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Wintery Cologne: The best events at the turn of the year!
Experience Cologne after Christmas: events, light festivals and indoor events for the weekend from January 2nd to 4th, 2026.
Wintery Cologne: The best events at the turn of the year!
Christmas is behind us and the people of Cologne don't have to wait long for the next big celebration. The weekend and holidays bring numerous opportunities to enjoy the city's winter atmosphere. Again Cologne City Gazette reports, many festivals of lights brighten up the cold season, while the last performances of the circuses that were guests in Cologne during Advent fly across the stages.
Now is the ideal time for indoor events in the cathedral city. Concerts, exhibitions and shows are very popular, and the first carnival events are already casting their shadows. If you miss the beautiful lights and Christmas sounds, you will still find plenty of entertaining options. The Christmas circus and the enchanting “China Lights” event in Cologne Zoo invite you to spend a magical evening.
Event tips at a glance
Here is a selection of the highlights that Cologne has to offer in the next few days:
- The Sound of James Bond: 2. und 3. Januar 2026, 20 Uhr, Kölner Philharmonie, Preis: 29,99 bis 109,99 Euro.
- China Lights: Bis 1. Februar 2026, Kölner Zoo, Öffnungszeiten: Täglich 17:30 – 21 Uhr (außer Heiligabend und Silvester).
- Heinzels Wintermärchen: Bis 4. Januar 2026, Heumarkt, Kölner Altstadt, Öffnungszeiten: 11 bis 21 Uhr.
- Garden of Lights: Bis 15. Februar 2026, Galopprennbahn Köln, Öffnungszeiten: Mittwoch bis Sonntag ab 17 Uhr.
- Kollwitz neu sehen: Bis März 2026, Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum Köln, Öffnungszeiten: Dienstag bis Sonntag 11 – 18 Uhr.
The lights bring a special atmosphere to the city. Cologne shines with festive decorations and numerous Advent events have captured the hearts of its citizens. The Cologne Tourism highlights that the Christmas season once began with the first Christmas market in Cologne in 1820. It's hard to ignore the over 5 million visitors that the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral attracts every year.
A look at the Christmas markets
Whether at the cathedral, in the old town or at the harbor – the Christmas markets are part of the city's culture. For example, the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral opened its doors from November 17th to December 23rd, 2025. The big attraction is the harbor Christmas market, which took place at the same time and attracted numerous visitors. Smaller markets in neighborhoods also create a festive atmosphere. Anyone who missed the opportunity will look forward to the many wonderful memories left behind by the Christmas markets in Cologne, like the site Cologne.de reported.
But the holidays are far from over! With events like “Winter Magic in the Fairy Tale Forest” and the “Frida Kahlo: Immersive Exhibition,” there are still many ways to spend the cold season. So let's get out into the hustle and bustle and enjoy the last days of the festive season!