Come along with us to visit the Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany!
For the best viewing of this page on a tablet or phone, turn your device sideways.
Germany has some the best Christmas markets in all of Europe, after all, that’s where they originated. We have visited the Cologne Christmas markets several times, and they never get old. In recent years, we have made it our tradition to spend a week in Cologne during market season. There are many Christmas markets in Cologne, all decorated and themed differently. Last year, my girlfriends and I ditched our guys and went to Cologne for a week of shopping, eating, drinking, and fun on our own. A week in Cologne is a fun trip for couples or friends. Read on for my tips on visiting all the markets, what to eat and drink, how to get there, where to stay, what to wear, and other important tips.
Useful Information
Weather
The weather in Cologne in December ranges from 38-43 deg F for highs, and 30-35 deg F for lows. It is very often overcast, and there is about a 40% chance of some sort of precipitation each day. It can be cold and wet, so be sure to check the current forecast the day before you leave so you can pack accordingly. I will caution you that even if you don’t consider 40 deg F cold, it feels much colder when you are outside for four, five, or six hours at a time. It’s different than just walking from your house to your car, or to work or the grocery, in 40 deg weather, so definitely be prepared.
What to Wear
The weather can be variable so you need to come prepared. There can be sunny days, so it’s not all gloom and doom here. There are days you will need a warm base layer, like merino wool long johns, tights or leggings, and a long sleeve shirt to wear under your clothing, but that may not be needed every day. Plan on packing some warm pants, like perhaps those with a fleece lining, or heavier weight merino wool pants. You will also need a warm top layer like a merino or fleece sweater. I do often pack a winter weight merino dress and fleece lined tights that I wear with tall boots, just because I like them. You will definitely need a warm coat, a rain jacket, an umbrella, some water resistant shoes or lightweight boots, and a hat, scarf, and gloves. I prefer to pack my Lands End “Wanderweight” down coat (mid thigh length), plus an unlined rain jacket that covers my bottom, that I can wear together or separately, depending on the need, for warmth and/or rain. I also pack two sets of hats and scarves, as you will be wearing a coat in most of your photos, and the accessories can change up your look.
Communication
We use T Mobile for our mobile phone plan, so we have international coverage which includes unlimited texts and data. We really appreciate having the data, as we use it for maps and finding lots of things like restaurants. Other carriers offer international plans, with varying degrees of coverage using a daily plan, a texting plan, or paying per text fees. Check your carrier and plan to see what is covered. Other options for staying in touch include WhatsApp or the Messenger app (formerly facebook Messenger), which both run on WiFi or cellular networks. If you are using Apple devices, iMessage is a free texting option. Just be sure to have a plan to stay in touch in the event of an emergency, and make sure it works when you arrive.
Money
You will need some Euro cash for this trip, and you can access a safe ATM immediately after arriving at Cologne Central Station, or Köln Hauptbahnhof or Hbf; that’s the train station where you will arrive. There is a bank directly across from the west entrance of the train station and I have used this ATM several times. ATMs located on bank property are your safest and most secure choice. While many of the vendors at the Christmas Markets will take Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit or debit cards, some will not. You may also need some small Euro coins for public restrooms. Alternatively, you can procure Euro cash at your bank before you leave the US, or from a money exchange or ATM at the airport, but generally, you will pay a higher exchange rate by getting cash at home or at the airport. Please see my article on exchange rates and using ATMs for more information.
Accommodations
We normally stay at the Hilton in the old town near the Cologne Cathedral, or the Dom. In fact, you can book a Dom view room if you choose. The Hilton is an easy one block walk from the Dom and Cologne Central Station. I would recommend booking a hotel in the Dom area for the convenience of markets, shops, restaurants, ATMs, the train station, and proximity to the Rhine River. There are lots of restaurants along the river where you can dine outside under the heaters, as well as a lovely river walk where you can stroll or ride bicycles, which you can rent. We have stayed in a few other places near the Dom, like the Maritim, which is a lovely hotel on the river and right next door to Heumarkt, but a 15 minute walk to the train station. We tend to come back to the Hilton, as it’s super easy to get to the train station at 6 am when it’s dark and I am leaving. (I’m always on my own as we don’t fly together.) It is an easy walk to all the major markets in Cologne from the Dom.
