This Historic European City Is Home To Some Of The Best Christmas Markets In Germany

While a Eurosummer is great, winter is also a great time to visit — especially if you love to shop. Christmas markets pop up across Europe in winter, and they can be a great place to holiday or souvenir shop. That's particularly true in Germany, which is said to be the birthplace of the Christmas market. If that country is your vacation destination, you're going to find some of the best Christmas markets in historic Cologne (Köln in German). Cologne is a must-visit city when you're traveling to Germany, with its ancient Roman ruins, immediately recognizable towering cathedral started in the 13th century (where one of the Christmas markets is located), and charming Chocolate Museum, but it's the Christmas markets that turn this lovely town into a magical winter wonderland each year. 

The Cologne-Bonn Airport is just nine miles from the city, and there is a train station right inside. There are also bus pickups from the airport, as well as taxis. Do note, however, that in 2025, Cologne Central Station is closed for construction through late November. Inside the city, buses and trains are widely available. When visiting a Christmas market, having cash on hand is a good idea, as some vendors may not have a card reader. Make sure to carry it in a money belt under your clothing to avoid pickpockets in the crowd. You may also want to bring a reusable bag with you to carry the goodies you purchase.

One of the larger Christmas markets in Cologne takes place in front of the city's main Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. It looks like a fairyland from above, with glittering lights and an enormous Christmas tree(pictured). The stalls feature all sorts of crafts for purchase, foods like cinnamon rolls and roasted chestnuts, reibekuchen (a potato pancake), and himmel un ääd (heaven and earth), which is made from black pudding, potatoes, and apples. The Cathedral Christmas market has over 100 free Christmas events on stage. There are also children's programs with things like puppet shoes and face painting from Tuesday through Thursday. This market is also ISO-certified for sustainability, so you can feel even better about paying this festival a visit. 

Another lovely market takes place in the Belgian Quarter, in the oldest park in the city. The Stadtgarten Christmas market has over 60 stalls in decorated cabins. Sparkling lights surround you as you shop or snack on some raclette (melted Swiss cheese) on potatoes or bread. The Stadtgarten market even opens with a concert in mid-November. There are a variety of handcrafted from woodworking to jewelry to crocheted baubles, mulled wine from the organic Georg Forster Winery, and so much more. 

In the Neumarkt area, you'll find the Market of Angels. It's right in the center of a great shopping district, and it's the perfect spot to find that special present. There are angels on horseback with gifts for the littlest members of your family, as well as the Winter Queen with a live owl, and even Elsa the Ice Queen. You'll find mulled wine and punch to drink, food like crepes (including ones made with adult beverages), Belgian fries, waffles and pancakes, filled bread, and spätzle.

An absolutely magical spot, especially if you're traveling with kids, is the Heinzels Winter Fairytale Christmas market, with trees lit up in a variety of colors, and a large stage for live entertainment. This market opens in November and runs through January 4 — instead of ending around Christmas, like most markets — and it sits in Old Town across from the Alter Markt and Heumarkt Squares. This one centers around the legend of the brownies or Heinzelmännchen, beneficent spirits who help around the house. (They may appear more like what some would call gnomes, complete with pointy hats.) This is the largest market in Cologne and has over 100 stalls. There is also a giant ice rink, with tickets for skating around $20 for adults and around $14 for kids at the time of this writing, though they also have pricing if you're watching and not skating. Kids can make candy canes, watch ice dancing, and send a letter to Santa Claus.

Cologne's Harbour Christmas market (pictured), located along the Rhine River, sits right next to the city's famous Chocolate Museum, with 70 stalls of crafts, food, and more – the stalls are even designed to remind you of a ship, in keeping with the market's theme. If you're looking for some mulled wine, you can get some right on the deck of a three-mast wooden ship. You can also hit the Harbour Lighthouse-Pub for some mulled beer. This market is also close to Old Town if you're spending time there during the day. There is also a huge Ferris wheel that gives you a fantastic view of the river and the market from above, live entertainment with sea shanties and pirates to go along with the nautical theme, a merry-go-round,  and small boats for the kids. And if you're feeling peckish, this market has lots of seafood to try.