Yes, the days are getting shorter and the sun tends to disappear in the afternoon but is that really reason to moan? Not here in Cologne. The darker the evening sky, the brighter the lights at the wonderful Christmas markets dotted across the city. We’ve lined up six of the best places to get into the yuletide spirit – you’re sure to find your favourite Cologne Christmas market among them.
1. Bumann & Sohn: a seasonal sprinkling of ho-ho hipness
We get proceedings underway with one of the city’s most popular bars. And you can guess by the vendors’ eccentric names that the Christmas market at Bumann & Sohn bears no relation to the stereotypical crowded affairs with their 1-metre sausages and mulled wine in cartons. Among them are Fatstreet Boys, with calorific goodies like chilli cheese fries, and UhMami Bande, serving up crispy chilli crunch. If you need something sweeter after all that Christmas heat, dig into crepes and waffles from Eisfeld. Gift shoppers will find everything from street art to gin made from the local water to handmade jewellery.
14 Nov to 23 Dec, Mon-Fri, 5pm to midnight, Sat+Sun, 2pm to midnight, Bartholomäus-Schink-Str. 2, 50825 Cologne
2. Stadtgarten Christmas market: the Belgian Quarter all aglow
At this popular market in the Belgian Quarter, every week brings a new selection of over 60 craft and design businesses. Open until 23 December, there are dozens of Christmassy stalls to wander around, selling clothes and stationery, jewellery and toiletries. Food comes in the form of cinnamon rolls from Kiki Lento Zimtschneckerei or fried burgers from Tigers’ Frygers. Kids can watch a Theater SternKundt show whilst the grown-ups sip on white or red mulled wine courtesy of the Georg Forster vineyard. They’ll need to be careful, though – at double the alcohol content of the usual offering, the wine is as strong as it is tasty.
15 Nov to 23 Dec, Mon-Fri 4pm-9.30pm, Sat+Sun 12 noon-9.30pm, Venloerstr. 40, 50672 Cologne
3. Körnerstraße courtyard Christmas market – community spirit
Those who prefer smaller Christmas experiences with a more personal flavour can opt for the courtyard market on Körnerstraße in the Ehrenfeld neighbourhood – the winter version of the yard sales so popular in summer. On 7 and 8 December, visitors can browse the yuletide products on sale in the shops and in people’s drives, windows, gardens and hallways. This year, the residents of Körnerstraße have been joined by their neighbours from Geisselstraße, resulting in a market that’s 1.130 metres long – the longest courtyard Christmas market in Cologne.
7+8 Dec, Körnerstraße, 50823 Cologne
4. Christmas on Ebertplatz square: roller-skating and curling
The Christmas market on Ebertplatz square is upping its game in 2024 with a retro roller-skating rink in addition to the ever-popular Eisstockschießen (a special type of curling). Both activities have been open daily since 22 November and will run until 30 December (except for 24 and 25 December, which are public holidays). If you want to try your hand at Eisstockschießen, you’ll have to reserve beforehand. There are special time slots for school groups to play for free.
There’s lots to do on the square: various exhibitions to visit, concerts for children and adults, performances, sing-along events, open-air cinema nights, fire shows and much more. The refreshments are more your traditional fare – German classics like mulled wine, red wine punch and hot fruit drinks.
22 Nov to 30 Dec (apart from public holidays), Mon-Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-8pm, Ebertplatz, 50668 Cologne
5. Voodmarkt: The vegan Christmas market in Cologne’s Kalk district
Foodies should make a point of visiting Voodmarkt, where they’ll find everything they need for a “magical Christmas that’s not cruel to animals”. Taking place on the weekend of 7 and 8 and 14 and 15 December, the market is based around the Jesus Christus Church at Buchforststraße 14. The vegan menu ranges from potato cakes and goulash to doner kebabs and burritos to waffles and pastries. If you’re still looking for gifts, shop your way through the clothes, accessories and interior design items on offer and then head inside the church to enjoy a concert, exhibition or family activities. Searching for inspiration for your New Year’s resolutions? You’ll find masses of information materials from the likes of PETA – and a cup of vegan good cheer! And no, not every mulled wine is vegan but the one served here is.
7+8 Dec / 14+15 Dec, noon-7pm, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Buchforststraße 14-18, 51103 Cologne
6. Blackfoot Beach: Cologne does “Christmas in the sand”
Christmas at the beach! If you can’t afford the plane ticket – or don’t want to fly for environmental reasons (well done you!) – just stay in Cologne. The yuletide vibe will take over again at Blackfoot Beach, whisking visitors away to a fairytale world. Grab some candy floss, kale or a hot cocktail and find a cosy spot around one of the fires. Or, if you want a bit more action, fly across the lake on a sledge or have a go at archery.
29 Nov-1 Dec, 5-8 Dec, 12-15 Dec, 19-22 Dec, 3-9pm, Am Fühlinger See, Stallagsbergweg 1, 50769 Cologne
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