Cologne Christmas Markets
Nowhere is the holiday spirit more alive than in the charming city of Cologne, Germany. With its cobblestone streets and twinkling lights, Cologne transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to its magical Christmas markets. From late November until Christmas Eve, Cologne's squares and streets are adorned with festive stalls, each offering handmade gifts, and traditional treats.
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EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET PACKING GUIDE
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There are 7 Christmas markets in Cologne, and each has a different theme. I loved how these themes were carried into the decorations, food, and even the souvenir mugs. The souvenir mugs are a big deal… each Christmas Market has a different mug, which makes for a nice souvenir to take home. You pay a deposit for the mug and pay for your drink. If you don’t want to save your mug you can return it and get your deposit (2-3 euros) back.
If you plan on visiting all the markets, get an early start and come hungry!
Cologne Christmas Market map:
Christmas Market Express:
Cologne offers a Christmas train… the Christmas Market Express that stops at four of the main Christmas Markets. It made our visit so easy due to the hop-on & hop-off option. It is the perfect alternative to discover the decorated streets of the old part of Cologne and to access four of the most beautiful as well as largest Christmas Markets. It came in handy later in the day with all of our shopping bags. The mini-trains depart every 15 minutes.
Christmas Market Guide:
1. The Dom Market (or Weihnachtsmarkt)
The crown jewel of Cologne's Christmas markets is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, nestled beneath the towering spires of the city's iconic landmark. With the backdrop of the magnificent cathedral, you can browse through rows of quaint wooden red stalls, admiring handcrafted ornaments, and trying local favorites like gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, while sipping on hot chocolate or Gluhwein (mulled wine). A giant Christmas tree stands in the center of the market, with lights draped from the tree over the tops of the stalls.
It was so magical to see at night!
Don’t miss a visit to the Cologne Cathedral. It’s an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Construction of this architectural marvel began in 1248 and continued for over 600 years. As you enter the cathedral, the vastness of its interior is overwhelming, with soaring vaults reaching towards the heavens and stained glass windows casting colorful patterns of light across the stone floor. We just sat there in awe for quite a while.
Dates for Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market:
November 23-December 23rd
Times: Sunday-Wednesday 11:00-9:00
Thursday- Friday 11:00-10:00
Saturday: 10:00-10:00
Location: Next to Cologne Cathedral
Heinzels WintermArchen Market (Alter Markt & Heumarkt)
Near the Cathedral Christmas Market, is Heinzel's Wintermarchen, Cologne's Old Town Christmas market. It's one of the largest markets in the center of town. If you only have time for two Cologne Christmas markets, Heinzels Wintermärchen should be the second one! This market is split into two sections; Heumarkt and Alter Markt. At Heumarkt, you’ll find a merry-go-round and ice rink. At Alter Markt, you’ll find a Ferris wheel, with the city hall building as the backdrop. The two markets are connected by a walkway, and it only takes minutes to walk between the two
The market takes its name from the Heinzelmannchen, mischievous house gnomes from Cologne folklore, who are said to come out at night to help with household tasks. Their whimsical presence adds an extra layer of charm to the market. It was fun to search for hidden gnome figurines scattered throughout the stalls. At the top of each stall was a gnome, and each gnome was doing something a little different, from rappelling to skiing.
2. Alter Markt
The Alter Markt Christmas market dates back to the 14th century and is steeped in tradition and history. Wander among the rows of quaint wooden stalls, each offering a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts and traditional treats. No visit to Heinzel Winter Fairytale would be complete without trying bratwurst and crispy potato pancakes to sweet pastries, there's no shortage of options.
One of the highlights of Heinzel Winter Fairytale is its unique artisan market, where local craftsmen and women showcase their handmade wares. Be on the lookout for live demonstrations from the artisans showcasing centuries-old techniques and time-honored skills. Take the time to chat with the craftsmen and women, learn about their craft, and pick up a unique souvenir. We saw intricate woodcarvings, jewelry, knitwear, one-of-a-kind ceramics, and beautiful handmade nativities.
Check out Christmas carolers in the center of Alter Markt near the large statue. There was also a Ferris wheel that you could ride for 3 euros per person.
