10 Exciting Christmas Markets in Koln Germany 2023
With so many Christmas markets all over Cologne, finding the best ones to enjoy the holiday spirit can be overwhelming.
Having experienced many Christmas Markets in Cologne over the years, we can vouch for the best ones that give a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the 10 can’t-miss Christmas markets in Cologne, showcasing their unique foods and goodies, cool activities, and available transportation options to get around.
Christmas Markets in Cologne
Even with the crisp winter air, there is no better time to visit Cologne (Koln) than during the festive Christmas market season.
Each market boasts its own designs and specialties, making sure there’s something unique for everyone.
Families will surely appreciate the unlimited children’s activities like carousels and art workshops, while grown-ups can check out stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to fancy winter gear.
So, whether you’re looking for traditional or themed Christmas Markets, we’ve got you covered.
Traditional Christmas Markets in Cologne
The traditional Christmas markets in Cologne have been a thing for ages.
They started as regular winter markets and turned into a big festive deal all about getting ready for Christmas. We still enjoy the classic markets the most.
The old traditions are still kicking, and we still enjoy them the most. So, don’t miss out on this fun adventure.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is a big deal during the holiday season and one of Germany’s top-notch markets, drawing in plenty of visitors every year.
It has over 130 stalls selling all sorts of traditional German stuff – crafts, unique gifts, and food that hits the spot.
The stalls have these red huts that light up like they’ve got stars inside. Nighttime is when it really kicks in.
The whole square is lit up by the 25-meter Christmas tree, making the whole place look like a winter wonderland.
We love catching some of the musical acts here while enjoying a mug of mulled wine.
They’ve got over 100 acts every evening – jazz trios, choirs, and many more. And it’s not just for the grown-ups – the kids can have a blast with a carousel.
You shouldn’t miss the food here. They serve German classics like Käsespätzle—think bouncy egg dumplings drowning in cheese, and then there are delights like crepes and churros from around the globe.
Note that it can get pretty busy, especially with all the tourists.
Still, if you’re into that grandeur vibe and are okay with a bit of a crowd, it’s one of those “must-see” places that’s worth braving the crowds for.
Opening Hours
It is open from November 23rd to December 23rd. You can swing by anytime between Sunday and Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm, Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 10 pm.
And on Saturdays, they are open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Cost of Entry
The market itself won’t cost you a dime, but keep an eye out for special attractions that might need a ticket, such as the carousel.
How to Get There
The market is just a ride away, and the Hauptbahnhof is your easy starting point.
Look out for Lines U5, U16, U18, S6, S11, S12, S13, and S19 – those are your go-to rides. They’ll zip you around the city hassle-free.
Stadtgarten Christmas Market
The Stadtgarten Christmas Market in Cologne, near the Belgian Quarter, is known as a chill spot for winter shopping.
It’s not as flashy or big as some other markets in Cologne, but that’s what makes it cool – It’s more manageable.
It goes down in the beer garden of the main restaurant in Stadtgarten Park.
Being in the oldest park in Cologne makes it charming – like an enchanted forest for your Christmas shopping.
With over 80 different vendors every week, you can snag all kinds of locally made goodies perfect for souvenirs – jewelry, art, and even Karneval hats.
Opening Hours
It runs from November 23rd to December 23rd. From Monday to Friday, it kicks in at 4 pm and keeps the good times rolling until 9:30 pm.
But if you’re more of a weekend warrior, Saturdays and Sundays are for you. The market starts at a leisurely noon and goes strong until 9:30 pm.
So whether you’re up for a weeknight escape or a full-on weekend celebration, Stadtgarden’s got your Christmas cheer covered.
Cost of Entry
The market’s free to enter!
How to Get There
If you’re heading to the Stadtgarten Christmas Market in Cologne, we totally recommend hopping on public transportation.
The Hans-Böckler-Platz/Bf West stop is your go-to spot, served by the U 3, 4, and 5 lines. So, ditch the hassle of driving and enjoy the festive vibes stress-free!
Nicholas Village Christmas Market (Nikolausdorf)
Nicholas Village Christmas Market, or Nikolausdorf, is this cozy winter spot in Rudolfplatz, Cologne.
It gives you that nostalgic, old-timey Christmas vibe with timbered houses and the medieval Hahnentorburg gate in the background that adds a magical touch to the scene.
