Christmas in Cologne, the best Christmas markets in Germany
A visit to a Christmas market in Germany is always fun, but a visit to the Christmas markets in Cologne really feels like Christmas. Christmas trees, twinkling lights and the smell of mulled wine give that real December Christmas feeling.
Why visit 1 Christmas market, if you can also visit 8 Christmas markets in Cologne?
Cologne is one of the most popular destinations for a Christmas market visit in Germany. Prepare yourself for a day of walking, because there is not just 1 Christmas market in Cologne to visit. In total there are no less than 8 Christmas markets to visit in Cologne. And every Christmas market in Cologne is slightly different from the others, so you want to see them all.
The different Christmas themes in Cologne
Cologne has no less than 8 different Christmas markets. And every Christmas market has its own theme. You can see this theme reflected in the decorations, in the things you can buy and even in the mugs from which you drink your mulled wine. The Christmas theme is worked out in detail at every Christmas market in Cologne.
What to drink at a Christmas market in Cologne?
At the Christmas markets in Cologne you can find various drinks that are typical for Christmas. The most popular of these drinks is, of course, mulled wine. A warm wine that is great to drink on cold days. For visitors who prefer a non-alcoholic drink, a warmed cider is a good alternative.
Other popular drinks include eggnog and, of course, hot chocolate.
When you order your first drink you will probably have to pay a deposit for the mug that comes with it. This deposit is usually 3 euros. When you return the mug, you will simply get this 3 euros back. But they are also nice souvenirs. The various Christmas markets in Cologne all have their own mug in the Christmas theme of the market. For example, at the angel market you get a mug with an angel on it. Each mug is thus a souvenir of your trip to Germany.
Are the Christmas markets in Cologne a good place to eat?
Yes!! That's a clear answer, right? You can certainly eat very well at the Christmas markets in Cologne. There is one drawback though. If you only go for 1 day, you will never have enough time to taste everything. When we think of a German Christmas market, we mainly think of good food and drinks. And at the Christmas markets in Cologne you will really get your money's worth in that regard. You can of course eat Bratwurst and Currywurst. But also Reibekuchen, Flammkuchen, Muses, Schupfnudeln, Pretzels, Baumbrot, Pretzels and Kartoffel Spirals. But also waffles, nuts and so much more. There is so much choice. So walk past all the stalls before you order something.
The different Christmas markets in Cologne
As we mentioned above, there are several Christmas markets in Cologne, no less than 8. We have listed the best Christmas markets in Cologne for you below in our Christmas in Cologne travel guide, the best Christmas markets in Germany. Read all about these different Christmas markets in our Cologne travel blog below.
The Weihnachtsmarkt, the large Christmas market at the foot of Cologne Cathedral
One of the most famous Christmas markets can be found at the foot of Cologne Cathedral, the Weihnachstmarkt. Translated, this of course simply means Christmas market. All the nativity scenes at these Christmas markets are red with shooting stars in the background. In the center of the Christmas market is a large Christmas tree, the centerpiece of this Weihnachstsmarkt. You can buy a lot of different Christmas decorations at this Christmas market in Cologne, such as Christmas globes. But you can also buy all kinds of other nice Christmas gadgets here.
On the Weihnachstsmarkt in Cologne you will also find plenty of nice food stalls. You can eat a crepe here, but also Bratwurst.
Heinzels Wintermärchen, Christmas gnomes in Cologne
From the Weihnachstsmarkt in Cologne it is a short walk to the next Christmas market, Heinzels Wintermärchen.
Here you will find, in contrast to the red stalls on the Weihnachtsmarkt, all wooden Christmas stalls. These wooden nativity scenes give the Christmas market a more rustic look. The wooden Christmas stalls are decorated with garlands and lights and completely matching the theme of this Christmas market, there is a gnome on the top of the stalls. Each gnome does a different activity. For example, a boiling gnome, but also a sleeping gnome, for example. The rustic look in combination with the garlands makes it look a bit like you are walking through a village in the woods.
You can see this forest theme everywhere at this Christmas market in Cologne. For example, there are seats made of tree trunks and you can see forest animals in various corners. (No real forest animals of course) And to complete the atmosphere, you could see a wood artist at work. The sounds and smell that come from working wood only add to the atmosphere of this Christmas market in Cologne.
Heinzels Wintermärchen, the Altmarkt
The Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas market is divided into two different parts. On the Altmarkt you can buy a lot of beautiful Christmas decorations. Lots of carvings and wooden Christmas decorations. But you are also in the right place for sweets and other delicacies at this Christmas market in Cologne.
Heinzels Wintermärchen, the Heumarkt
The Heinzels Wintermärchen Heumarkt is one of the liveliest Christmas markets in Cologne. It's still in the same forest theme as the Altmarkt, but it's all just a bit livelier. For example, there is a large skating rink on the Heumarkt. With a bridge and a bar, this skating rink is definitely one of the nicest skating rinks we've ever seen at a Christmas market. And with more than 100 meters it is also one of the largest skating rinks we have ever seen. There is also a curling rink. Although you have to book here in time, because this court is quickly fully reserved for the day.