Dates for Alter Markt:
November 24th-December 23rd
Times: 11:00-10:00
Location: Old Town
3. Heumarkt
Just a short walk away lies the Heumarkt Christmas market. It’s known for its food, drinking, and entertainment. Many come to try the local specialty, Kolsch beer. Soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the live music and entertainment.
Dates for Heumarkt:
November 24th-January 7th (closed Dec. 24-25)
Times: 11:00-10:00
Location: Old Town
4. The Angel Market (at Neumarkt)
This was my favorite market… its the oldest Christmas market in Cologne, located at Neumarkt, in Cologne’s shopping district. As you approach Neumarkt Square, you're greeted by a scene straight out of a winter fairy tale. The theme for this market was angels, with white stalls, stars, and angels everywhere. They even had women dressed as angels walking around the market. Stars were hanging from trees with twinkling lights casting a soft glow over the market stalls. The mugs at this market had angels on them, and the focus of this market seemed to be on specialty foods. This market had the best food!
Dates for The Angel Market:
November 20-December 23rd
Times: Monday-Thursday 11:00-9:00
Friday-Saturday 11:00-10:00
Location: Neumarkt Square
5. St. Nicholas Market (at Rudolphplatz)
Cologne doesn’t have half-timbered houses, but the St. Nicolas market does a good job making up for that, with half-timbered stalls and Bavarian-looking structures. The market is smaller in size and gets a visit from Santa every day between 4:00 and 4:30 on the stage for pictures and questions from the children.
Dates for St. Nicholas Market:
November 20-December 23rd
Times: Sunday-Thursday 11:00-9:00
Friday-Saturday 11:00-10:00
Location: Rudolfplatz Square
6. The Stadtgarten Christmas Market (Weihnachtswmarkt im Stadtgarten)
This is a smaller Christmas Market in the city garden in the Belgian Quarter. You’ll find unique products and yummy dishes with over 80 vendors.
Dates for Stadtgarten Market:
November 23-December 23rd
Times: Monday-Friday 4:00-9:30
Saturday-Sunday 12:00-9:30
Location: Stadtgarten Restaurant beer garden
7. Harbor Market
Located along the banks of the Rhine River, and right next to the Lindt Chocolate Museum/Factory is the Harbor Market. The theme here is nautical with white tent stalls. We saw a lot of hand-made, gifts in this market, including pictures, art, specialty knives, toys, and beeswax candles. There was a very large Ferris wheel, much larger than the one in the Alter Markt, and brightly lit.
This market is smaller than the others, but worth a visit, especially since it’s near the Chocolate Factory/Museum.
Dates for Harbor Market:
November 23-December 23rd
Times: Sunday-Thursday 11:00-9:00
Friday-Saturday 11:00-10:00
Location: Next to the Chocolate Museum
The Schokoladen Chocolate Museum
The Schokoladen is part museum, and part chocolate factory. Even though it’s not part of the Christmas markets, you can’t miss it while in Cologne. You’ll go through a series of rooms that show how cocoa beans are grown and produced, and get a sample of chocolate. The factory shop has different stations where you’ll learn the chocolate-making process. Chocolate is being processed in all these machines.
Souvenirs to buy at the Cologne Christmas Markets:
One of the iconic symbols of German Christmas markets is the wooden Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide). These multi-tiered pyramids feature intricate wooden figurines and spin when lit by candles.
More favorite German souvenirs: Wood ornaments, incense smokers, wooden housewares, paper stars, nutcrackers, tin soldiers, nativities, and alpine village houses. The market souvenir mugs are also a popular souvenir to take home.
Yummy desserts to try:
At the Angel Market, look for waffles shaped like the Cologne Cathedral. You’ll find so many delicious Christmas treats, including crepes, fruit bread, and Lebkuchen, which is a German gingerbread. Another dessert is Baumstriezel (Chimney Cakes) You can buy chimney cakes plain, or you can fill them with cream, or Nutella. Schokoküssen is a marshmallow on a wafer base that has been dipped in chocolate. Most of the markets had Gebrante Mandeln, which is almonds cooked with sugar and cinnamon.
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