Cologne, Germany, is one of the best Christmas market destinations in Europe! There are seven themed markets with more than 150 stalls beneath the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral alone! No wonder Cologne attracts millions of visitors every year. Read on for my full guide to the Cologne Christmas Markets.
Cologne is also one of Germany’s largest Christmas destinations. One of my favorite markets was the Market of Angels, where there are glitter-blowing angels! There’s also a market dedicated to gnomes, which is pretty cool.
Unlike smaller towns with a single market square, Cologne offers a whole circuit of Christmas villages, all within easy walking distance.
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How to Get There
Cologne has a major airport, the Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). It’s located only 15 km (9 miles) from the city center. To get into the center, it’s pretty easy since there’s a direct S-Bahn train (S19) to Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station). It takes 15 minutes to get in.
Cologne is also well-connected by train, meaning you can get in from other popular European cities:
- From Düsseldorf: ~25 minutes by regional train.
- From Frankfurt: ~1 hour on the ICE high-speed train.
- From Brussels: ~2 hours via Thalys/Eurostar.
- From Amsterdam: ~2.5 hours via ICE or Eurostar.
- From Paris: ~3.5–4 hours on the direct Thalys/Eurostar service.
I recommend booking train tickets via Omio, which makes it easy through their app to keep track of and book.
Where to Stay
25 Hours Hotel
This is one of the trendiest hotels in Cologne. The location is great for exploring Christmas Markets too. The hotel has a lively bar on the top floor (The Monkey Bar) that you can visit even as a non-hotel guest. The whole place has a retro and futuristic style – the design includes pastel tones and is bold and modern.
Guests can also borrow bikes, take a MINI for a spin, or grab a jogging map to explore the city beyond the hotel doors — perfectly blending design, comfort, and adventure.
Hyatt Regency Köln
If you want to be in the heart of the city and see gorgeous views of the Cologne Cathedral, then staying at Hyatt Regency is a must!
How Long to Visit
With 7+ markets and many things to do in Cologne, in general, I’d recommend at least 3 days in Cologne. That way, you have plenty of time to see the Christmas Markets and do fun things around the city!
Best Christmas Markets in Cologne
1. Cologne Cathedral Market
Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom is the largest and most famous Christmas Market in Cologne. It’s located right in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). There are around 150 market stalls offering handmade goods, delicious foods, and mulled wine under a massive natural Christmas tree.
📅 Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
📍 Location: Roncalliplatz, 50667 Cologne (Google Maps Location)
✨ Why Go: The most iconic market in the city, set under the Cologne Cathedral.
2. Market of Angels at Neumarkt
The Market of Angels was my personal favorite Christmas Market in Cologne. That’s because it had such a magical feeling. The entire pathway was illuminated with stars that hung from the trees. There were also angels dressed in shimmering gold costumes, and they walked around with a bag of glitter, blowing it out.
📅 Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
📍 Location: Neumarkt, City Centre (Google Maps Location)
✨ Why Go: One of the prettiest markets with Angels and glittering lights.
3. Nicholas’ Village
Nicholas’ Village, or Nikolausdorf, is one of Cologne’s best Christmas markets. It’s also very family-friendly. It’s located at Rudolfplatz, right beside the historic Hahnentorburg city gate. The market is designed like a cosy alpine town, with timber-framed huts, twinkling fairy lights, and festive music.
The market is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. You’ll find traditional snacks like roasted chestnuts, waffles, and hot chocolate. There are also stalls selling handcrafted toys, ornaments, and winter accessories.
Kids can often meet St. Nicholas himself, take part in craft activities, or enjoy puppet shows and storytelling sessions in the children’s area.
📅 Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
📍 Location: Rudolfplatz, near Hahnentorburg Gate (Google Maps Location)
✨ Why Go: Designed like a cosy alpine village dedicated to St Nicholas. It’s the most child-friendly of Cologne’s markets.
4. Heinzels Winter Fairytale
This is a market dedicated to gnomes! It’s located across both Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. You’ll find charming alleys of stalls, crafts being demonstrated, and one special highlight: an outdoor ice-skating rink on Heumarkt.
📅 Dates: 24 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
📍 Location: Alter Markt & Heumarkt, Old Town (Google Maps Location)
✨ Why Go: A fairytale-themed market inspired by Cologne’s “Heinzelmännchen” elves.
5. Cologne Harbour Christmas Market
The Cologne Harbour Market (Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt) is located in front of the Rhine River and the Chocolate Museum. It features white pagoda tents shaped like ship sails.
One highlight is the “Glühwein ship”, where you can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate with a view over the water. There’s also a large Ferris wheel providing views of the Rhine, the Old Town, and Cologne Cathedral.
📅 Dates: 14 November – 28 December 2025
📍 Location: In front of the Chocolate Museum, Rheinuferpromenade (Google Maps Location)
✨ Why Go: A maritime-themed market along the Rhine, featuring sail-shaped white tents, sea-inspired gifts, a Ferris wheel, and a mulled-wine “ship.” Perfect for riverside strolls and stunning skyline views.
6. Stadtgarten Christmas Market
If you want to avoid huge crowds, then head to the Stadtgarten Christmas Market. This market is smaller with boutiques and crafts. It’s a local favorite and has a more relaxed setting.
It’s located in the city park, Stadtgarten, near the Belgian Quarter.
📅 Dates: 14 November – 23 December 2025
📍 Location: Stadtgarten Park, Venloer Str. 40, Belgian Quarter (Google Maps Location)
✨ Why Go: Smaller and more local in feel, it offers handmade gifts, boutique goods, and locals often frequent it.
7. Heavenue Christmas Market
The Heavenue Christmas Market is LGBTQ themed. It’s colorful and full of neon lights, rainbow decorations, and pop music. Instead of the traditional wooden chalets and folk tunes, you’ll find modern stalls decked in pinks, purples, and blues, serving everything from classic Glühwein to cocktails and gourmet street food. The atmosphere is really energetic with DJs and live drag performances.
📅 Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
📍 Location: Friesenplatz, Cologne
✨ Why Go: LGBTQ+ friendly with lots of music and an energetic atmosphere.
What to Eat & Drink
Don’t miss trying these things at Cologne’s Christmas markets:
- Glühwein (mulled wine), often served in collectible mugs unique to each market
- Reibekuchen (crispy potato pancakes with applesauce)
- Bratwurst and Raclette
- Gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds)
- Stollen and Lebkuchen (traditional German Christmas cakes and gingerbread)
Cologne Christmas Markets Map
Open up this map on your mobile device to see the Google Maps view of all the Christmas Markets in Cologne.
You may also like these posts:
🚆 Best European Christmas Markets by Train
✨ Best Cities for Christmas in Europe
🇨🇭 Bern, Switzerland Christmas Market Guide
🛷 Montreux, Switzerland Christmas Market Guide
🏰 Christmas Guide to Rothenburg, Germany
🏘️ The Charming Town of Eguisheim, France
🎅🏼 Christmas Markets in Alsace, France
🐻 Best Christmas Displays in Paris
🎡 Best Christmas Decorations in London
