The city of Cologne’s Christmas markets will be open November 17 – December 23, 2025.
Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm
Cologne has seven main Christmas markets, each offering a unique festive experience. Here they are:
Chocolate Museum Christmas Market
Situated at the Chocolate Museum, this market celebrates Cologne’s famous sweet treat, with stalls offering chocolate-themed gifts, snacks, and delicious hot chocolate drinks. It’s a sweet escape for anyone with a love of chocolate!
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cologne Cathedral, this is the city’s most famous market. It features a grand selection of festive stalls, including handmade crafts, delicious food, and plenty of mulled wine, all in a magical setting.
Old Market (Altstadt) Christmas Market
Located in the heart of Cologne’s historic Old Town, this market exudes traditional charm. It offers a cozy atmosphere with wooden stalls, artisan products, and a variety of regional treats.
Harbor Christmas Market (Rheinauhafen)
This market takes place at the picturesque Rheinauhafen district, with its modern architecture and riverside views. It has a slightly more contemporary feel, with a focus on unique gifts, holiday décor, and plenty of food and drink options.
Angel’s Market (Engel’s Markt)
Held at Neumarkt, this market has a fairy-tale vibe with its angel-themed decorations. You’ll find artisanal crafts, festive treats, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and visitors of all ages.
Cologne’s Christmas Market at the Stadtgarten
This market, located in the green space of Stadtgarten, offers a relaxed and charming atmosphere. Known for its focus on regional products and crafts, it’s a great spot to discover local artisans and enjoy a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle.
Cologne’s Market of the Three Kings (Dreikönig-Markt)
A smaller market with a focus on celebrating the Epiphany and the Three Kings, this market has a unique twist, offering both classic Christmas items and international crafts, alongside live music and festive performances.
Recommended Accommodation:
- The Midtown Hotel is a fantastic place to stay in Cologne. My husband and I had a wonderful stay here and loved the central location that made it easy to walk to several of the city’s Christmas markets. The hotel is modern and comfortable, offering a perfect base for exploring the festive holiday atmosphere.
Arrival & Location:
Getting around Cologne is easy, as the city is well-connected by public transport. The main train station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, is right next to the Cologne Cathedral and only a short walk from several Christmas markets, including the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market. From there, you can easily walk or hop on a tram to explore other markets around the city. Buses and trams are also very accessible for getting around, and they run frequently throughout the holiday season.
If you’re driving, there are several parking garages near the city center, but be aware that parking can be tricky and pricey, especially near the markets. The city recommends to use public transport or park a little further out and take public transport into the heart of the city. Many areas, including the Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly, so once you arrive, walking is the best way to get around and soak in the holiday spirit.
Accessibility: Cologne is generally quite accessible for people with disabilities or special needs, especially during the Christmas market season. Many public transport options, including trams and buses, are equipped with low floors for easy access, and Köln Hauptbahnhof (the main train station) has elevators, ramps, and wide doors to accommodate wheelchairs.
The Christmas markets themselves are also designed to be accessible, with most of them being located in pedestrian areas, though some areas may be a bit crowded, especially on weekends. The stalls are generally reachable with a wheelchair, though cobbled streets and uneven surfaces may pose some challenges in certain parts of the city center.
Restaurant Recommendations:
- Ristorante Pizzeria Il Valentino is a charming Italian restaurant known for its tasty pizzas and classic Italian dishes. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pizza or something a bit different, they offer a variety of options made with fresh ingredients. It’s a great place to enjoy some authentic Italian flavors in Cologne!
- Takumi is a fantastic spot if you’re a big fan of ramen like I am. They serve up delicious, authentic bowls of ramen in a cozy atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the mood for top-notch ramen!
Website: Home – Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
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