Planning a visit to the Cologne Christmas market? You have the choice of seven different markets to explore in Cologne (Köln). That's worth the journey, so why don't see them all?
Köln is one of the oldest cities in Germany. The city on the Rhine attracts millions of visitors each year. Cologne is worth a visit at any time, however, during the Christmas season, it is truly special.
International travelers rate German Christmas markets among the best in Europe. The Cologne Christmas market at the cathedral is one of the favorites of visitors. It is famed for its soaring Gothic cathedral, carnival, rich cultural offerings, and the Rhine that bisects it from north to south. But as the mercury drops, Cologne’s other charms come to the fore, namely its dazzling array of Christmas markets
Tip: Visit the Christmas market in early December and end of November to avoid the crowd.
Advent is the period of preparation for many Christians leading up to Christmas day. Regardless of belief, it is a season to be jolly! Around the world, typically the four Sundays before 25th December is celebrated through spreading the spirit of thanksgiving and love.
The best places to immerse yourself in the spirit of Advent are in these enchanting Christmas markets. With a famous soaring Cathedral and giant Christmas tree draped in a blanket of shimmering stars, Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market fully embodies the Christmas spirit. There are 150 stalls and 100 performances to delight market-goers.
It is so cozy to stroll the streets infused with the joy of Christmas and the fragrance of gingerbread waltzing to the tunes of Christmas carols.
From the traditional to one in front of a chocolate museum and even a gay-themed market, Cologne does Christmas in a unique style.
The end of November is the start of this year's markets around the city.
The city center of Cologne is turned into a festive winter wonderland in the weeks leading up to the national holiday each year when the Christmas markets open. Welcoming millions of visitors from around the world up until the last Monday before Advent, the Christmas markets in Cologne offer everything you could ever want for Christmas, and more!
One of the most festive Christmas markets in Cologne remains the Old Market, in front of the city’s town hall.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Roncalliplatz in front of the cathedral is the Cologne Christmas market par excellence 160 beautifully decorated stalls, the majestic cathedral as a backdrop, and the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, these are the superlatives of Cologne's most imposing Weihnachtsmarkt. Cribs and a merry-go-round are attractions for the youngest visitors. An extraordinary variety of crafts makes it easy to find a special Xmas gift.
Heinzelmännchen market on the Alter Markt
Only 200 m from the cathedral and the central station, this market in the heart of the old town is home to Cologne's famous Heinzelmännchen (see box below). They watch the goings-on and take care that newfangled gadgets don't disturb the traditional Christmas preparations.
The market in the winding lanes of the old town has the most rustic and idyllic atmosphere, it is a favorite amongst Cologne's citizens. Open daily from 11 am to 10 pm from late November until 23rd December.
Christmas Market on the Neumarkt - The Angels Market
This is Cologne's oldest Christmas market, however, new organizers turned the appearance of the market in 2008. Walk through the angel's door, and become enchanted by the beautifully decorated stalls and the delightful Christmas atmosphere.
Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) from late November until 23rd December.
Weihnachtsmarkt on Rudolfplatz - The Fairy Tale market
Set against the historic backdrop of the medieval Hahnentorburg, this Cologne Christmas market fascinates children with large fairy tale figures on the roofs of the stalls. A hand-carved crib and a huge advent calendar are other attractions, apart from the good food, arts & crafts, and daily visits to St. Nikolaus.
Ow to go:
1. Take the train from Amsterdam and step in at 2:40 min out in central Koln right in front of the Cologne cathedral.
2. By car just from most areas in the Netherlands a 2,5-hour ride, we parked at Parkhaus Hohe Strasse for 15 euros a day
Where to stay:
There are a lot of choices to stay in Cologne from 2 stars to 5 stars from backpacker to B&B be aware at the end of December is a busy time so book in advance.
Hotel Domblick is located in the city center, 5 minutes away from the central station and Kölner Dom. Public transportation is available (Deutsche Bahn, Koellner Verkehrbetriebe). Non-stop connections are available to the trade fair station (2 minutes), the airport (14 minutes), and Duesseldorf (37 minutes).
Next to Hotel Domblick you can take a walk along the waterfront of the river “Rhein” or spend some time in Cologne’s historic district. The historical buildings and vivid gastronomy depict the life of this district. In walking distance, you can find grocery stores, restaurants, and typical german breweries. The famous shopping street “Hohe Strasse” is only 12 minutes away. The cultural enthusiast will enjoy the “Ludwig” museum, the “Wallraf-Richartz” museum, the Roman-Germanic museum, and many more museums and galleries. In addition to that, the Cologne philharmonic hall and the opera are also within a 15-minute walking distance. Rooms are around 120 Euro a night Book Now
Directly opposite Cologne Cathedral and in the midst of the bustling city center, the Eden Hotel Früh am Dom is surrounded by numerous shops and nightlife venues. It is only a 2-minute walk from the main station, while the international Messe Köln Exhibition Centre can be reached after a short walk across the Rhine in just 15 minutes. This makes the Eden Hotel Früh am Dom the ideal starting point for exploring cultural attractions, doing business, or going on outings through the center of Cologne. Rooms are around 100 Euro a night Book Now
Surrounded by the bustling activity of the city, the Legend Hotel provides an oasis of comfort and relaxation. A space for dreaming, living, and pure enjoyment – all at the utmost standard of excellence. Our newly constructed boutique hotel is located in the center of Cologne’s historic Old Town, a hub of culture and activity, and the wellspring of the city’s rich history.
Step into the past, experience the present, and gaze into the future at the Legend Hotel. Make yourself at home in the comfort of your room and learn more about Cologne’s earliest days as you gaze out over the historic highlights of the Old Town. Enjoy the magnificent view and savor a good night’s sleep Rooms around 200 Eur a night Book Now
For over 150 years, the 5-star Excelsior Hotel Ernst has been welcoming guests through its doors right opposite Cologne Cathedral, in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town. And in this house of a grand tradition. Rooms around 220 Euro Book Now
Have enough for today at the Christmas markets? go shopping or go to the other side of the Rhine to see the cathedral from the other side or watch the sunset. We ride to the other side with an electric scooter which you can open and lock with an app.
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