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2024 Cologne Christmas Market Guide

Summary: Your 2024 Cologne Christmas Market guide! Read this before you plan your trip to Germany Christmas Markets.

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Cologne is a beautiful city in western Germany, bordering the famous Rhine River. It’s well-known for the towering gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kolsch beer, Eau de Cologne, and of course, epic Christmas markets.

That’s right, Cologne doesn’t just have one Christmas market, but six! And even more if you count shorter, pop up markets.

When to Visit Cologne Christmas Markets

The Christmas Markets in Cologne are open starting in late November and run through the day before Christmas Eve. They have different start dates which are all noted below, but if you visit between November 25 – December 23, you will be able to see all of them.

How to Get to Cologne Christmas Markets

It’s highly encouraged to take public transportation to the markets. You’ll find that most of them are in very populated areas, so parking is almost non existent. Staying in Cologne and taking public transportation to each market is ideal.

Another option is the Bimmelbahnen, or Christmas Market Express. This is a small train that runs between four of the largest Christmas Markets in Cologne, so it makes it easy to see multiple markets in a single day! This link will have more information on dates, times, and tickets as we get closer to the 2024 Christmas Market season.

2024 Cologne Christmas Markets

You’ll find the most up to date information on the 2024 Cologne Christmas Markets below. I noted whether the dates were from 2023 or 2024 in each section. Some of the markets haven’t updated their dates and times for 2024 yet, so I will make updates once they become available!

Cathedral Christmas Market

The largest and in my opinion, the best, Christmas Market in Cologne is the one right by the Cathedral. If you only have time to visit one market in this city, it should be this one! You’ll find handmade gifts, food stands, and everything else you expect at a German Christmas Market. They also have a stage with live music. You can view the schedule here!

Official Name: Market of Hearts

2024 Dates: November 18 – December 23 (closed on November 24)

Opening times:

  • Sunday – Wednesday: 11am-9pm
  • Thursday – Friday: 11am-10pm
  • Saturday: 10am-10pm

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

Photo credit: KW Kölner Weihnachtsgesellschaft mbH

Heinzels Old Town Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Cologne Old Town is a close second to the Cathedral Market I mentioned above. I loved the intricate details in all of the stalls and decor in this area, especially the little elves, or Heinzels, that you can spot in various places!

This market also has an ice skating rink that anyone can enjoy, along with an elevated platform to watch all the ice skaters.

There are technically two markets to this Christmas Market: Alter Markt (Old Market) and Heumarkt (Haymarket). The ice skating rink is located in Heumarkt along with a few food and gift stalls. Alter Markt is all Christmas Market stands.

Official Name: Heinzels Winter Fairytale

2024 Dates:

  • Alter Markt: November 25 – December 23
  • Heumarkt: November 25 – January 5 (closed December 24/25)

Opening times: 11am – 10pm (closes at 9pm on December 26)

Heinzels Christmas Market – Old Town Cologne Germany

Heinzels Christmas Market – Old Town Cologne Germany

Photo credit: Heinzels Winter Fairytale Cologne

The Angels’ Christmas Market

The Angels’ Christmas Market is in Neumarkt. This is the center of the city and is famous for being a shopping area. Perfect to stock up on Christmas gifts and visit the Angels’ Christmas Market. While you’re here, you’ll walk by magical angels and the Winter Queen, herself!

Official Name: Markt der Engel

2024 Dates: November 18 – December 23 (closed on November 24)

Opening times:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm

Harbour Christmas Market

The Harbour Christmas Market is a smaller market outside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne. You’ll notice a maritime theme here in the decor, performances, and market stands. You’ll also notice a 50ft ferris wheel that you can ride to get panoramic views of the market and the rest of Cologne!

Official name: Harbour Christmas Market

2023 Dates: November 23 – December 23 (New Years Market after Christmas that runs until January 7)

Opening times:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm

2024 info coming soon!

Nikolausdorf Market

The Nikolausdorf Christmas Market in is located in Rudolfplatz and has a Santa Claus theme. This market is going to be a bit smaller than the larger ones on this list, but it also might be less crowded!

2024 info coming soon!

Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market in Cologne caters more toward locals with stands that change weekly and an opening concert to kick off the season! This market is located in more of a neighborhood area, so public transportation is encouraged to get here.

Official name: Weihnachtsmarkt im Stadtgarten

2023 Dates: November 23 – December 23

Opening times:

  • Monday – Friday: 4pm – 9:30pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – 9:30pm

2024 info coming soon!

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