10 Christmas Markets in Cologne and Beyond: Your Guide to the Festive Season

Cologne Classics

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral

The lights sparkle in the shadow of the cathedral © KW Kölner Weihnachtsgesellschaft mbH

Set against the backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, this is one of Germany‘s best-known Christmas markets. At its heart stands a towering Christmas tree, more than 25 metres tall, glowing beneath a canopy of lights.

The market also has a lively musical program, ranging from gospel and jazz to soul festive sing-alongs. One of its highlights is “Loss mer singe“, when visitors join in singing Cologne‘s much-loved songs. Children can enjoy puppet theatre and face painting.

16th November – 23rd December 2026

(Closed on 22nd November for “Sunday of the Dead“)

Sun-Wed: 11 am – 9 pm
Thu-Fri: 11 am – 10 pm
Sat 10 am – 10 pm

Heinzels Wintermärchen:
Christmas Market in Cologne´s Old Town

Entrance to Heinzels Wintermärchen in Cologne © Heinzels Wintermärchen Köln

The cheeky Heinzelmännchen (little gnomes) watch the festive events from the rooftops of the market stalls. There‘s plenty for children to discover, from a historical carousel and Ferris wheel to a traditional candy manufactory and a Christmas post office.

The Heumarkt is also home to a large outdoor icerink sourrounding the impressive equestrian monument, as well as Bavarian curling lanes. A special highlight this year is “Die Heinzel zu Köln“, a VR-travel back in time to discover the world of the Heinzelmännchen. The experience ist suitable for children aged six and over and adults.

23rd November – 23rd December 2026: Alter Markt – daily, 11 am - 10 pm
23rd November 2026 – 10th January 2027: Heumarkt - daily 11 am - 10 pm (from 31st December: 11 am – 9 pm)

Closed: 22nd November (“Sunday of the Dead"); 24th and 25th December 2026

Cologne Harbour Christmas Market

Christmas Market in front of the Chocolate Museum © Kölner Hafenweihnachtsmarkt

Cologne‘s christmas market with the longest season puts a fresh spin on familar favourites. The Ferris wheel, a little christmas train and hot chocolate stalls all shine under a new lighting concept. Traditional market huts replace the established pagoda tents, while musical ensembles, bands and solo performers bring festive cheer to the harbour stage.

Children will especially enjoy the historic carousel in front of the Chocolate Museum, the candy makers and the ice sculptures.

13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027:

Mon-Fri 11 am – 9 pm
Sat – Sun 11 am – 10 pm

Closed: 24th and 25th December 2026

15 November (National Day of Mourning): opens at 1 pm
22 November (Sunday of the Dead): opens at 6 pm

Beyond Cologne

Christmas Market in Bonn

The city’s famous son watches over the festive goings-on © heiwa/Adobe Stock

During the festive season, Bonn‘s city turns into a lively Christmas market, with rows of stalls offering everything from handcrafted gifts to a variety of food and drink. For younger visitors, a ride on the Bonn Ferris Wheel is a special highlight.

Want to discover more of Bonn‘s Christmas traditions? Join the guided tour “Weihnachtliches Bonn“ and learn about the customs surrounding the festive season. The tour can be booked through Bonn-Ticket and is free for children under 12 years.

18th November – 23rd December 2026

Mon-Sun 11 am – 9 pm

Food an drink stalls: Sun – Thu until 9:30 pm, Fri – Sat until 10:30 pm

(22nd November closed for “Sunday of the Dead“)

Medival Christmas Market in Siegburg

© Kreistadt Siegburg

Just a few kilometres outside Bonn, this unique Christmas market is a must for fans of Christmas and the Middle Ages. Jugglers and town criers, flickering torches and candles, wooden stalls and a distinctive medieval atmosphere set the scene. Visitors can discover traditional crafts, that have almost been forgotten, as well as a programm of medieval music and performances taking place both on stage and around the market square.

At weekends during Advent the “Farbenweib“ offers face painting for children. On the second weekend of Advent the Angel Gabriel tells the Christmas story. A medieval carousel invites younger visitors for a ride and when hunger strikes, there‘s plenty to enjoy, including mead and spit-roasted pig.

