Christmas market in Cologne
The 100 rustic stands which make up Cologne’s romantic Christmas market line the main streets of the city’s historic Old Town, stretching from the Old Market to the Haymarket.
Cologne’s first Christmas market took place in 1820, and the vestiges of this rich historical tradition are sensed by visitors to this day. The craftsmen, traders and market sellers evoke a Christmassy atmosphere which reminds visitors of bygone years.
It’s hardly surprising that the Christmas market in the Old Town is beloved of the city’s inhabitants – and is probably the most popular in Cologne. Cologne’s citizens delight in the historic guild houses and numerous breweries, scattered throughout the winding alleys.
Cologne’s famous “Heinzelmännchen”, a type of gnomes, are responsible for all this Christmas splendour. As legend would have it, they were the industrious craftsmen who worked through the night to finish all the work while the city’s inhabitants slumbered in their beds.
They continue the old customs at the Christmas market today, preventing the inclusion of any newfangled gadgets, and carefully observe the Christmassy proceedings from their hideaways in convenient nooks and crannies.
Location:
Cologne’s Old Town is situated approximately 200 m from the cathedral and main station. From the neighbouring Christmas market by the cathedral, descend the southern steps and walk towards the Old Town’s alleys on the other side. The Christmas market in the Old Town can be reached in just a few minutes.
Opening hours:
The Christmas market in Cologne’s Old Town opens on the fourth Monday in November each year and closes on 23rd December. During this period, the stands are open daily from 11 am – 10 pm.
Parking:
We recommend that you use the Park+Ride parking spaces located just outside the city centre, thus avoiding the need for an emissions decal for your vehicle. From the Park+Ride, you can take a tram to the Haymarket (“Heumarkt”) or main station (“Hauptbahnhof”) stops, a journey of just a few minutes. Alternatively, use the electronic parking guidance system in the city centre and park in the nearest multi-storey car parks: Dom, Philharmonie, Groß St. Martin or Heumarkt.