The whole market lights up with a ton of twinkling lights, creating this warm and welcoming vibe. The market’s not that huge, but the place is pretty family-friendly.
They’ve got this chapel with frescoes, and there’s this children’s workshop hut where local artists help kids with crafts.
Also, you can pick up some winter gear and decorations.
And, of course, no trip to a Christmas market is complete without snagging a photo with Santa!
He’s there every day from 4 pm to 4:30 pm, doing the whole meet-and-greet routine.
Opening Hours
Now, if you’re planning to check out Rudolfplatz between November 20th and December 23rd, you’re in luck.
The place is buzzing from 11 am to 9 pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open until 10 pm.
There’s plenty of time to soak in the vibes and maybe grab a bite or do some shopping!
Cost of Entry
There’s no entry fee.
How to Get There
To get to the market is easy. Rudolfplatz is just a hop away if you are at the Cologne Central Station – about a 24-minute stroll.
But if you need speed or skip the legwork, a taxi is an option. Fair warning, though: it’ll dip into your pocket a bit.
So don’t miss out on this must-visit Christmas Market during the winter season in Cologne.
Winter Magic Eigelstein
You gotta check out the Winter Magic Eigelstein in Cologne, right by the old Eigelstein City Gate.
It’s only open for a few days, so don’t miss this magical little market! It transforms into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season.
With about 16 festively adorned stalls, it offers a nostalgic experience with its quaint wooden huts, twinkling lights, and vibrant sounds.
This is also perfect for families because they have a kiddie carousel for the little ones to enjoy.
And watch out for some live music on their small stage after 6 pm. It adds such a magical touch while browsing the booths.
There are also delights that you should not miss, such as their mulled wine (glühwein).
Opening Hours
The market is open from 3 pm to 10 pm on December 6 to 8, and from 2 pm to 9 pm on December 9 to 10.
Cost of Entry
The best part is that it has no entrance fee – it’s a chill, community-focused event.
How to Get There
The Winter Magic Eigelstein is easily reached by public transport, especially the Appellhofplatz train station, which is just a 14-minute walk away.
It’s a good idea to skip driving and stroll through the pedestrian-friendly areas.
Themed Christmas Markets in Cologne
Cologne’s Christmas markets are pretty famous, especially now that they’ve spiced things up with themed markets.
We’re talking about everything from a full-on gay pride market to one all about sustainability.
The city’s all about letting folks do Christmas their way, and these themed markets are making sure of it.
Cologne Harbour Christmas Market
The Cologne Harbour Christmas Market is one of the best winter destinations in Germany. Lights are twinkling, and there’s a sea-going feel to the place.
It is by the Rhine River near the Lindt Chocolate Museum and has over 70 white stalls all dolled up with festive stuff – it’s like a mini winter wonderland.
There are special events perfect for both children and adults. You get to witness them in Trudel (the mulled wine ship) or in front of the ship “Maria” at the art’otel.
Food-wise, it’s not your usual Christmas market. Seafood takes the spotlight, with grilled salmon, prawn rolls, fish and chips, and oysters on the menu.
Aside from seafood, they’ve got langos – that’s fried Hungarian flatbread. Don’t miss the Kartoffel spiral – a potato spiral on a stick with sweet chilli sauce.
And there’s a massive 15-meter boat-turned-bar serving up gluhwein and beer.
They have also got crafts – handmade stools, wine holders, art, paintings, and toys. We managed to find lovely locally made items as souvenirs or gifts.
And there’s a big Ferris wheel that is almost 50 meters in height that shows the killer views of the Rhine and Cologne city.
You also get to witness pirate jugglers and musicians belting out sea shanties and Christmas carols.
We recommend going in the late afternoon to guarantee a magical experience as the lights come to life.
Make sure to double-check their website for more details about the events at the Harbour Christmas Market.
So, if you want a unique winter experience with good food, entertainment, and killer views, the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market is the spot.
Opening Hours
The market operates from 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday through Thursday. The market extends until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
You can enjoy the nautical vibe of this market from November 23rd Until December 23rd.
Cost of Entry
Entrance to the market is free.
How to Get There
Getting to the Harbour market is really easy, thanks to direct train links from major German cities.
Once you arrive at the Cologne Central Train Station, take a bus (line 978) going to Köln Heumarkt.
From there, you can walk straight to the Harbour market, which will take you only 6 minutes.
You can also easily stroll over to the Harbour Christmas Market from the Cathedral or Old Town.
