During the holiday season, many international visitors journey far and wide to participate in merry-making in Cologne, Germany, famed for its numerous Christmas markets full of cheer and beautifully decorated scenery. Join Rudolph in the season’s festivities along with beautifully adorned angels complete with thick feathered wings at the Cathedral Christmas Market where the gothic cathedral commands an ethereal atmosphere. Apart from this, there are several other things to do with your loved ones. Stroll along the River Rhine to enjoy the maritime-themed festivities complete with a tall ship and tents with hardwood floors and snow-white coverings resembling sails of ships. Irrespective of the season, you can book an Airbnb vacation rental or a hotel for a comfortable stay. During your holiday-inspired visit, make certain to check out the following top Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany, so you can spend time appreciating the markets that best suit your seasonal interests.
Popular picks in Cologne
Chocolate lovers of families visiting with kids can explore Chocolate Museum, which attracts 6,50,000 visitors annually. The museum has exhibits, films and tasting opportunities to make you happy!
Nature lovers can head to Rheinpark, which has water features, a playground, a youth centre, a beach, and more.
Winter in Cologne
- According to Weather Atlas, temperatures in winter range from 5.9°C to -0.6°C (30.9°F) with an average rainfall of 67 millimetres and 71.1 millimetres.
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Christmas traditions in Germany
According to deutschland.de, Christmas is widely celebrated across Germany. Some of the popular traditions are:
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Family get-together, which involves singing or playing music, enjoying the meal, and unwrapping the presents
Apart from this, you can also visit the various Christmas markets, relish the festive treats, and enjoy spicy mulled wine. For more details, check out our detailed guide on Christmas markets here.
Christmas markets in Cologne
1. Christmas market in Cologne's Old Town
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visitors to Cologne’s Christmas paradise will be in wonder of the sparkling lights throughout the market place. Wander through the Futtergasse (Feeding Alley) to indulge in international and national cuisines before browsing through the many shops featuring toys, handmade Christmas-themed products, and colorful gingerbread houses. I feel this market is ideal for families who can stroll through nostalgic Santa Claus’ quarter with your children to experience the overall joy of viewing the numerous toy stands and watching talent puppeteers put on performances.
The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town
Address: Alter Markt 47, 50667 Cologne, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: The Christmas Market in Cologne’s Old Town
Market highlights: Handicrafts, specialties, gifts and an ice rink
2. Angels' Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As you wander the alleys packed full of charming shops filled with holiday cheer and gifts, don’t be surprised if you see one of the real-life angels with huge feathered wings, white robes, and glittery make-up strolling alongside you. Enjoy taking in the stunning trees throughout the market, illuminated by 750 lights. Stop by one of the charming shops to purchase decorative plates, toys, and treats synonymous with the holidays, including egg nog and mulled wine. Make certain to meet the winter queen mounted on her mystical unicorn steed before strolling over to the theatre to watch a live puppet show.
Angels' Market
Address: Neumarkt 1, 50667 Cologne, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Cologne Tourism
Website: Angels’ Market
Market highlights: Mulled wine, punch, mixed cocktails, tasty food and dessert, crafts articles and gifts
3. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
While strolling past the impressive centuries-old gothic cathedral, stop by to enjoy Christmas classics performed on the stunning illuminated stage by local performers. Get into the holiday spirit by sipping on mulled wine in one of the holiday mugs from one of the nearby red-roofed pavillions. Browse through the numerous wooden pavilions featuring festive decorations, stuffed and wooden toys, Christmas decorated memorabilia, and many other gift ideas. As an avid traveller, I will surely buy some souvenirs from here to take back home. As you stroll along the illuminated alleyways, enjoy watching local artisans at work along with many visiting international guests before departing to take selfies under Germany’s largest Christmas tree.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Address: Roncalliplatz, 50667 Cologne, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Cologne Tourism
Website: Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
4. The Christmas market in Stadtgarten
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visitors can be certain to encounter a heavenly angel dressed enrobed in a bright white dress and giant feathered wings while visiting the unique market. While strolling along the avenue lined with glowing evergreens decorated with blinding white stars, make time to listen or sing along to the live holiday jingles performed by the local band. Search through the beautifully illuminated huts to check out the art, snowglobes, toys, clothing, and much more. After indulging in holiday delicacies, head over to the stage with your family and watch as your little one’s eyes light up in amazement as they experience puppet shows or listen to the recounting of fairy tales.
