Discover the magic of Cologne's Christmas markets. This festive city break offers stunning decorations, delicious food, & unique shopping experiences.
A Christmas trip to Germany is an item on the life list of many people who love to travel. Visiting German Christmas markets has become a tradition for us ever since our very first visit to Cologne back in 2010. You'll find spectacular Weihnachtsmärkte in every major German city and town in December. Some even start at the end of November.
For Christmas market first-timers, I recommend a weekend getaway to Cologne. The sheer variety of Christmas markets combined with the ease of getting to additional cities like Dusseldorf and Bonn make Cologne an ideal winter destination.
Getting There & Getting Around
Let's start with the basics. Flying into Düsseldorf Airport is a great option since Düsseldorf is a business city and benefits from better flight options. Cologne itself is an excellent Ryanair destination.
From Düsseldorf, hop on a quick 40-minute train ride straight to Cologne. The trains get busy during the holiday period so splurging on a first class ticket or paying for an assigned seat is a good idea.
Flying into Frankfurt is also an option. Frankfurt Airport to Cologne takes under an hour by train. Frankfurt Airport offers the best selection of long haul flights from around the world and is likely your best bet if you are coming from further afield. I flew into Frankfurt when I returned from a business trip to the U.S. and added on a weekend in Cologne by train.
Once you're in Cologne, you can easily explore the city on foot. Wander the charming cobblestone streets and soak up all the festive vibes. You can also easily get around the city using the numerous bus and tram options.
Where to Stay in Cologne
My original pick was Buchholz Downtown Hotel. It's conveniently located about a 5 minute walk from the Cologne Central Station and offers a hearty breakfast to fuel your Christmas market adventures.
On a recent trip, we also stayed slightly outside the city center but within easy walking distance to all the action at the Courtyard by Marriott Cologne. This hotel is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the picturesque Eigelstein-Torburg, a medieval gate to the city.
I love staying slightly outside the tourist zone because it gives me the opportunity to explore areas that are a little less well trodden by tourists. The Courtyard by Marriott was clean, comfortable, and in a great location, not more than a 10-minute walk or so from the main train station in Cologne.
Cologne's Christmas Markets
Now, let's talk about the main attraction: the Christmas Markets! Did you know that Cologne boasts at least seven of these seasonal markets each with its own unique vibe? Get ready for a sensory overload of twinkling lights, festive music, and the irresistible aroma of roasted chestnuts and grilled sausages.
We've definitely noticed that the Christmas markets in Germany are getting more and more crowded each year. Since I don't love crowds, the way we typically handle this is to go to the markets during the week or during the day because it tends to be less crowded under those circumstances than it is on a weekend evening, especially in the larger more popular German cities like Cologne.
Keep an eye out for the ceramic Christmas market mugs! Cologne is definitely catching on to the fact that they are actually an in-demand souvenir. At one of the Christmas markets, we discovered no less than 20 different varieties of Christmas market mugs.
I am a collector at heart, so it's actually a good thing I didn't have that much room in my luggage. There was no way I could have stashed 20 different mugs in there to take home.
I settled for one as a memory of the trip. I use the Christmas market mugs at home, not for glühwein, but for coffee every day of the year. I find that these mugs serve as a fantastic reminder of our trips.
My picks for the top Cologne Christmas markets:
Dom Christmas Market: You can't miss this one – it's right in the shadow of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (the Dom). Fuel up on delicious reibekuchen (potato pancakes with apple sauce). We also were treated to some haunting tunes by German shanty singers for some heartwarming entertainment.
Altstadt Christmas Market: You'll find gnomes galore tucked among the stalls. Grab a sausage and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Neumarkt Square Christmas Market: As the sun sets, this market comes alive with sparkling lights. Treat yourself to some Belgian waffles or browse the unique honey candles.
Rudolfplatz Christmas Market: This market is nestled at the foot of Hahnentor, a restored 13th century gate to the city. Before you hit the stalls, stop by a local pub for a refreshing Kölsch beer.
We also discovered a very small, very local Christmas market in the shadow of the Eigelstein-Torburg gate. It's worth exploring the areas slightly outside the main tourist zones to find hidden gems like this.
Savoring Cologne: Kölsch and Culinary Delights
Another fun thing to do in Cologne is visit a Kölsch bar. These fresh beers are unique to the city and they're like a lager with a big head of foam.
Sit down for a meal and you'll receive a small glass, and the wait staff will come around, ready to refill your beer as soon as it's empty. If you want to indicate that you're full and don't want any more beer, put your coaster on top of your beer glass to signal that you're finished.
I enjoyed a nut crusted schnitzel with fries and a delectable sauce that went really well with my Kölsch.
Potato pancakes, our favorite Christmas market food, also seem to be super popular and super good here in Cologne. Many of the Kölsch bars sell these potato pancakes at least on certain days of the week.
We encountered a fantastic pop-up and were able to get three huge reibekuchen with a garlic dipping sauce. The pop-up was located on Salzgasse in the heart of the old city of Cologne.
More Festive Fun
While you're exploring Cologne’s Christmas markets, keep an eye out for other little gems:
- Ornate buildings with gargoyle embellishments: Cologne is full of architectural wonders.
- Street performers: From local singers to puppet shows, you'll find plenty of entertainment.
- Unique gifts: Whether you're searching for handcrafted ornaments or delicious treats, you're sure to find something special to get a jump on your Christmas shopping.
Cologne's Christmas markets are a melting pot of locals and tourists alike, making for some fantastic people-watching opportunities.
Christmas Beyond Cologne
Want to extend your Christmas market adventure? Cologne is conveniently located with access to other nearby cities. You can explore many different places around the region, for example, Dortmund, Munster and Essen.
One great option is to take a quick train ride to Bonn, a charming city just 30 minutes away. The Bonn Christmas Market is my personal favorite – it's full of festive cheer, from a carol-singing animatronic moose (yes, you read that right!) to adorable gingerbread-themed garbage bins.
Another fantastic nearby city to visit is Aachen. The train journey is less than an hour each way. While we encountered rainy weather during our visit, we were prepared with umbrellas and warm clothes, so it was no problem.
We found a covered area and a table where we could sit and drink mulled wine from our specially shaped Aachener Christmas market mug. We had a view of a historic fountain and the historic buildings surrounding the square.
Aachen also has lots of little shops and cafes you can nip into to get out of the cold and take a break. On the day we visited, Aachen seemed less crowded than Cologne making it a nice escape from the tourist hordes.
Tips for Your Christmas Market Trip
- Pack comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking!
- Bring cash: Some stalls might not accept cards.
- Dress warmly: It can be cold in Germany during December. Be prepared for potential rain by packing umbrellas.
- Go during the week or daytime to avoid the largest crowds.
Cologne's Christmas Markets are truly something special. They offer a magical blend of history, culture, and festive cheer that's sure to create lasting memories. So what are you waiting for? Book that trip and get ready for an unforgettable Christmas adventure in Germany!
Where to Next?
Explore 25 different Christmas markets spanning 8 countries in Europe.
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