Cologne Christmas Markets - The Best Themed Christmas Markets in Europe.

 

Christmas markets in Germany are known for being among the best in the world. When the weather is cold, this is where people can warm themselves up with a mug of hot mulled wine and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The market stands offer a wide spectrum of handcrafted gifts, festive delicacies and traditional Christmas decorations. The Christmas markets offer activities for young and old. Children can have fun on carousels and ice-skating rinks while the grown-ups shop to their hearts’ content and enjoy the delights of the season. In Cologne visitors experience the Christmas season in all its glory. The best time to visit Cologne is easily during winter, when there many festive events and illuminations to be enjoyed.

 

 

The market pays tribute to the legendary house elves who were believed to help the citizens of Cologne with housework when everyone was asleep. The intricate decoration and cheerful displays of mythical creatures will delight and enchant you. Christmastime in Cologne is magical. The city is illuminated with festive Christmas lighting that bathes the streets in a warm glow. The highlights include the markets selling mulled wine.  The city becomes a magical place for enjoying the holidays.

 

 

Cologne has a variety of Christmas markets, as befits its status as the fourth largest city in Germany. Cologne is hosting seven distinctive Christmas Markets with further events and special happening across the city. Each Christmas market scattered across the city becomes a truly unique place, bursting with enchanting lights, inviting aromas, and delightful sounds, embodying the warmth of the season. The markets run from the 23rd of November to 23rd of December, giving you plenty of time to discover this festive city.

 

The most historical Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, located right in the shadow of Cologne’s great and Gothic Dom, the most famous of Köln’s X-Mas Markets is that of Kölner Dom. Presided over by a towering twenty-five metre high Christmas tree, there are dozens of chalets selling everything from gifts to food stuffs. It’s an amazing opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the city's most famous cathedral, have a wander around the stalls and enjoy a bit of history.

 

 

The most magical Henzels Winter Fairytale Christmas Market located in the heart of Cologne's old town and spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares, the market features a wide range of festive stalls selling gifts and food and drink. The spectacular ice-skating rink on the Heumarkt is a special highlight.

 

 

The most scenic, the Nicholas Village Christmas Market at Rudolfplatz is one of our favourite Cologne Christmas markets. This winter wonderland is perfectly designed for the family. Children will love the half-timber houses, life-sized crib and candy floss sellers. There's also the backdrop of Hahnen gate - a 13th-century gate that used to be part of the city walls in medieval times.

 

 

For those who are in search of a themed Christmas Market, the Angel festive event is an aboluste must. The canopy of the treetops above are twinkling with hundreds of illuminated stars, while at ground level people dressed as angels step around in stilts and a warm ambiance fills the air. Situated in the very middle of the city, each chalet is individually designed and the food offerings are absolutely glorious.

 

 

One of the smaller of the Christmas Markets in Köln is that of the harbour. As you might expect, this festive event lies alongside the Rhine river front and can be found just a seven-minute walk from the candy coloured houses and Romanesque church tower of fish market.

 

 

One of the most unique of the Christmas Markets in Cologne is easily that of Heavenue. Situated close to Village of St Nicholas at Rudolfplatz, this market features neon lights, stalls selling mulled everything (including mulled rosé), and plenty of unique and fun gifts.

 

 

Held in a public park a little way out of town, one of the Cologne Christmas Markets with a more ‘local feel’ is that of the Stadtgarten, close to the Belgian quarter of the city. Held in a public park, head here and you can expect to find all kinds of local wares and produce, including silver jewellery and handmade notebooks.

 

 

Cologne Christmas Markets Dates:

23rd November to 23 December Every Year.

 

Markets Opening Times:

10 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays, 11 AM to 9 PM most days.