The Flights
Flights to Europe are fairly straightforward, as all the major carriers offer several flights per day. Many (but certainly not all) of the flights are overnight flights that leave the US in the evening and arrive early morning, with the time change. Our home airport is Louisville, KY, and we can’t get anywhere from there, so we always have to go somewhere else first. Can anyone relate? 😊 For this trip, I fly to Atlanta, and take a non-stop to Frankfurt, then a train to Cologne. That seems to be the easiest way for me from the Midwest. Cologne-Bonn is the nearest airport to Cologne, but it’s always an extra flight and an additional layover for me, so I find the one hour train ride from Frankfurt to Cologne a better option in a shorter duration. Your mileage may vary, so be sure to check out all your options for flights.
The Cologne Christmas Markets
There are four major Weihnachtsmarkts, or Christmas Markets, in Cologne, all served by the Christmas Market Express shuttle, and several smaller markets (11 total are advertised on the Cologne tourism website and covered in this article). I have plotted them all on an interactive map at the end of this article. The markets are set up in open plazas or public squares, or platz. Each is decorated differently and has a different theme. While many, but not all, of the items for sale are the same, it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment and the festive atmosphere. Plan your trip while most of the markets are open, as there are a couple of different opening and closing dates, and I have listed them below for the 2025 season. All are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
There are many great options for essen (prepared food) and getranke (drinks) at the markets, so if you want to eat there and skip actual restaurants, you can certainly do that. We have tried a lot of yummy treats at the markets, and also eaten at some really good authentic restaurants. Read about our favorite drinks Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, Eierpunsch, Heiße Aperol, and Heiße Schokolade below.
Some of the markets will be reeeeeeeellllly busy. If you plan to go on a weekend at night, be prepared for shoulder to shoulder crowds. You will literally be bumped into more than once, and will likely have at least part of a drink spilled on you at some point. Don’t let this deter you. Some of the fun is the crowd! Everyone is bundled up, happy, sipping a drink, listening to the music, shopping, and having a ball. If you love this festive part of the Christmas season, then the markets are for you. For fewer crowds and less drink spilling, but just as much fun, go in the afternoon or on a weekday. We tend to head out to the markets or to a restaurant around noon for a bite to eat, then spend the afternoon visiting a nearby museum or doing some shopping along Schildergasse, Gurzenichstraße, or Hohe streets. These streets connect the Dom market to Heinzels and the Angels Market, and we would be walking there anyway. When it starts to get dark, we had to the markets, find some food and a festive drink, and enjoy the evening.
Speaking of shopping, there are tons of high end and other retailers along those streets. Hohe street will take you from the Dom to Schildergasse, and Gurzenichstraße will take you from Heinzel’s to Schildergasse, then on to the Angels Market and Nikolausdorf. Along the way you will find restaurants, boutiques, candy and toy stores, jewelry, clothing, grocery and convenience stores, and just about anything else you might want. There is a very large decorated Christmas tree at the intersection of Schildergasse and Gurzenichstraße where you can stop for a beautiful photo at night.
You can take the Christmas Market Express shuttle if you don’t want to walk. It’s a small train that takes you through the old town with stops at the Dom, Angels, Altermarkt, and Harbor markets. It runs €15 for one round trip hop on hop off ticket, or €4 for a single stop ride. Tickets are available online or at the designated boarding areas, where you will need exact change. The trains run every 15 minutes. We mostly walk, but if you are going from the Harbor market directly Nikolausdorf, you may want to consider taking the shuttle to the Angels stop, as it’s a bit of a walk.
Below I have listed the 11 Christmas markets advertised on the Cologne tourism website. In addition to these, you may find small markets set up at local churches or other venues as you are walking through Cologne.
Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, or the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
This is the signature market of the city of the Cologne, located in Roncalliplatz, right next to the Dom, and it is not be missed. The backdrop of the Dom makes this market especially beautiful. This market features a giant Christmas tree and a canopy of white lights over the red roofs of the vendor huts. There is a stage in the center which features a variety of entertainment options including live music at scheduled times. There are no seats in front of the stage, but there are lots of small tables where you can set your drinks and hang out. It’s easy to get turned around in here, as there are several clusters of booths within the larger market. Not to worry, you really can’t get lost, and even if you do, you just refill your glühwein mug and take another loop around.
