Christmas 2024

From November 18 to December 23, 2024, Cologne Cathedral will enchant visitors with a huge canopy of lights and the largest Christmas tree in all of North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to many local specialties, you'll find a wide variety of international and even vegan dishes. A special highlight is the large stage, where festive music performances take place daily, with sing-along concerts on weekends.
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Thursday and Friday until 10:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, closed on November 24 (Totensonntag).

Cologne’s largest and perhaps most famous Christmas market invites visitors to Heumarkt from November 25 to December 23, 2024, for a unique winter wonderland. According to a Cologne legend, the Heinzelmännchen used to do the work of the Cologne residents while they slept soundly. Even today, these helpful elves are present at every stand—whether on mulled wine mugs or in Santa’s sleigh. A special attraction is the ice rink in the heart of Heumarkt, where beginners and professionals alike can skate in a magical setting. For those who prefer to watch, there’s a mulled wine stand right next to the ice rink.
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

A passageway filled with arts and crafts leads from Heumarkt to the Christmas market on Alter Markt, also running from November 25 to December 23. Here, liqueurs, pralines, and art take center stage. Local brass bands often perform live music, and red hearts hang from the trees above the market. The charming alleys invite you to stroll and linger.

Christmas fun begins here on November 15, 2024, and lasts until December 23. The white Christmas tents offer a feast for seafood lovers, from flame-grilled salmon to fish sandwiches. A vintner’s mulled wine served from a three-masted wooden ship perfectly complements the maritime setting of the harbour. Still looking for Christmas gifts? Many of the market stalls feature handmade products from around the world, including "Made in Cologne" items—something for everyone.
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM, on November 24 (Totensonntag) open from 6:00 PM.

A canopy of stars adorns Neumarkt from November 18 to December 23, 2024. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere couldn't be more festive. In addition to hot cocktails and plenty of mulled wine stalls, there are waffles shaped like the Cologne Cathedral, oven-baked ciabatta sandwiches, and a large Käthe Wohlfahrt stand right in the center. Everywhere you look, you’ll encounter angels and mythical creatures on stilts, and with a bit of luck, even Saint Nicholas.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM, closed on November 24 (Totensonntag).

With half-timbered houses, carousels, gingerbread hearts, and cotton candy, the Nikolaus Village on Rudolfplatz is a favourite for families, although many Cologne locals also gather here in the evening for a mulled wine or two in a sweet and festive atmosphere. At the Nikolaus House, little guests can get creative by making and painting gifts for Grandma (all activities are free), and they can admire the handmade nativity scene. This market runs from November 18 to December 23, 2024.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM, closed on November 24 (Totensonntag).

A bit off the beaten path, the Advent Village near Cologne Cathedral is centered around a large Christmas pyramid, surrounded by small festive huts. The focus here is on eating and swaying to the sounds of Santa’s Christmas hut—whether to Christmas tunes or Cologne classics, Santa will entertain the entire village.
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM, open from 6:00 PM on November 24 (Totensonntag).