Thinking of taking a German Christmas market trip and wondering if you should put Cologne, Germany on your list? My short answer is yes, you should. Cologne may not be as popular as some of the other German cities like Munich and Berlin, but rest assured, its Christmas markets are fantastic. They have so much charm and character…plus, they are all either a short walk or metro-…err, Bahn-ride away from each other. Grab your snow boots, and let me show you around some of Cologne’s best Christmas markets!
Cologne, Germany
It’s important to keep in mind that whenever you Google “is _____ Christmas market worth it?” you’re probably going to find a lot of websites that say yes to whatever and urge you to go. My goal with this post is to include my own authentic images, along with giving you my own personal opinion so you can make the best decision for your Christmas market trip. After all, Germany has so many incredible markets that it really is hard to choose…but I genuinely did love the ones here in Cologne!
- Pro Tip: All photos of me on this page were taken using this tripod that I never go on vacation without.
Throughout this post, I’ve included some other info, such as the opening dates of the Christmas markets, things you should expect to see at all German Christmas markets, and a couple different hotel rec’s. I would encourage you to read through all the info on this page, but if you just can’t wait, you can click here to jump to my recap of the Cologne Christmas markets.
Cologne, Germany
Hotel recommendation
Ruby Ella Hotel
I am a huge fan of Ruby hotels in Europe. The 24 hour bar, industrial-chic lobby and spacious, comfortable rooms make them one of top travel choices. This hotel is in an excellent location & within walking distance to the train & Christmas markets.
Click your favorite link below to book.
Cologne, Germany
Hotel recommendation
Boutique Hotel Cologne
This hotel is within walking distance to the train, Christmas markets, and fabulous restaurants. My room was beautiful and had one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on!
Pro Tip: Does NOT have a restaurant or elevator
The Christmas markets in Germany were something that had been on my bucket list for years. When I was growing up, a lady from Germany lived up the street from me, and I would often hear her mention how incredibly magical the Christmas markets were. Turns out, she was right. Since then, I have wanted to visit as many as I possibly can, and I fully intend on giving you a recap of all of them. Make sure to follow me on Instagram and/or sign up for my email list to know when these posts launch!
What Are the 2024 Dates for the Cologne, Germany Christmas Markets?
The opening dates for the 2024 Cologne Christmas markets are as follows:
- Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market: 11/18/24 – 12/23/24
- House Elves Christmas Market (Heinzel’s Wintermaerchen): 11/25/24 – 12/23/24
- The Angel’s Market (Markt der Engel): 11/18/24 – 12/23/24
- Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten: 11/23/24 – 12/23/24
- Harbour Christmas Market (Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt): 11/23/24 – 12/23/24
- Nicholas Village (Nikolausdorf) Christmas Market: 11/20/24 – 12/23/24
FYI – some websites I looked at had the markets open until January 5th, and others had December 23. I went with the latter date, because going to Christmas markets after Christmas is just…well…not as magical!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE
GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Although all the markets are different, there are things you can expect to find at all of them:
- Gift and food vendors: All the markets have food, drinks, and vendors selling everything from Christmas ornaments to socks and hats to traditional German toys and more. Seriously, there’s a LOT going on here!
- Festive – and alcoholic – Christmas drinks: You can find glühwein (wine mulled with cinnamon, cloves, and other spices that is served warm), spiked hot chocolate (served with rum, Bailey’s, amaretto, or your festive liquor of choice), spiked punch, and hot Aperol.
- Of note, the markets around Marienplatz did NOT serve hot chocolate, only glühwein.
- Places to warm up from the cold: Most of the markets have at least one charming winter hut to order (and drink!) your festive Christmas beverage.
- Traditional German foods: Bratwurst, sausages, pretzels, gingerbread, chocolate pastries…you can find these at all of the markets.
- Pro Tip: The market in Nuremberg had the most gingerbread – or “lebkuchen” – out of any of the markets I went to.
- Souvenir mugs – When you order a drink at any of the markets, you are served your beverage in a souvenir mug. Your initial drink will always be more expensive, because you are paying for your drink AND the mug. The good news? If you want another drink, you can use your same mug and ask for a refill!
- Of note, each market has its own specific mug. I don’t believe you can bring a mug from a one market and expect another market to refill it.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t want to keep your mug, return it to the bar when you are finished. You will get refunded your Euros that you would have paid to keep it.
- Cash-only vendors – A lot of the markets do not accept credit cards, so always have euros on hand
- Cold temperatures – This kind of goes without saying, but it’s cold here. Bring hats, scarves, gloves, hand-warmers, layers, all of it!
- Crowds – I’m laughing, but for real…the markets get crowded, especially on weekends. BUT, there are often so many stalls and vendors that it’s quick and easy to get someone to wait on you if you need to buy a drink or make a purchase.
Exploring The Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany
The Christmas markets in Cologne that I visited are more spread out than the markets I went to in Munich and Nuremberg. In this section, I will talk about each of the markets individually, and also how to get to them.
During my visit to Cologne, I visited the following Christmas markets:
- Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
- Nikolausdorf (Nicholas Village Christmas Market)
- Markt der Engel (Market of Angels)
- Heinzel’s Wintermarchen (House Elves Christmas Market)
One market I DIDN’T get to is the Harbor Christmas Market…only because I found out about it after I left Cologne. Sighhh. This market is set up on the banks of the Rhine river, in the grounds of the Chocolate Museum. I had a lot of people tell me this market was fabulous, and now I have FOMO. If you want to see this market, make sure to check it out the same day you do the Cologne Cathedral Christmas market, as it is located directly behind the cathedral.
Getting to The Different Cologne Christmas Markets
Since Cologne’s markets are a bit more spread out that some other cities, it’s important to tell you the best/easiest way to see all of them.
