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WHERE: Cologne, Germany
WHEN: from 18th November to 23rd December 2024
The Cologne Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Germany. A city of undoubted charm, and elegance, which celebrates Christmas with a truly extraordinary program.
The marvelous Cathedral, patrimony of the humanity, is reflected on the splendid markets set up in the square. Alter Markt, in the historic center, hosts one of the most popular markets for visitors. Art, tradition, respect, love come together in what is considered the real gay market of the city: Heavenue.
Christmas in Cologne is an event for everyone. Marvelous, evocative and sometimes eccentric, it opens the doors to all visitors.
Rich is also the calendar for children, including nativity scenes and representations of the nativity, Santa Claus village and the ever-present Christmas train.
CHRISTMAS IN COLOGNE 2024: THE MARKETS
HEINZELS WINTER FAIRYTALE
Set up in front of the Town Hall, in the heart of the historical center, in full Alter Markt. it is the most loved market for families and children. Among sweets, toys, decorations, it will be almost impossible to leave empty handed.
For the little ones, events and attractions are really the Top. The nostalgic carousel, the Puppet Theater and the Village of Santa Claus, are just some of the inevitable places for Christmas in Cologne. The ice rink that attracts adults and children is beautiful and evocative. Adult tickets cost €9 (weekdays) and €11 (weekends). Children always pay €6. Also available is a Family Ticket for 2 adults and 2 children at a cost of €24. Possibility of renting skates at a cost of €6 for adults and €5 for children.
The markets are open every day, from 24th November 2024 to 05th January 2025, from 11:00 to 22:00.
X-MAS MARKT
The imposing silhouette of the Cathedral frames the evocative flea market set up every year in front of the heritage building of humanity.
The Christmas tree, set up in the square, is the absolute protagonist. With its 25 meters in height, it is the largest in the Rhineland as well as the landmark of Cologne, thanks to the 50000 LEDs that illuminate it.
Around the tree, about 150 stalls are set up, with extremely varied products, all characterized by high quality standards, many of which are strictly Made in Germany.
Gastronomy and certified organic products. Artifacts, glass, ceramics, wooden sculptures and handicrafts. There really is everything.
Rich, it is also the program of events and entertainment, with music, Christmas shows and rides. Every Tuesday and Thursday, however, a special program for children from 14:00 to 18:00.
From 18th November to 23rd December 2024, from Sunday to Wednesday, from 11:00 to 21:00; Thursday and Friday, from 11:00 to 22:00; Saturday, from 10:00 to 22:00.
ANGEL’S MARKT
The oldest Christmas market in Cologne takes place in the Neumarkt area, a true shopping district.
A market of great visual impact, with perfectly decorated stands, and extraordinary lights to frame.
The market preferred by children, for the presence of Santa Claus who, every week, comes to visit in the company of an angel.
But it is also one of the most popular places to have a chat while sipping a punch or a Gabriel’s, local vin brûlé.
Open every day, from 18th November to 23rd December 2024, from Sunday to Thursday, from 11:00 to 21:00; Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 to 22:00.
OTHER MARKETS DURING THE CHRISTMAS IN COLOGNE 2024
In the city are set up at least other 4 large Christmas markets, equally magical and evocative. Heavenue is, the reference point of the gay community. But of course, open to everyone. A market where pop-art and tradition come together in an atmosphere of peace and respect.
Colorful stalls and culinary delicacies await you. Many are exclusive to this market, like the Rheinherz; it is a hot drink made with honey, coffee, and plum or apple juice, served in heated bottles. The vin brûlé, instead, is served in traditional wooden huts.
Open for 4 weeks, up to 23 December, from 10:00 to 22:00.
Lively and festive atmosphere awaits you at maritime market, set up at the port, with around 70 stands in perfect maritime style. A theme that recurs, of course, also on the numerous stalls, with objects, artefacts and gastronomic products.
Unmissable attraction is the impressive 15 meters boat, where you can savor the excellent mulled wine.
Close encounters with pirates, jugglers and fantastic shows await children and families.
A really exciting market, starting point to discover the many attractions nearby. Starting, of course, from the Chocolate Museum.
Open every day, from 18th November to 23rd December, from Sunday to Thursday, from 11:00 to 21:00; Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 to 22:00.
From 26th December 2024 to 06th January 2025, from 12:00 to 20:00, the maritime market changes its skin and becomes the New Year’s Market.
Nikolausdorf is the Village of St. Nicholas, set up at Rudolfplatz, every day, from 11:00 to 21:00 (Friday and Saturday, up to 22:00). In the medieval area, this cozy market will delight both adults and children. Excellent proposal of sweets and decorations.
To get around the various Christmas markets in Cologne, there’s nothing better than a fantastic train. For the joy, too, of the little ones. The Christmas-Market Express, crosses the city, making four stops at the same number of Christmas markets. This is the Cathedral market, Angel’s Mark, Old Markt, is the maritime market. By buying a return ticket, at the cost of 10€, you can move freely between the four markets. Discounted rate at 50% for children.
The train leaves every 15′ from the Dom, from the 10:15 in the morning.
*all information contained herein, including timetables and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered official. All names and trademarks herein belong to their respective owners.
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