Germany is known for its Christmas Markets, tradition, and festivity. It's called “Weihnachtsmarkt” in German. Cologne hosts the most beautiful Christmas markets and is ranked 3rd among the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany and 6th best in the World.
The Christmas Market Cologne starts every year at the end of November and it hosts millions of guests from all over Germany and the world.
How to reach Cologne:
Cologne is among the top largest cities in Germany so it's very easy to reach Cologne whether you are coming from within Germany or from abroad.
a. By Air:
The city has its own airport and you can reach to Cologne from several cities and countries.
b. By Train:
It's very easy to reach Cologne by train as it's connected to Germany and other neighboring countries aswell. Deutsche Bahn operates regular trains to Cologne from major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.
c. By Bus:
It's a budgeted way to travel and there are different companies like FlixBus that have different routes to other German cities and other countries like France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic.
How many days are needed to explore the Cologne Christmas Market:
Cologne has several Christmas markets, and exploring them usually takes 1 to 3 days depending on how many you’d like to visit and the pace of your tour. If you have only 1 day, it’s recommended to focus on the Cathedral Christmas Market, Alter Markt, and Heinzels Wintermärchen.
For a 2-3 days visit, you could also explore additional markets like the Harbor Christmas Market and Stadtgarten Market, each with its own unique atmosphere and specialties.
Christmas Markets in Cologne:
1. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom):
The most famous and iconic christmas market is undoubtedly the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market. It's between the Roman-Germanic Museum and the world-famous Gothic Cathedral of Cologne.
Thousands of visitors come to this christmas market every year. The background view of the Cathedral makes the market more stunning. The market has around 150 small wooden house-frame stalls decorated with LED Lights. The LED sparkling lights also make a canopy over the market.
The wooden chalets have a variety of typical German food for visitors, like Bratwurst (Sausages), different varieties of Pommes (Fries), Chocolate Skewers, Meat Skewers, Bratkartoffeln, Churros, Stollen (Fruit Bread with nuts), Schupfnudeln, Knoblauchbrot (Garlic Bread), Schokokuss, Kinder punch in traditional Christmas mugs.
There are also small stalls selling traditional wooden decoration pieces, Christmas décor lights, toys for kids, different flavored soaps, honey, flavored candles, Christmas socks and scarves, glass balls, etc.
There’s a big stage in the center of the market where artists perform traditional Christmas songs, and people enjoy the music with their food and drinks. It’s so lovely to see people enjoying the music and festivity.
2. Old Market Christmas Market (Alter Markt):
The other Christmas market is located in the heart of Old Town and is called Alter Market and it is located near Cologne Rathaus. This market has typical medieval-style stalls presenting authentic German culture. The band was also performing in the middle of the market and getting appreciation from the people.
There is also a puppet theater and carousel for children. There are also vendors selling traditional crafts, toys, and local delicacies. If you are lucky, you can also meet St. Nicholas as there's a Santa’s House.
3. Angel Christmas Market or Markt der Engel :
After enjoying the first Christmas market, we moved towards another market. The market is called The “Angel Christmas Market.” Neumarkt is located near the shopping street near Neumarkt.
The market is decorated on the theme of angels and small lightning stars and looks like a dreamland. The small chalets are decorated with lights selling traditional artistic decoration pieces like miniature houses representing the architecture of different German cities, painted glass globes, wooden crafts, and Miniature toys.
The traditional street food like Pommes, Crepes, Waffles, potatoes with sour sauce, cotton candy, Mandeln and there are also tables where you enjoy your food.
I was also surprised to see that there is also an Indian chalet selling traditional Indian scarves.
The most famous thing about this market is the” Angels” dress up in white with glitter. It enhances the attraction for the kids. The kids are too excited to take the pictures with them. You can find a Santa with Angels if you are lucky enough.
4. Heinzels Winter Fairytale Market (Heimat der Heinzel):
There are different Christmas markets from Neumarkt to Old Town according to different themes, and we assure you that Heimat der Heinzel is the most fascinating market that caters to the needs of all age groups.
At the market's entrance, the tiny dwarf king welcomes you from his throne, called “Heinzels Wintermarchen”.
It also has an Ice skating Rink where kids and young people can enjoy and get the natural feel of Christmas. Ice skating is a must to do in Christmas Market.
There are families, kids, friends, and couples who enjoy ice skating. You can buy the ticket and also rent the shoes. There are also small lockers to put your belongings near the rink.
The rink has a small circle and then takes to a long pathway and a semi-circle. The path from the semi-circle toward the main starting point is quite rough.
Even if you don't want to skate - There's also a small bridge from where you can look at the whole market and the Ice skating rink. This market has only food stalls to enjoy your favorite food and drinks.
5. Nikolausdorf Christmas Market:
The famous Nikolausdorf is located at Rudolfplatz and it looks like a charming little village from the story of St. Nicholas. This market is best for families. It's slightly less crowded compared to the larger markets, but it is still very beautiful.
6. Cologne Nativity Scene:
During Christmas, from Nov 26th to Jan 6th, Cologne presents its medieval native scenes at 110 different places. It is displayed on old town streets, shop windows, and Churches.
7. Harbor Christmas Market (Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt):
Near the Rhine River bank near the Chocolate Museum, the harbor Christmas Market known as Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt. This christmas market has a maritime theme and stalls resemble white sails there are also unique crafts like nautical-themed gifts and delicious seafood specialties.
8. Stadtgarten Christmas Market:
If you are looking for an intimate Christmas market, then we would suggest visiting the Stadtgarten Christmas Market. It's located in the trendy Belgian Quarter. You can buy artisanal goods, handcrafted gifts, and high-quality organic foods.
9. Christmas Train in Cologne:
The unique Christmas-themed train starts from the Cologne Cathedral and takes a round to the 4 main Christmas markets (Cathedral X-MAS market, Old Town, Harbor Market, and Angel’s Market) in Cologne.
The train is the best way to explore the Christmas markets if you don’t have enough time and want to experience more markets.
Ending Note:
Exploring Christmas in Cologne is truely an experience. If you haven't been there, it's highly suggested to visit the Cologne Christmas Market and indulge in the festivity.