Cologne is one of the most popular destinations for visiting Christmas markets in Germany. The Cologne Germany Christmas market scene is truly magical – with a historic city centre, the towering Gothic cathedral, and romantic cobbled streets all bathed in twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and the sound of festive music during Advent. If you’re planning to soak up the holiday atmosphere here this year, I’ve put together a practical guide for you.
Cologne Germany: Where to Stay
For maximum convenience, I recommend staying near the city centre, for example in the Altstadt-Nord (Cologne old town) area, from where the Christmas markets are just a few minutes’ walk away. You can browse and compare Cologne Germany hotels on Booking.com.
💡TIP: Looking for a guided tour of the Cologne Christmas markets? Check out options on GetYourGuide.
Christmas Market in Cologne Germany: Dates and Locations
In Cologne, you’ll find several Christmas markets to explore:
- The Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom) – right next to the famous Cologne Cathedral in Germany,
- The Harbour Christmas Market (Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt),
- The Christmas Market at Rudolfplatz.
The Christmas markets in Cologne run from 17 November to 23 December 2025. They are open daily – Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00 to 21:00, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 to 22:00, and Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00.
💡You might also like: Christmas Markets in Dresden
The markets attract visitors with over 150 stalls brimming with handmade crafts, gourmet specialities, and festive cheer. With its star-shaped layout, a towering Christmas tree in the centre, and a rich programme of entertainment, the Germany Cologne Christmas market rightfully ranks among the most beautiful in the country.
The Christmas markets in Cologne also have a long and fascinating history, dating back to 1820, when the traditional Nikolaimarkt was first held. This Advent market quickly won the hearts of visitors and became a firm fixture of the festive season. However, after several decades, the markets were temporarily banned due to their size and noise. The tradition was revived in the 1970s.
What to Eat and Drink
The Christmas markets in Cologne are a paradise for food lovers. Make sure you try:
- Reibekuchen: Crispy potato fritters served with apple sauce.
- Glühwein: Traditional mulled wine, often flavoured with orange or cinnamon.
- Cologne Printen: Similar to gingerbread but unique to this region.
- Bratwurst: Grilled German sausage, ideally served with sweet mustard.
- Rhine Wine: Local white wines that pair beautifully with lighter dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get to the Markets?
Cologne has excellent rail connections from London (via Eurostar and onward trains), as well as from other major European cities. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is just steps away from the Christmas market at the Cathedral. You can also fly into Cologne Bonn Airport, which is well served by airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet from many UK airports.
Are the Markets Suitable for Children?
Absolutely! Markets like the one at Rudolfplatz offer children’s rides and fairy-tale-inspired entertainment that the little ones will love.
When Are the Christmas Markets in Cologne?
The Christmas markets in Cologne run from 17 November to 23 December 2025.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