On the Heumarkt you can find several stalls that sell clothing and jewellery. And of course you can too Heinzels Wintermärchen Heumarkt again lots of good food and drinking mulled wine to warm up.
And you won't expect it, but the mugs at the Heinzels Wintermärchen are… yes, gnomes, completely in line with the theme. But here you can even choose which mug you want, because you can choose from 15 different gnome mugs. Super fun right? And do you like these two Christmas markets during the day? Don't forget to visit the Altmarkt and the Heumarkt during the evening, because then these Christmas markets in Cologne become truly magical.
Angels on the Neumarkt in Cologne
The Neumarkt is also called the Angel market in Cologne. And yes, the theme of this Christmas market in Cologne is angels. The stalls are complete in style with the angels in white and silver with references to stars and angels everywhere. Most stalls depict an angel and luminous stars hang from the trees. The whole market is stunning to see. There are even real angels walking around this Christmas market. Well, at least they're dressed as angels. You can buy a lot of food at this market. But also eat some things that are slightly different from the other Christmas markets. For example, order a delicious fresh waffle in the shape of the Cologne Cathedral here. And you can also buy Christmas decorations to your heart's content at this Christmas market.
Cologne's cutest Christmas market, the St. Nicholas Christmas market
The St Nicholas Christmas Market can be found on Rudolph Platz in Cologne. And as far as we are concerned, this Christmas market is the most adorable Christmas market in Cologne. Walking through this Christmas market is like walking through the streets of Bavaria. Here they have recreated the typical Bavarian houses with the recognizable woodwork of these houses in Bavaria.
Despite the fact that this Christmas market is not that big, you will certainly not be short of anything here. You can also buy nice Christmas decorations or Christmas presents at this Christmas market. But you're also in the right place at this Christmas market for a tasty Bratwurst with mulled wine. You can compare the offer on this Christmas market with the larger Christmas market at the foot of the Cologne Cathdral. Only then is it just a lot smaller, and to be honest just a bit cozier.
Havenmarkt, Christmas at the river in Cologne
If you want to go to the Havenmarkt, you have to walk towards the river in Cologne. This market is located on the banks of the Rhine. De Havenmarkt is a smaller Christmas market next to the Lindt chocolate factory and the chocolate museum. The atmosphere of this Christmas market is significantly different from the other Christmas markets. The stalls here are white pointed tents and it has a maritime theme. You can see the maritime details everywhere at this Christmas market. At this Christmas market in Cologne you will find many handmade decorations, such as homemade candles and other unique gifts.
You can also enjoy delicious food at this Havenmarkt, but as you can expect with the maritime theme, you can mainly eat a lot of fish and other products from the sea. But they sure are tasty. We personally found the atmosphere of this Christmas market slightly less than the other Christmas markets in Cologne. But if you like to eat fish, this Christmas market in Cologne is definitely recommended.
The chocolate museum in Cologne
When you are at the Havenmarkt in Cologne, visiting the Lindt chocolate museum is a must. In this museum you will learn everything about the production of chocolate and you can even have a special chocolate bar put together. You have to wait half an hour for that. But how nice is it to give a unique chocolate bar as a Christmas gift to your friends or family?
Are there more Christmas markets in Cologne?
As far as we are concerned, the Christmas markets above are the best Christmas markets in Cologne. But there are some other markets in Cologne.
Stadtgarden markt is one of these markets. This is mainly a market where people gather for a drink in the evening. It's not really a market for families. And because it is also a bit further from the city, we do not think this Christmas market is really worth going to.
And you also have the Heavenue market. This market is known as the Gay Market during Christmas in Cologne. The decoration and atmosphere on this market are really different from the other Christmas markets, but certainly also nice to see.
How to get to Cologne?
You can travel to Cologne by car or by train. There is even an airport if you want to come by plane. If you come by car, there are plenty of parking spaces in Cologne. If you want to park right in the center of Cologne, there is one large parking at the Cologne Cathedral. From this parking you walk directly to the large Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral.
What do you have to take with you when you visit the Cologne Christmas markets?
Go to the Christmas markets in Cologne with an empty stomach to be able to eat all the goodies they sell here. But if we have to advise you to bring something, it is warm clothing. Bring a thick winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves. In the month of December it can get quite cold in Cologne. And when you stand still at a table, you really feel that cold. So warm clothing is a must at the Christmas market in Cologne. And if you want to skate on the skating rink in Cologne, you can of course also bring your own skates.
Would you recommend visiting the Christmas markets in Cologne?
Absolute!! The Christmas markets in Cologne are known as perhaps the most beautiful and fun Christmas markets in Germany. Everything you expect from a Christmas market can be found at the Christmas markets in Cologne. We think a day in Cologne is definitely recommended in the December month.
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