Market of Angels
The Market of Angels in Cologne, located in the Neumarkt square, is a winter gem.
It is one of the original and oldest Christmas markets in the city, bringing back the tradition of the ’70s.
The deal with this market is angels – stalls decked out in white and silver, people dressed as angels, and an all-around magical vibe.
Neumarkt square is lit up with stars, adding to the whole chill atmosphere. You’ve also got angel figures roaming around, posing for pics, and doing fun stuff.
When it comes to food, the options are top-notch. This market is known for this thin pizza called Alsatian flammkuchen. It’s like a crispy dough with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon on top.
And if you swing by the Reibekuchen stand, you’ve got these crispy potato pancakes, either plain or with some apple sauce on the side.
Don’t miss out on their waffles shaped like the Dom Cathedral and speculoos cookies that look like mini cathedrals. These delights make the perfect edible souvenir.
Oh, and don’t forget the bars – warm cocktails and mulled wine to keep you toasty while you wander and munch on all the festive goodies.
Besides food, there’s cool stuff to buy – silver jewelry, ornaments, candles, and crafts from Europe. The mugs with different angel designs were a nice touch.
There are loads of options, so you’re bound to find some new holiday faves at this market.
No need for reservations – you can stroll, shop, and munch without a hitch. But if you’re eyeing a food stall, a heads-up call is smart.
You can also expect choir and musical performances in this market. So, stay tuned to their website to find out the events and guests during the holidays.
Opening Hours
Angel’s market opens from November 23rd to December 23rd, rocking Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.
Cost of Entry
It is free to enter the market.
How to Get There
Situated in the Neumarkt, it’s a breezy 17-minute walk from the Cologne Central Train Station.
Heavenue: The Gay Christmas Market
Cologne is one of the gay-friendliest cities in Germany, and Heavenue’s the only gay Christmas market in town.
It spices up Cologne’s Christmas market scene over at Rudolfplatz, between Hahnen- and Schaafenstraße.
Heavenue ditches the traditional vibe for a lively twist – it’s less about products and more about the music, dancing, and adult beverages here.
After dark is when the real show starts, so keep an eye out for special events like drag performances and light displays turning up the electric vibes.
Treat-wise, you’ve got to try a variety of mulled drinks there; one of them is the mulled rosé. They also have food trucks there whenever you feel like eating.
The organizers haven’t spilled the details on the exact date yet, so just keep an eye out for more info before you swing by.
Opening Hours
The market usually starts up around late November and goes on for a good 4 weeks.
Cost of Entry
Don’t worry about the entry fee because you can visit Heavenue Christmas market for free.
How to Get There
Getting there is easy – Cologne is well-connected by train. If you’re at Cologne Central Station, hop on the line 18 tram headed to Neumarkt.
It’ll only take you about 6 minutes to reach your destination.
Alternatively, you can grab a taxi for a quicker ride, but keep in mind that they are pricey. So, the tram is the way to go if you’re budget-conscious.
Once you’re at Neumarkt, the Heavenue Christmas market is just a casual 9-minute stroll away.
The Super Christmas Market
The Super Christmas Market in Cologne’s Südstadt district gives you a laid-back shopping vibe with a focus on cool and eco-friendly gifts.
It happens on the second weekend of Advent at Bürgerhaus Stollwerk – a great setup for any weather.
Whether you’re after quirky decorations or trendy accessories, the market has about 60 local creators with plenty of practical selections that are all about sustainability.
Opening Hours
The market’s happening on December 9-10, 2023, from 11 am to 7 pm.
Cost of Entry
There’s a €5 charge to enter the market.
How to Get There
The spot to be is the Bürgerhaus Stollwerk. If you’re from Koln Hauptbahnhof, just take a bus (line 133). It will only take you around 12 minutes to get to your destination.
Heinzels Wintermärchen Köln (Heinzels Winter Fairytale)
Heinzels Wintermärchen Köln, also known as the House Elves’ Winter Fairytale Market, is a famous Christmas market in the Old Town.
The market is all about the city’s legendary Heinzelmännchen, those house elves from local folklore known for doing housework.
It has two sections, at Heumarkt and Alter Markt, connected by Antique Alley. We’ve checked out the antiques here a few times, and they have some really unique finds.
The market has this woodland/gnome vibe, with stalls that have wooden and rustic designs.
Craftsmen from all over Europe show off their skills with handmade goods that you can snag at this market.