Nikolausdorf and Markt der Engel
Out of the 4 markets that I visited, Nikolausdorf and Markt der Engel were within walking distance from each other. The easiest way to see them is to take the subway and get off at the Neumarkt station. Once you exit, you will be able to see Markt der Engel.
You can walk to Nikolausdorf from Markt der Engel. Nikolausdorf is located in Rudolfplatz, between Neumarkt and the Belgian Quarter. I stayed near this section of Cologne, so these were the first 2 markets I explored since I was easily able to walk to them from my hotel.
- Pro Tip: If you have time, AND if you’re a shopper, definitely explore the Belgian Quarter. I saw a ton of adorable boutiques here and even bought a few cute outfits.
Cologne Cathedral Market, Heinzel’s Wintermarchen, and Harbour Christmas Market
If you are in Neumarkt, you can take the subway 2 stops to the Cathedral/Central Station and see the Cologne Cathedral (you can take the #16 or #18 train to get there).
- Pro Tip: This subway station is also where the Hauptbahnof is, aka the main train station!
Once you exit, you will see the Cologne Cathedral. Go around to the other side of the cathedral towards the front, and you will find the Cologne Cathedral Market. Go behind the cathedral, and you will find the Harbour Christmas Market (the one that I missed).
From here, it is an 8 minute walk to Heinzel’s Wintermarchen, located near Heumarkt.
What is the Main Christmas Market in Cologne?
The main Christmas market is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, located in front of the Cologne Cathedral, aka the “Dom.”
IMO, this was the least picturesque out of all of the markets…BUT, I’m still going to tell you that you have to visit it because the cathedral makes for an absolutely stunning backdrop.
When I was there, they had live performers singing popular 80s rock songs (at once point, the entire crowd was screaming “Wonderwall” by Oasis!). If you’re thinking, “that doesn’t sound very Christmas-y!”…well, it’s not. But it’s fun! And the performers were all dressed in Christmas-themed attire. Think of it as a Christmas concert for people who don’t love Christmas music!
- Side note: I’m sure at SOME point, the performers here sing Christmas songs. I mean, they have to, right?
Exploring Cologne’s Other Christmas Markets
The Nikolausdorf Christmas Market (Nicholas Village Christmas Market)
The Nikolausdorf Christmas Market is located in Rudolfplatz Square and was proooobably my favorite market out of all the ones I visited in Cologne. IMO, I thought it had the best ambiance. Despite how cold it was outside, the lighting and decor had a way of making this market feel incredibly warm and cozy.
TBH though, I felt like every time I went to a different market in Cologne, that one became my new favorite. However, I think that this one won out because it reminded me the most of the Distillery Winter Village in Toronto, which was the first market I ever visited and one of my all-time faves.
This market was set next to the Hahnentorburg – a medieval gatehouse – and was decorated with half-timbered houses lit up red and green. There were string lights all throughout the trees, as well as decorations on top of the different market vendors.
I tried glühwein here for the first time and loved it! I sat in a cozy little hut filled with garland and pine and Christmas lights and savored my drink. This was one of my favorite parts of being at all the markets…finding a place to just be still and in the moment among the chaos and crowds. Speaking of the huts – they are adorable inside. I know the photo below is of me and doesn’t do the huts justice, but trust me. Just go. 😉
The Markt der Engel (Market of Angels)
The Markt der Engel is decorated with paper stars and dangling lights. It has more of a romantic ambiance than Nikolausdorf, and, from what I could tell, more pastries and sweets! The decorations span the entire side of the street and beckon visitors to bask in the glow of the Christmas lights! As I mentioned, this is the first market that I saw when getting off of the Neumarkt subway station.
If you are familiar with me/this website, I’m sure you would have bet that this market would have been my favorite one. Honestly, it almost was. I love all things feminine, sparkly, and romantic.
Keeping with the theme, there are women dressed up as angels walking around the market that children are able to take their photos with. They also have a winter queen with a live snowy owl, and people walking on stilts! The vendors were super cute, like the Hot Aperol hut that is pictured below. While exploring Cologne, I made it a point to walk through this market every time I passed it. It was absolutely beautiful…and I don’t think my nighttime photos do it justice!
Heinzel’s Wintermarchen (House Elves Christmas Market)
The Heinzel’s Wintermarchen in Old Town Cologne is created around legendary house elves that help craftsman with their work at night…that is, until they were discovered and banned by the nosy wife of a tailor. But, for the Heinzel’s winter fairytale, they grace the town annually, transforming the city into a captivating winter wonderland!
Out of all the markets I went to, this is the one that was most geared towards kids (but, even without kids, I still thought it was adorable!). There is an ice skating rink, ice stock rinks, and over 100 vendors! The vendor stalls are split into different themed laneways and piazzas, which stretch across Alter Markt and Heumarkt. Immediately, I was transported back to Christmas in my childhood, which was always incredible. I couldn’t imagine seeing something like this when I was little. I would have been obsessed…and, well, as an adult, I’m still obsessed. While Adult Gina’s favorite market is arguably Nikolausdorf, Baby Gina’s favorite market is definitely Heinzel’s.
It’s worth mentioning that this market had 2 different entrances with different stalls and vendors at each one. The market that was opposite the ice skating/ice stock rink even had a ferris wheel!
My Overall Impression of the Cologne Christmas Markets
My favorite thing about the Christmas markets I visited in Cologne was how different they all were. They all had their own unique character, decor, and ambiance that made them stand out from each other.
In some cities, you could argue that “if you’ve seen one Christmas market, you’ve seen them all” – but in Cologne this was not the case. I loved how each market was its own special experience and symbolized something different about Christmas. i would absolutely recommend seeing these markets!
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