Cologne Day Break

Resort Information

During the pre-Christmas period, Cologne is one of the most popular European Travel destinations with attractive Christmas fairs, numerous concerts the nativity set as well as the multifaceted shopping possibilities.

Let yourself be enchanted: Gaze at the biggest Christmas tree in Rhineland in front of the impressive setting of the cathedral. Or enjoy the air of medieval times in front of the chocolate museum.

The oldest Christmas fair is situated at Neumarkt, the central place in the city centre and therefore right in the heart of the shopping area.

Other Information

The Christmas period is almost upon us, and every year people let themselves be enticed by the radiance of the festively decorated city. With its attractive Christmas markets the Cathedral city is a popular destination, especially in the pre-Christmas period

Christmas markets are open from 26th November until 23rd December 2007 (Christmas market on the Rhine until 21st December), daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Except the Medieval Christmas market is open from 1st December until 23rd December 2007: daily except Mondays, from 11.00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Neumarkt

Cologne’s oldest Christmas market is held on the Neumarkt, the city centre market in the shopping district. There, several old stands still bear witness to the origins of the market back at the beginning of the 70s.

A nostalgic flavour is provided by decorative plates with illustrations of the Christmas markets with their long traditions, which are sold there alongside many other artisans’ products.

Alter Markt

Probably the most attractive christmas market is the one on the Alter Market in front of Cologne´s town hall.

Children in particular, will find here their Christmas paradise. With a nostalgic children’s roundabout, puppet theatre, Santa Claus’ grotto and many toy stands, this Christmas market in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) has attracted young and old to Cologne for years.

Cathedral

Before the impressive backdrop of Cologne’s landmark, the Cathedral christmas market awaits visitors with its 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions.

Beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, you can choose from numerous sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work and enjoy the “Original Christmas mulled wine“ out of the festively decorated Christmas mugs.

Rudolfplatz

The Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz takes you to the world of fairy tales. Large fairy tale figures and festive illumination provide a special eye-catcher.

Against the historic backdrop of the medieval Hahnentorburg, mulled wine, red wine punch or candy floss and decorated booths ensure a special Christmas snugness.

Medieval

The Medieval Christmas market next to Cologne’s Chocolate Museum sets an original tone. Located on the banks of the Rhine, this market invites visitors to the exciting world of the Middle Ages.

Clowns and musicians provide a spectacle that is far from present. Craftsmen offer their wares in picturesque scenery and many salesmen tell nice stories in medieval dialect.

Rhine

A special attraction is the floating christmas market on board the "MS Wappen von Mainz". Over a glass of mulled wine, you can enjoy the view of the Old Town and the cathedral in winter.

Visitors on the ship can browse for presents for their dear ones at more than 40 booths. The "MS Wappen von Mainz" you can find in the Old Town near to the Cologne philharmonic orchester house.

Düxer Advent

The "Düxer Advent" at the "Deutzer Freiheit" joins an art and antique market. At every weekend a storyteller in a special costume tells children christmas tales.

In St. Heribert Church there are concerts of organs and at every Saturday before Christmas trombone bands, nativity plays and children choirs prettify your stay.