Free entry.

20th November – 22nd December 2026

Sun – Thu 11 am – 8 pm
Fri – Sat 11 am – 9 pm

22nd November (“Sunday of the Dead“): 6 – 8 pm, without cultural or musical programme

Getting there

Siegburg is easy to reach from Cologne by regional train connections. From Siegburg (Bonn) station, the market square is just a five-minute walk away. You can also take tram line 66 from Bonn to Siegburg.

Christmas Market in Bergisch Gladbach

Looking for a more relaxed alternative to Cologne‘s busy Christmas markets? The traditional Christmas market in Bergisch Gladbach offers a cosy atmosphere and plenty of charm. At the lovingly decorated wooden stalls, visitors can discover little christmas details. On 6th December, St Nicholas pays a visit to the market and hands out traditional German Weckmänner (sweet bread rolls shaped like little men) from 5 pm.

19 November - 23 December 2026

Sun – Fri 11 am – 8 pm
Sat 11 am – 9 pm

(22nd November closed for “Sunday of the Dead“)

Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Eulenbroich

Browse and enjoy the stunning castle backdrop © R. Scheuermeyer

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Schloss Eulenbroich in Rösrath, this traditional arts and crafts market is a lovely place to browse and soak up the festive atmosphere. More than 100 exhibitors present their work across a wide range of fields, including art, crafts, fashion, design, decorations, floristry and food. A festive programme featuring a brassband and the a pub choir adds to the Christmas spirit.

Younger visitors can enjoy a ride on the nostalgic carousel. Each child up to the age of 14 gets one free ride. St Nicholas also makes an appearance at the market between 2 and 5 pm.

Admission: 7 Euro; free for children up to 14+
Tickets are available at the entrance only, no online sales.

28th – 29th November and 5th – 6th December 2026

Sat 11 am – 9 pm
Sun 11 am – 7 pm

Getting there
Schloss Eulenbroich is easy to reach from cologne by regional train (RB25). The journey from Cologne Central Station takes around 25 minutes. From Rösrath station, it‘s just a three-minute walk to the castle.

Local gems

Christmas Market in Stadtgarten

A favourite among Cologne locals © Stadtgarten GmbH

Tucked beneath the tree canopies and twinkling lights at the egde of Stadtgarten park, this popuar Christmas market brings together more than 60 exhibitors, with new vendors every week. Contemporary lifestyle products and creative designs sit alongside traditional crafts and nostalgic curiosities, making it a great place to browse for something a little different. Music to sing along to – or simply enjoy – adds to the festive atmosphere, while the stage hosts a free cultural programme with plenty for children to enjoy.

13th November – 23rd December 2026

Mon - Fri 4 – 9.30 pm
Sat - Sun 12 noon – 9.30 pm
22 November (“Sunday of the Dead“) opens at 6 pm.

Winterzauber Eigelstein:
A Neighborhood Christmas Market

For five days in the run-up to the second Sunday of Advent, the area around the medieval Eigelsteintorburg is transformed into a festive meeting place in one of Cologne‘s most traditional neighbourhoods. Every day at 4 pm, St Nicholas hands out chocolate Santas to children, while a carousel adds to the fun. In the evenings, live music provides the soundtrack to the festive atmosphere.

There‘s also a lovely local touch: proceeds from the mulled wine stalls stay in the neighbourhood and go to the Bürgerverein Kölner Eigelstein e.V., the local neighbourhood association.

2nd – 6th December 2026

Wed - Fri 3 – 10 pm
Sat 2 – 10 pm
Sun 2 – 9 pm

Christmas market at Lutherkirche Nippes

On the third weekend of Advent, the church garden around Lutherkirche in Nippes hosts a Christmas Market with focus on fair trade, sustainability, social projects, local products and diversity. Children can enjoy a ride on the carousel, toast bread over a fire or get creative in the candle-making workshop. Mulled wine, children‘s punch, waffles and Christmas trees are all organic, and all food served is vegetarian. On Sunday, the market opens with a church service featuring the local kindergardens.

12th – 13th December 2026

Sat – Sun 12 noon – 6 pm