When Mariah echoes through the supermarkets, when the thermometer drops below zero and the world is plunged into darkness at four o’clock in the afternoon, that can only mean one thing: Christmas is not far away. The logical conclusion is that the Christmas markets are opening again to transform the world of logic and science into a world of magic and roasted almonds. Time to try out the best Christmas markets in Cologne!
1st Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
This classic and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets has been welcoming you this year since November 17. Its highlights? Well, for one, there’s the tallest natural Christmas tree in NRW: 25 meters high, 80 years old and weighing an impressive 6-7 tons. Equally fascinating is the lighting concept with 70,000 LEDs and power LEDs that form the starlight tent around the Christmas tree. And finally, there is a magnificent old cathedral in the background.
When: November 17 to December 23, 2025
2nd Harbour Christmas Market
One of the larger markets with 70 stalls is the Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum. Atmospheric white tents with pointed roofs offer handicrafts and regional specialties and mulled wine is served at the wooden three-master. Not to be missed: the illuminated Ferris wheel. A ride takes you up to 50 meters into the air, from where you can enjoy a perfect view over pre-Christmas Cologne. The harbor Christmas market runs until December 23. This is followed by a New Year’s market at the same location from 26.12.25 with food and drinks on the Ferris wheel until 28.12.
When: November 14 to December 23, 2025
3rd Heinzel’s winter fairy tale
The Christmas market between Alter Markt and Heumarkt finally started on November 21. Its highlight is undoubtedly the ice skating rink. For €8 to €9.50, you can spend the whole day on the 110-metre-long ice rink – at least during its opening hours from 11 am to 10 pm. Not surprisingly, Cologne’s largest Christmas market is located here!
When: Alter Markt: November 24 to December 23, 2025, Heumarkt: November 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026
4th St. Nicholas Village
The family market among the Christmas markets is the Nikolausdorf on Rudolfplatz in front of the Hahnentorburg. Its alleyways smell of gingerbread and spices and decorated half-timbered houses exude the typical German Christmas spirit that is the envy of many a foreign country. And St. Nicholas by name also comes by every day to amaze the little visitors.
When: November 17 to December 23, 2025
5th Christmas market in the Stadtgarten
It’s that time again: the Stadtgarten in the Belgian Quarter is transformed into a festive Christmas world, where over 80 weekly changing exhibitors showcase crafts, jewelry and much more. There are also culinary delights such as crêpes, cinnamon buns and tarte flambée. Definitely worth a visit.
When: November 14 to December 23, 2025