rotator
rotator
rotator
rotator
rotator
rotator
rotator
Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Christmas market

COLOGNE IS A FEELING

 

Advent magic spreads throughout Cologne’s Old Town when seven idyllic Christmas markets open their brightly illuminated gates in late November.

 

More than 160 stalls offer a large scale of traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Each one has its own flair. Their sparkling lights and peaceful atmosphere attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year.

 

Traditional Handmade Christmas Gifts

Wonderful spicy aromas of cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds fill your nose. Soak in this good old festive ambiance and take a Christmas stroll past lovingly decorated stalls and enticing half-timbered huts. Rummage through charming gifts to find some rare treasure: pipe-smoking wooden “Räuchermännchen”, nutcrackers, nativity figures and other appealing Christmas decoration. Young and old can look pewter pourers, wreath binders glassblowers and a blacksmith over their shoulders when they demonstrate their art.

 

Children’s Delight

Children’s eyes light up at Santa’s visit and the sight of nostalgic roundabouts. And there is more – magic acts, jugglery, medieval musicians, Christmas cribs and intricately decorated trees. Of course, they will try their luck at the countless toy stands or practise their pirouettes and “Rittbergers” on the large ice rink at Heumarkt square.

 

Typical German Christmas Treats

Don’t miss the chance to indulge yourself in typical German culinary delights: the famous “Christstollen” yeast cakes, “Lebkuchen” soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections. Also try the mandatory “Glühwein” a hot spiced wine in mugs to warm chilly hands.

 

Festive Cultural Christmas Programme

To round off your Christmas spirit, you can enjoy a festive cultural programme with exhibitions, musicals, operas or concerts.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Cologne Cathedral

The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral is a trademark for the city of Cologne. The trade press nominated the Christmas market Cologne as the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe. Authenticity and exceptional quality are the benchmarks for this particular Christmas market.

 

Cologne Old Town "Home of the Gnomes"

In the middle of the historic and idyllic Cologne Old Town stands this rustic Christmas market. According to the famous Cologne legend, this was also the home of the ”Heinzelmännchen”, who were said to be particularly good craftspeople. Therefore, at this Christmas market you can find a particularly large number of handcraft stalls, where goods are still produced in the traditional way.

 

Angels Christmas Market at Neumarkt Square

In the heart of the Cathedral city you can find one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Centrally located, between the most popular shopping streets in Cologne, we carry you into the kingdom of angels. Let yourself be enchanted.

 

Rudolfplatz Square

Just a ten minute walk from Neumarkt, the Fairytale Christmas market is situated at Rudolfplatz. The motto of the sixty huts at the Hahnentorburg is the brothers’ Grimm tales. Therefore, this Christmas market delights particularly younger visitors.

 

MS Wappen von Köln

From Europe’s largest floating Christ- mas market with over forty stalls, you get a truly dream-like view of the Co- logne Old Town and the Cathedral. The market takes place on the ship “MS Wappen von Köln”.

 

Chocolate Museum

The tenth anniversary will be celebrated with a lovingly designed, cozy medieval spectacle on the Rhine. It will be a unique experience, with exhibited handicrafts, a non-stop programme of concerts, theatre, jugglery and live nativity scene. 

 

Stadtgarten

Immerse yourself in the idyllic village atmosphere of the Christmas market at Stadtgarten! 60 exhibitors will offer their goods in Stadtgarten Garden. Lifestyle made with feeling and modern creations, traditional handicraft and nostalgic paraphernalia, culinary specialties and regular cultural offerings.

 

Latest offers, discounts and more...

Accor “3=2 offer”
Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
Columbus Direct travel insurance
Quality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
Priority pass
Access VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City Cards
See more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail Europe
Comfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet Magazine
Packed with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City Tours
Free walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia Wednesdays
Search your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
Transfers
Low-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 May
The essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
Subscribe to Travelio News Summary via RSS Follow our news titles on Twitter Become a fan of Travelio.net on Facebook Bookmark and Share