Start of the Christmas markets in NRW: Where does the Christmas magic fly?

Start of the Christmas markets in NRW: Where does the Christmas magic fly?

When the days get shorter and the smell of roasted almonds is in the air, then it's that time again: the Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia open their doors. The heart of Cologne beats faster during this time, because visitors can expect a festive variety of markets that are already in the starting blocks.

How Ruhr24 reports, the harbor Christmas market in Cologne will open its doors on November 14th, 2025 and will offer an atmospheric ambience until December 23rd, 2025. For the romantic souls among us, the Christmas market in the Stadtgarten will also start on November 15th, 2025, while the large markets at Cologne Cathedral and Rudolfplatz start on November 17th, 2025. This makes the Cologne Christmas markets a real attraction for everyone who wants to experience the contemplative time in the festive splendor.

Special features of the Cologne markets

The Aachen Christmas market is one of the most popular in all of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is of real interest not only for the people of Aachen themselves, but also for many Cologne residents. All the better that spending time in the beautiful city of Aachen is attracting many visitors again this year. However, it looks like most Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia will close their doors before Christmas. Only four markets will remain open until January.

For all those who are looking for a special experience: The Christmas market at Moyland Castle in Bedburg-Hau opens on December 10, 2025 and offers a magical backdrop for unforgettable moments. The Steeler Christmas market in Essen also started on November 2nd, 2025 and will remain open until January 4th, 2026, so that the anticipation of the festival can be fully lived out.

The markets at a glance

Here is an overview of some of the most important Christmas markets in the region:

• Steeler Weihnachtsmarkt, Essen: 2. November 2025 – 4. Januar 2026
• Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt, Köln: 14. November 2025 – 23. Dezember 2025
• Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, Köln: 17. November 2025 – 23. Dezember 2025
• Nikolausdorf Rudolfplatz, Köln: 17. November 2025 – 23. Dezember 2025
• Weihnachtsmarkt auf Schloss Moyland, Bedburg-Hau: 10. Dezember 2025 – 14. Dezember 2025

Unfortunately, there are also closed markets, such as the Duisburg Christmas market, which will not be open from November 13th to December 30th, 2025. However, the anticipation remains as the festive mood is maintained by the numerous active markets.

A look ahead

To make the best decision, every market visitor should take the time to explore the region's offerings and markets. In times when highlights in the event calendar are few and far between, the Christmas season is a welcome opportunity to meet up with friends and family again.

Ultimately, it is the magic of lights, colorful stalls and warm drinks that brings us together in the winter months. Let's look forward to a contemplative pre-Christmas season and enjoy the numerous Christmas markets in our beautiful region!