Christmas Market in Stadtgarten
Address: Venloer Straße 40, Cologne 50672, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: The Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten
Market highlights: Crafts, handcrafted items, exquisite design, homemade organic mulled wine and tasty food
5. Christmas market on the Rudolfplatz
Enjoy walking through the charming village filled with Bavarian-style buildings illuminated with icy white lights dangling from the rooftops. I will surely visit this market to admire the spectacular sights. Indulge your senses by tasting delicious specialties throughout the village while shopping for holiday-inspired items to take home with you. Take part in the arts and crafts alongside talented artisans in the Nicholas House creating paper mache figurines and canvas paintings. Make certain to stop by the chapel of St. Nicholas to admire the awe-inspiring stained-glass windows.
Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz
Address: Rudolfplatz., 50674 Cologne, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Cologne’s tourism website
Website: Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz
6. Harbour Christmas Market
Stroll along the harborfront situated on the Rhine River near the Chocolate Museum to browse through the pagoda tents resembling white ship sails with hardwood floors. Get into the festive spirit by sampling international-themed food and drinks before walking over to admire the impressive ship with its massive sails harbored on the illuminated Rhine. Don’t miss out on the live performances including sea shanties to classic Christmas carols and pirates telling tales about life at sea, which surely will captivate your family’s imagination. Before walking across the harbor swing bridge, make time to stop by one of the tents to purchase holiday-themed crafts.
Harbour Christmas Market
Address: Schokoladenmuseum, Rheinauhafen Cologne, Germany
Market highlights: Holiday-themed crafts and international-themed food and drinks
Nearby options
7. Frankfurt Christmas Market
Hop on one of the intricately decorated horses on an illuminated carousel located in the middle of the market before exploring the seasonal pavillions. The origins of the market, which can be traced back to 1393, traditionally consisted of scriptural themed plays, but now it is a thriving center of commercialism and revelry during the holidays. Enjoy strolling through the avenue of pavilions decorated with sparkling white lights and filled with holiday-inspired treasures crafted by talented artists to commemorate the season. Make certain to try out some of the delicious heart-shaped gingerbread and mulled wine along with other local delicacies while church bells toll and carols are sung by joyous carolers. I will surely visit this market to get a glimpse of its culture and food!
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Address: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, Roßmarkt, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official tourism website of Frankfurt
Website: Frankfurt Christmas Market
8. Rüdesheim's Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Walk along the market avenues with a mug filled with spiced eggnog to keep you warm as you browse through the vendor pavilions filled with goods from around the world. Celebrate the Rhine traditional seasonal customs while walking under archways accented by an array of string lights to create a festive atmosphere. Listen to seasonal tunes being played throughout the market along with locals and visitors from all over the world. I would love to sample local culinary favourites while admiring the crystal snowflake ornaments dangling from the trees in the sea of evergreens when I visit here.
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market
Address: Marktstraße, 65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market
Market highlights: Mulled wine and salmon grilled
What guests are saying about their Christmas market experience:
“A great backdrop and a diverse offering from many countries. Great mulled wine from the winemakers (it’s better to avoid large stands) - in the picture, in the courtyard of one of the houses. Plus delicious salmon grilled on a plank. There was also an interestingly designed Christmas nativity scene. The place is worth visiting, I recommend” - by Google reviewer, Grzegorz Z
Indulge in Cologne's holiday festivities
Traveling to a different country to share in the unique customs and shared experience during the Christmas season, has become increasingly popular and it is greatly noticed in Cologne, Germany. The beautiful lights, festive music, glistening snowflakes adorning evergreens, and a filial atmosphere promote a sense of shared culture amongst locals and visitors. If you weren’t able to attend all the holiday-themed markets to experience the holiday spirit sprinkled throughout Cologne, don’t hesitate to start making your plans for a return in the near future.
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