Cologne Harbour Christmas Market
Opens early
Cologne Christmas Markets 2026
Last updated · How we compile this guide
When are the Cologne Christmas markets in 2026?
Cologne has 11 Christmas markets in our directory. Confirmed 2026 dates: Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), 16 Nov – 23 Dec 2026; Heinzels Heumarkt, 23 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027; Heinzels Old Market, 23 Nov – 23 Dec 2026. Last season most opened around 17 Nov and the last one closed on 4 Jan 2026; 2 stayed open after Christmas. All are free to enter.
Cologne has some of Germany's busiest Christmas markets, and the biggest are all within walking distance of the main station. The market beneath the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral is the most photographed, with a canopy of lights over the stalls. A few minutes away, Heinzels Wintermärchen fills the old town squares with gnome-themed stalls and an ice rink, the Markt der Engel at Neumarkt glows with star lanterns, and the harbour market by the Chocolate Museum has a maritime theme.
Try Reibekuchen (potato pancakes with apple sauce), Glühwein in each market's own mug, or a Kölsch beer if you've had enough mulled wine.
11Christmas markets
17 NovTypical opening (2025)
4 Jan 2026Last market closed
2Open after 25 Dec
All Christmas markets in Cologne
Sorted by opening date. Dates shown are from the 2025–26 season unless 2026 dates are marked — check the official website before you go.
Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt
Closed 24-25 DecemberOpen after ChristmasOpens early
Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
2026 dates confirmedOpens early
Markt der Engel (Angels' Market)
Opens early
Adventsmarkt auf dem Chlodwigplatz
Opens early
Heinzels Heumarkt
2026 dates confirmedClosed 24-25 DecemberOpen into January
Heinzels Old Market
2026 dates confirmed
Heavenue
Media Park Köln mbH
Nikolausdorf
Weihnachtsmarkt im Stadtgarten
Frequently asked questions
How many Christmas markets are there in Cologne?
We list 11 Christmas markets in Cologne, including Cologne Harbour Christmas Market, Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) and Markt der Engel (Angels' Market). Some are small one-day or weekend events, so check the dates on each card.
When do the Cologne Christmas markets open in 2026?
Official 2026 dates: Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral): 16 Nov – 23 Dec 2026; Heinzels Heumarkt: 23 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027; Heinzels Old Market: 23 Nov – 23 Dec 2026. For the other 8 markets we haven't confirmed 2026 dates yet — last season most were open by 17 Nov.
Are Cologne's Christmas markets open after Christmas?
Yes — last season 2 markets stayed open after 25 December, including Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt and Heinzels Heumarkt. Most others closed on or before 23 Dec.
Are the Christmas markets in Cologne free?
Yes, entry to the markets we list is free — you only pay for food, drinks and gifts. Many stalls serve mulled wine in a mug with a small deposit that you get back when you return it.