A magical Cologne Christmas highlight: Contemplative Advent concerts await you at the Elfenhaus

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Analea Schafer

 ·  October 26, 2026

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Candlelight, festive music, and a weather-protected stage right in the middle of the Christmas market: On Advent Sundays, the Elfenhaus at Cologne’s MediaPark becomes a special gathering place for everyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit through music.

While the market lights twinkle outside and the air is filled with the scent of winter treats, the tent resonates with the most beautiful Christmas melodies—reimagined in an atmospheric candlelight setting.

Advent spirit right in the heart of Cologne’s MediaPark

Santa’s Christmas Market will take place at MediaPark from November 19 through December 23, 2026. Admission is free. On the plaza in front of the KölnTower, Christmas market stalls designed like gift boxes are paired with wintery food and drinks, as well as various experiences for young and old. These include, for example, a curling arena, a rooftop lounge, and a walk-in Christmas bubble.

The Elf House is also part of this world of experiences: The weather-protected tent offers a place to linger and becomes the centerpiece of the ever-changing event program. Starting November 22 and on each Sunday of Advent, it will serve as a special backdrop for the candlelight concerts, where festive music and the lights of the Christmas market come together. However, additional candlelight concerts will also take place in Cologne.

Christmas Classics by Candlelight

During the candlelight concerts, Christmas melodies will fill the air by the glow of thousands of candles. The string quartet will give well-known classics and pop hits a fresh sound, inviting you to immerse yourself for a moment in a peaceful, festive atmosphere. The tentative program includes, among others, Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Carol of the Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and “Let It Snow,” as well as “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The Neux String Quartet will perform on November 29.

Unlike in a traditional concert hall, you’ll be right in the midst of the Christmas hustle and bustle: Before or after the concert, you can stroll through the market, warm up with a hot drink, or discover the other attractions at Santa’s Christmas Market at MediaPark. This way, you can combine your concert visit with a relaxing winter outing.

Your Candlelight Concert at the Elfenhaus

📅 Dates: November 29, December
13 🕒 Time: 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
each day 📍 Location: Elfenhaus, Santa’s Christmas Market at MediaPark, 50670 Cologne
🎼 Program: Christmas Classics, Queen vs. ABBA, and Coldplay vs. Ed Sheeran
🚉 Directions: MediaPark is located in the northern part of downtown Cologne. On busy days, the organizer recommends using public transportation; parking spaces in the underground garage are limited.