Speaking of glühwein (pronounced glue vine), this is the quintessential drink of the Christmas markets. Glühwein is mulled wine served in a 200 ml steaming collectible mug. It is available in red and white varieties. For an extra delicious kick, you can order it mit Schuss, or with a shot of amaretto or rum for about €2. You will pay a deposit for the mug, usually €3, payable along with the cost of the glühwein, usually €4, and refundable when you return the mug. If you wish to keep the mug, simply do not return it and it’s yours. The mugs come in different designs, so you will want to collect at least one from each market. When getting subsequent mugs of glühwein, return the empty mug, and you will receive a fresh filled mug and not be charged a deposit. You will find multiple glühwein huts at all the major markets. For the non-alcoholic version, ask for the tasty kinderpunsch, which is still served in a steaming mug, but without the hangover.
Also, be sure to try the traditional wurst and sauerkraut while at the Dom Market. It is served up in a steaming bowl with a wooden spoon, and the taste of true German sauerkraut is like none other. I consider myself a sauerkraut connoisseur, we even make our own at home, so I know what I’m talking about on this one! You will not be disappointed if you love sauerkraut. There are some free standing tables over on the east side of the market, so you can set your bowl down and eat comfortably. To top that off, try the Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel. This one comes kind smushed up in a bowl with a crumb topping, sliced almonds, and vanilla ice cream. It is To. Die. For.
The main entrance to the Dom Market is right next to the Dom and the back entrance is located on Am Hof street. The main entrance will often have a line in the evening on weekends, so your best bet is entering via the back entrance. This market is also connected to Weihnachtsmarkt Feuerzangenbowle via a small side entrance off Roncalliplatz that features an ancient Roman stone walkway. You will find just about anything you want to eat or drink at the Dom Market, as well as hand-made crafts, candles and holders, ornaments, scarves, socks, mittens, Christmas villages, incense burners, paper stars, and other gifts to take home for yourselves or loved ones. There is a free restroom located down the stairs between the market and the Dom. Dates are November 17 through December 23, 2025. This market is one of four served by the Christmas Market Express shuttle.
Weihnachtsmarkt Feuerzangenbowl (Part of the Dom Market)
Literally translated to “fire-tongs punch,” the Feuerzangenbowle Market is a small market located off the back entrance of the Dom Market on Am Hof street. It is technically a part of the Dom Market, but has its own character. The main attraction here is the giant turning pyramid, so it’s also known as the pyramid market. The other attraction is of course, the feuerzangenbowle, which is a mug of steaming glühwein served with a fiery sugar cone on top, dripping into the drink for an extra tasty treat. While you can get this at other markets, it’s a must have here, with the spinning pyramid in the background and the cute little covered huts to sit in. You can also ask for feuerzangenbowle made with kinderpunsch. There is also a two story drink hut located here, and from the second floor, you get a great view of the market. Traditional glühwein is also available here, as is a selection of other drinks and foods such as delicious champignons, or button mushrooms in gravy. There are few vendor huts here, mostly just delicious treats. Dates are November 17 through December 23, 2025.
Heinzels Wintermärchen, or Heinzels Winter Fairy Tale
In German tradition, Heinzelmännchen are little household spirits, or gnomes, that used to inhabit the homes in Cologne and perform all the chores at night. The largest market in Cologne, Heinzels Wintermärchen is decorated with so many gnomes, you will not be able to count them all. It is located in two city squares, Heumarkt and Altermarkt, with Altermarkt being about a five minute walk from the Dom Market. This market features an ice skating rink and curling, as well as vendor huts selling anything and everything, fabulous foods and drinks, and an alpine ski themed indoor drink hut. If you want to book curling, you must do so well in advance, as it fills up quickly. See their website and book your spot here.
For a delicious treat here, try eierpunsch, eggnog’s delicious cousin. It is made with egg yolks, sugar, white wine, and spices such as vanilla and cinnamon. It has a bright yellow color from the egg yolks and you can have it topped with whipped cream. It is served in the same steaming mugs as glühwein. To go along with your eierpunsch, try the waffeln, or waffle, topped with Nutella. German waffles are typically a bit thinner and denser than a Belgian waffle, but more delicious…perhaps it’s the atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
Heinzels Wintermärchen also features a small Ferris wheel (at Altermarkt) and a carousel (at Heumarkt), local artisans creating metal works and other crafts, and live shows like ice dancing and juggling. You can write a wish list at the Christmas post office, and make your own candy canes here. Unlike the other markets, the Heumarkt stays open until January 5. Dates are November 24 through January 5, 2025 for Heumarkt, and November 24 through December 23, 2025 for Altermarkt. Altermarkt is one of four served by the Christmas Market Express shuttle.
