Cologne in lights: All Christmas markets 2025 at a glance!

Cologne in lights: All Christmas markets 2025 at a glance!

From mid-November onwards, the smell of mulled wine, roasted almonds and freshly baked cookies wafts through the streets of Cologne. The Christmas markets are getting ready to pamper visitors with festive atmosphere and inviting stalls. How ksta.de reports, the first markets will open their doors on November 17, 2025, and the big crowds for the festivities are guaranteed, as always. The most popular and largest Christmas market in Cologne, the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral, opens its doors on the same day.

This year, from November 17th to December 23rd, guests at Roncalliplatz can also expect fascinating attractions, exciting treats and atmospheric lighting. Over five million visitors flock here every year. Of course, the other markets are also not to be despised - such as the harbor Christmas market, which starts on the same day and spreads a festive atmosphere at the Rheinauhafen until December 23rd.

Variety of Christmas markets

The Cologne Christmas markets offer something for every taste. In addition to the market square at the cathedral, there is the wintry Heinsel's Fairy Tale on the Heumarkt, which is open from November 24th to January 5th, 2026. Here visitors experience a detailed Christmas market theme. The Angel Market on Neumarkt also guarantees magical hours in the city center from November 17th to December 23rd, while the Christmas market in the Stadtgarten and numerous smaller markets in the districts exude a homely atmosphere.

• Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom: 17.11. – 23.12.2025
• Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt: 14.11. – 23.12.2025
• Heinzels Wintermärchen: 24.11. – 05.01.2026
• Markt der Engel: 17.11. – 23.12.2025
• Weihnachtsmarkt im Stadtgarten: 14.11. – 23.12.2025

How koeln.de clarifies, the smaller Christmas markets in the districts often open at different times during November and December. The highlights include the Nikolausdorf on Rudolfplatz and the various winter markets in Lindenthal and Sülz, which are ideal for a leisurely visit with friends or family.

A feast for all senses

Cologne shines at Christmas time and attracts not only locals but also tourists from near and far. The festively decorated squares are not only ideal places for gifts and treats, but also for numerous events that enliven the city during Advent. From Advent concerts to the Christmas circus, there is a lot to experience like this Cologne tourism website emphasized.

If you want to explore the city, you shouldn't miss Advent Sundays. This year these fall on November 30th, December 7th, 14th and 21st. A visit to the Christmas markets is the ideal way to get in the mood for the upcoming holidays. And wine fans can look forward to a good deal: mulled wine and other delicacies can be found on every corner.

The anticipation for Christmas is palpable! Visit the Cologne Christmas markets and experience how the city is transformed into a magical Christmas land.