes only 36 minutes by train
More destinations to visit from our trip.
I’d never thought of going to Cologne over the holidays, but it sounds like the place to be if you like Christmas markets. I particularly like the idea of the Angels’ Christmas Market, the decorations and stalls must look magical. Thanks for sharing!
All the Christmas markets are magical. But Cologne and the Cathedrale is WOW!!!
So many fun ones! I love Christmas markets 🙂
I love them also,so magical :O)