From one Christmas market in Cologne to the next
During the months when others are preparing for hibernation, switching on their fairy lights and unwilling to leave their sofas with a cup of hot chocolate, we at Colonia Aktiv are really kicking into gear and pedaling hard for another two months! Because there are only a few days left until one Christmas market in Cologne after another opens its doors to us. FINALLY!
Christmas market in Cologne – by bike!
Of course, you can simply join us on a tour and combine sightseeing with Christmas market hopping. Three hours full of fun, cultural enjoyment, activity and, of course, plenty of Christmas spirit!
Our top guides will regale you with information and anecdotes about the cathedral, the old town, the Rhine and the city’s neighbourhoods, while you stroll together through one or the other Christmas market in Cologne, immerse yourself in the culinary diversity, discover the most beautiful handmade souvenirs and soak up the mulled wine-soaked, pre-Christmas atmosphere of the city.
Our X-Mas Bike Ride takes place daily at 2 p.m. in English from 24th November. The last date is 22nd December.
You can book the tour directly here.
Christmas market in Cologne – the most important info at a glimpse!
But if you want to expand your Christmas know-how and prepare properly for the festive season, we have summarised the most important information about Christmas in Cologne so that you don’t have to search for it for long.
When do the markets start?
The first Christmas market in Cologne will be opening in just a few days. On 14 November, the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market, the Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten, the Brauwelt Winter Market and the Ehrenfeld Christmas Market will all be kicking off. On 17 November, the ‘Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral’, the “Nikolausdorf”, the ‘Markt der Engel’ and the ‘Heavenue’ will follow. This will be continued by ‘The Smallest Christmas Market in the City’ on 19 November, ‘VeedelsAdvent on Chlodwigplatz’ on 20 November, ‘Heinzels Wintermärchen’ on 24 November, the ‘Sülzer Weihanchtsdorf’ on 26 November and, last but not least, the ‘Christmas Market’ on 5 December.
How many markets are there in Cologne?
LOTS! In addition to all these permanent Christmas markets, there are also lots of smaller pop-up markets in our neighborhoods and some great pre-Christmas events! It’s worth checking out the KölnTourismus website from time to time.
Is there anything new at the Christmas market in Cologne this year?
Of course! Firstly, this year you will find the ‘smallest Christmas market in the city’ at Hellers Biergarten in the Volksgarten in the Südstadt district. Here, the proceeds from the huts will be donated to selected aid projects. Secondly, the brand new ‘Heavenue’ is opening this year at Friesenplatz! Here you can expect spinning Christmas trees, water fountains and a stage programme that changes daily. So you can look forward to it!
But of course, there is also the traditional Heinzels’ ice rink on Heumarkt, homemade organic mulled wine in the Stadtgarten, and the legendary cocktail bar on Neumarkt. So: there’s plenty to discover!
And which is the most beautiful Christmas market in Cologne?
Of course, we are a little biased, but in our opinion, the most beautiful Christmas market in Cologne takes place right on our doorstep, in our neighbourhood of Eigelstein. Every year, the ‘Eigelsteiner Winterzauber’ invites visitors to enjoy mulled wine and roasted almonds for a few days right in front of the Eigelstein archway. Leave the cathedral and old town behind for an afternoon and stroll from the cathedral through Eigelstein, beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights and fairy lights, straight to the archway.
It all kicks off on 3 December. Why not stop by the mulled wine stand – you might see a familiar face or two!
And last but not least…
This year, we’ve got some more Christmas inspiration for you to get you in the mood for the Christmas market in Cologne:
- How about a visit to the Christmas bakery at TörtchenTörtchen? Here you can learn all the tricks and tips for creating the best Christmas baked goods – because homemade always tastes best! Will you find such delicious cookies and biscuits at the Christmas market in Cologne afterwards?
- Decorations are a must at Christmas, and nothing gets us in the mood for the Christmas market in Cologne more than a cosy evening of crafting. Why not drop by The Werkstatt in Zollstock? There are lots of great Christmas specials to discover here.
- And if you want to do something a little more iconic, hop straight from the Christmas market in Cologne onto a boat and get into the spirit at one of KD’s many Christmas events. From a dignified brunch on the Rhine to an Advent party boat – there’s something for everyone here!