This market is perfect for families as they can enjoy attractions such as an old-fashioned carousel and a Ferris wheel.
They also got these mini-ski lifts and welcome gates paying homage to those Heinzelmännchen.
The best part is the open-air ice rink on Heumarkt – it’s massive, covering 2,400 square meters, and you can do winter sports like skating and curling.
And, of course, you can’t miss the food. They’re serving up grilled meats, baked bread, and waffles, crepes, and also fish.
If you want a good view, head to the wooden chalets by the rink or the top of the bridge. They’ve gone all-in on the Heinzelmännchen legend.
The market’s massive, detailed, and totally into the Christmas spirit – definitely worth checking out for a winter blast in Cologne.
We make it a point to visit every year; it’s one of our favorite Christmas markets.
Opening Hours
It is up and running from November 24th to December 23rd, every day from 11 am to 10 pm.
Cost of Entry
Entrance to the market is free, but certain activities, like ice skating, come with fees. Adults start at €7.50, and children start at €4.50.
How to Get There
Heinzels Wintermärchen is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby train stations like Köln Hauptbahnhof and Appellhofplatz.
If you’re at the central station, just take a 10-minute walk to reach the market. It’s also close to the Cologne Cathedral, just a 7-minute walk away.
Christmas market on Chlodwigplatz
You gotta check out the Chlodwigplatz Christmas market in Cologne for a chill and festive time. It’s right in the southern part of the city.
With 15 to 20 huts showcasing local stuff and bites, the market’s all about that cozy, neighborly vibe.
They have this “Veedelsadvent” theme, rotating huts weekly to feature traders from the southern part of the city.
Food-wise, you’re in for a treat. From classic bratwurst to vegan options, there’s something for everyone.
And, of course, you can’t skip the mulled wine or try out their “hot cocktails.” One cool thing is the Feuerzangenbowle – a must-try drink that adds to the market’s vibe.
Apart from the grub, the market rocks with choirs belting out Christmas carols.
Opening Hours
The market runs from November 23rd to December 23rd, 2023 and you can visit from noon to 10 pm.
Cost of Entry
Feel free to visit the market because there’s no entry fee.
How to Get There
Getting there is a breeze. Hop on trams 15, 16, or 17, or catch buses 106, 132, 133, or 142. The Chlodwigplatz stop is right around the corner, so no hassle.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit to the Cologne Christmas Markets
Be Winter-Ready in Cologne
Winter in Cologne can get pretty chilly, averaging around 4°C (39.2°F), so bundle up with warm layers – coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are your new best friends.
The weather can be moody, with rain, snow, or ice making surprise appearances. Pack waterproof boots with good traction to stay on your feet.
Also, going in and out of shops can freeze you solid, so stop often for hot food and drinks. Staying dry and blocking the wind is the secret to keeping warm.
Keep an Eye on Your Stuff
Security-wise, keep an eye on your stuff in crowded tourist spots.
Don’t flash wads of cash, and be cautious with purses, backpacks, and gadgets. Cops are around, but petty theft happens, so stay alert.
Plan for Delays and Embrace the Crowds
Public transport might be in holiday mode, so plan for potential delays. Brace yourself for massive crowds on weekends and peak times.
It’s better to have a Plan B for other sights in case the markets are too crowded.
Bring Cash
The Christmas market entrance may be free, but bring cash for food, drinks, rides, and souvenirs.
Some vendors might not accept card transactions. Oh, and factor in cab fares if you’re getting around the city center.
Watch Your Step
Winter paths can get tricky, so watch your step. Slippery sidewalks and slushy market paths are par for the course. Proper footwear with traction is your winter armor.
Wrapping Up the Holiday Spirit in Cologne
Visiting the Christmas markets in Cologne is perfect for the holidays. With over 10 cool markets to explore, there’s something for everyone.
Families can keep the kiddos entertained with rides, while the grown-ups can sift through stalls filled with handmade crafts, gifts, and tasty treats.
There’s also music and cool performances, and don’t miss out on their local specialties, especially the mulled wine.
From the Cathedral Market to the nautical vibes at the Harbour Market or the cozy setup at Chlodwigplatz, Cologne nails the holiday spirit.
Sure, there might be a bit of petty crime and winter hazards, but the Christmas cheer and community vibes totally make up for it.
Just stay street-smart and warm, and you’re in for a delightful winter trip.