Markt der Engel, or Angels Market
Ahhhh…the Angels Market. It is my favorite for its beautifully decorated trees filled with twinkling white lights and stars. There is just something magical about this place. Angels is located in Neumarkt, about a 20 minute walk from the Dom market, or a 15 minute walk from Heinzels, depending on how much shopping you do on Schildergasse, Gürzenichstraße, or Hohe streets. In the evening, you will find golden angels parading through the market on horseback, snapping photos with market goers. In addition to all the vendor huts, there is a small indoor shopping chalet here, filled with spinning pyramids, window arches with electric candles known as schwibbogen, and a large selection of unique ornaments to take home. There is usually a line to get in, and they will watch you like a hawk while you are shopping. I’m sure lots of little things have disappeared into pockets over the years, so I can’t really blame them.
Be sure to have a drink at the Bar der Engel at the west end of the market. That’s where you will find The. Best. Drink. in all the Christmas markets, a Heiße Aperol, or Hot Aperol, served in a decorated stemmed wine glass to take home. A Hot Aperol is like an Aperol Spritz, only it’s steaming hot and instead of Prosecco, it’s made with white glühwein. Like all the festive drinks, pay the deposit and get a refund when you return the glass. I may or may not have a collection of these beautiful glasses at home. If you’re hungry, try the Handbrot, or hand bread, which is basically a yummy ham and cheese filling in a deliciously chewy yeast bread pocket. Other fillings are available, but this one is the classic taste of the Christmas markets. To top off your calorie laden day, try the Dampfnudel. This translates to “steamed noodle” but it’s actually a lightly steamed, very large, doughy yeast dumpling. I like to top mine with vanilla cream sauce and/or cherries. Dee-lish. Steve prefers the more dense quarkkäulchen, a type of fried dough made with cheese and potatoes. He likes it toped with fruit and powdered sugar.
There is a carousel at the Angels Market, as well as a large seating area at the east end of the market surrounded by lots of food huts. If you’re on a girlfriend trip, stop at the TK Maxx directly across the street. If you need a restroom, there is a very nice three story bookstore located next to TK Maxx called Thalia Köln, where you can pay €1 to use a clean restroom. There is also a Starbucks next door where you can use the restroom for no charge if you get a coffee. Dates are November 17 through December 23, 2025. This market is one of four served by the Christmas Market Express shuttle.
Kölner Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt, or the Cologne Harbor Christmas Market
The Harbor Market is located at the Lindt Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum), across a small bridge onto the Rheinauhafen peninsula on the Rhine River at the end of Große Witschgasse street. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Dom, and a 10 minute walk from Heumarkt. You can tour the museum while you are here, it’s the most visited museum in Cologne, and buy some uniquely flavored Lindor truffles. You can get tickets online, or buy them at the door. It’s an interesting tour where you will learn about the 5000 year old history of chocolate, see the production of some of their chocolates, have a tasty treat at the chocolate fountain, and much more. See their website for more information and tickets.
This market is unique in that the booths are white tents set up to look like sails. You will find a 150 foot tall Ferris wheel here, and the views from the top are spectacular (so I’ve been told). You will also find a delectable selection of drinks at the large three masted ship. Of course, try the Heiße Schokolade, or the most delicious hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted. It’s non-alcoholic, and you can add whipped cream and/or a shot of rum if you like. Be sure to try the Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, two names for delicious potato pancakes, grated and deep fried, and served with applesauce or sour cream. They look like large hashbrowns. There is also live music and entertainment here, complete with pirates, I might add. Dates are November 14 through December 28, 2025. This market is one of four served by the Christmas Market Express shuttle.
Nikolausdorf, or Village of St Nicholas
Also known as the Rudolph market, this market is located on the west edge of the Ring Road at Rudolfplatz. The Ring Road follows the route of the original Roman city wall. This market is about an eight minute walk from the Angels Market, and about a 25 minute walk from the Dom. Along the way, you will encounter another smaller market located at The Basilica of St. Apostles on Apostelinstraße street. Stop here for a bag of Gebrannte Nüsse, warm candied almonds or pecans to tide you over until you can have a sausage at Nikolausdorf. Nikolausdorf Market is themed for children and has a Santa and reindeer, as well as a talking moose, and giant boot shaped glühwein mugs for cute photos, if you can get the (adult) kids out of them long enough.
The market is located at the Hahnen City Gate, one of four remaining Roman city gates of Cologne (there were 12), which were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, and have been reconstructed over time. There are lots of choices for food and drink here, as well as various shopping opportunities. If you need a restroom, there are some fast food restaurants right next door, where you can get a drink and use the restroom. Dates are November 17 through December 23, 2025.
