Cologne Christmas Markets 2024-2025 in Germany

Germany is generally known as the birthplace of Christmas markets. No wonder here you can experience the best of this lovely holiday tradition. And Cologne, locally Köln, is home to some of the most outstanding festive fairs across the country. The 2,000-year-old city offers several exquisite Christmas markets, which typically open around late November and last until late December. We've picked out the top five events for you to consider.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (November 18–December 23, 2024)

The most popular choice is definitely Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, nestled in the heart of the old town. This huge Christmas Market next to the iconic twin-spired Cologne Cathedral wins for the unbeatable backdrop. You'll appreciate numerous stalls packed with the finest assortment of festive treats and walk beneath the dazzling canopy of holiday lights around the central Christmas tree. Besides, you can also climb the tower to see the market from above and indulge in the sweeping Rhine River views. The only drawback of this market is crowdedness.

Opening hours are on Sunday through Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm, on Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm. The Christmas market will be closed on Remembrance Sunday, November 24.

Heinzels Wintermärchen (Alter Mark: November 25–December 23, 2024 | Heumarkt: November 25, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Another cute place for holiday shopping is Heinzels Wintermärchen, aka the House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market. It's also located in the Cologne old town, embracing Alter Markt and Heumarkt. The event's main feature is countless House Elves, who, according to local legends, take care of the households at night when residents sleep. You'll spot these whimsical little creatures everywhere, from miniature ski lifts to the elaborate market's welcome boards. This fair also boasts a vast ice rink, which is a popular gathering point.

Heinzels Wintermärchen operates daily from 11 am to 10 pm and from December 26 onwards, it runs from 11 am to 9 pm. Christmas Market at Heumarkt will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Markt der Engel (November 18 – December 23, 2024)

Markt der Engel, or Angels' Christmas Market, located in the Neumarkt area, is loved for a unique festive atmosphere created by white-colored chalets, glittering holiday lights resembling a starry sky, and dozens of charming angels. Besides, you can encounter other fancy characters, such as a gorgeous winter queen with her snowy owl, a little unicorn, and other mythical creatures on stilts.

Santa Claus and Angel ride on horseback and welcome children with small gifts. Additionally, Frozen Elsa and her sister Anna, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse entertain little ones. The after-work event takes place every Wednesday from 5 pm. Excellent gifts and Christmas goodies are ample, too. Make sure to treat yourself to Dom-shaped waffles.

Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt (November 15–December 23, 2024)

If you prefer something extraordinary, opt for Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt or the Cologne Harbor Christmas Market. It's set next to the Schokoladenmuseum along the river and focuses on the nautical theme. Compared to other holiday fairs listed above, this one is considerably smaller and has a limited amount of goods to choose from. Still, it's definitely praised for the delicious street food it has to offer.

Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, and on Friday and Saturday operates until 10 pm. On Remembrance Day Christmas market begins at 1 pm and on Remembrance Sunday at 6 pm.

Heavenue Cologne (on hold until 2024)

If you're more into music, dancing, and some spirited beverages rather than traditional holiday shopping, go to Heavenue Cologne, locally named the Gay Christmas Market. It's situated next to the Rudolfplatz between Hahnen- and Schaafenstraße. While you won't find many souvenirs at Heavenue Cologne, you can still shop from the food trucks. Local décor hints it's all about party time—the market is filled with LED lights, glittery bubbles, and white garlands.

Christmas Market at Chlodwigplatz (November 21–December 23, 2024)

A diverse Christmas shopping experience, where retailers, restaurateurs, clubs, and artists from the district and the region present their products, is not all that visitors can expect from the Christmas Market on Chlodwigplatz. Visitors can try mulled wine, cocoa, or Kölsch—a must-try holiday tradition at the Christmas market.

Chlodwigplatz also offers art, a children's carousel, and delicious food in the eye-catching surroundings. This year's highlights include an app or a slideshow, providing a captivating visual history of the district in wonderful images. Christmas Market on Chlodwigplatz runs daily from 12 am to 10 pm and until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cologne Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum (November 15–December 23, 2024)

The Harbour Christmas Market, set in a scenic spot overlooking the Rhine, offers a maritime festive flavor that delights attendees with 70 festively decorated stands, fine foods and drinks from around the world, and high-quality goods and crafts. Activities for families, such as the "Rhine Pirates" with their sailor's yarns, pirate juggling, and the merry-go-round, will also be available at the market. This year’s highlight is an impressive 164-foot (50 meters) Ferris wheel with presents an astonishing view over Cologne, the Rhine, the cathedral, and the cozy lights of the Harbour Christmas Market.

Cologne Harbour Christmas Market operates daily from 11 am to 9 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the market remains open until at least 10 pm. On Memorial Day (November 17), the market opens at 1 pm and on Feast Sunday (November 24) at 6 pm. Additionally, you can visit New Year's Market from December 26 to January 1, featuring food and drinks in front of the Ferris wheel.