Weihnachtsmarkt Stadtgarten
The Stadtgarten market is located in well…Stadtgarten, Cologne’s oldest city park near the Belgian Quarter. It is about a 10 minute walk from the Rudolph market and a 25 minute walk from the Dom. There are over 60 vendors here, located in red huts under beautiful old trees, and all lit up with white lights. Here you will find delicious food and drink, lots of hand made treasures to take home, and live music and entertainment for all ages. The locals tend to frequent this market for the location and smaller crowds, but lot of tourists visit this market also. Dates are November 14 through December 23, 2025.
HEAVENEU Cologne
The HEAVNUE Christmas Market is located in Friesenplatz, a five minute walk from either the Stadtgarten or Nikolausdorf Market, and a 20 minute walk from the Dom. HEAVENUE is the LGBTQIA market, one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in Europe, and not to be missed. I visited this market in 2019 when it was much smaller, and the market has been absent since Covid, but its return this year is promised to be bigger and better than ever, and in a new location. This year, it is to be decorated with thousands of colorful lights adorning pastel hued vendor huts and have a giant glühwein palace with indoor seating. In addition, there is to be a spectacular water fountain and a revolving Christmas tree. A vibrant stage will showcase live entertainment. From their facebook page: “When neon meets snowflakes and mulled wine tastes like freedom – then it’s HEAVEN‐season.” HEAVENUE can be entered from Limburger Street. Dates are November 17 through December 23, 2025.
VeedelsAdvent auf dem Chlodwigplatz, or Neighborhood Advent Market
This market is located on the south edge of the Ring Road in Chlodwigplatz, at the Severinstorburg city gate, another of the four remaining Roman city gates in Cologne. It’s about a 22 minute walk from the Harbor market and a 35 minute walk from the Dom. You will find lots of food and drink choices, as well as vendor huts selling a bit of everything. Dates are November 20 through December 23, 2025.
Weihnachtsmarkt Ehrenfelder
This small market is located in the outdoor area of Bumann & Sohn Bar in the trendy Ehrenfeld neighborhood of Cologne on Bartholomäus-Schink-Straße. It is a bit outside the city center, about a 35 minute walk from Stadtgarten, and a 55 minute walk (2.5 miles) from the Dom. You will find a special organic mulled wine here, as well as an apple punch made with bison grass vodka (I have not tried this, but how can that be bad?) There is also a Santa stage here with some live entertainment, and of course, local artisans selling their wares. This is a spot frequented by the locals, but tourists are always welcome. You will want to consider public transportation or an Uber to and from Ehrenfeld if you are staying near the Dom. Dates are November 20 through December 23, 2025.
Veihnachtsmarkt
Veihnachtsmarkt is a play on words, as this is Cologne’s vegetarian market. It is located on Steinmetzstraße 57 at the Evangelical Church. This is on the east side of the Rhine River in the Kalk-Humboldt area, so you will need public transportation or an Uber. Here you will find lots of vegetarian and sustainable treats, as well as live music, a light show, family activities, and a cozy bonfire. The market bills itself as a winter market. It’s open on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) starting on December 5, 2025, for three consecutive weekends.
Der Super Weihnachtsmarkt, or The Super Christmas Market
This market is located inside the Bürgerhaus Stollwerck Community Center on Dreikönigenstraße 23. This is on the south end of Cologne, inside the Ring Road, and about a 30 minute walk from the Dom. There are over 60 vendors selling art, interiors, accessories, fashion, shoes, and jewelry. Upcycling, handmade, and local is the theme here. You will also find a selection of delicious craft and organic drinks, plus lots of food options. This market is open on December 6 and 7, 2025, and there is a €5 admission fee.
Cologne Christmas Market Map
So that’s everything you need to know about visiting the Christmas markets in Cologne. We are not locals, but have been several times, so we have a pretty good handle on visiting the markets and what you need to know for a successful trip. I have not visited the last three markets on the list, so as you can see, there are more than enough markets to keep you busy for a week. This year, we have a few extra days, so we are heading to Berlin to check out their Christmas scene. We hear it’s amazing as well, and we will see how it compares. Have you been or are you planning a trip to the European Christmas markets? Let us know, as we hope to learn a thing or two from you!
Like what you read? Hate it? Please leave us a comment below, but don’t be bitchy. Happy Travels!