Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom
Experience the magic of Christmas beneath the majestic Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral. More than 140 festive stalls, traditional crafts, and Glühwein await!
140+ Stalls
From 10/11 AM
FREE Entry
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Monday 16 November – Wednesday 23 December 2026, closed Sunday 22 November. That is 37 market days. Hours are 11:00–21:00 Sunday to Wednesday, 11:00–22:00 Thursday and Friday, and 10:00–22:00 Saturday. These dates are provisional.
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Wednesday | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Thursday – Friday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Sunday 22 November | Closed |
Provisional means what it says: the organiser (koelnerweihnachtsmarkt.com) confirms the final dates closer to the season. If you are booking flights or a hotel around them, check there before you pay for anything non-refundable.
Provisionally Monday 16 November 2026.
That is earlier than most people expect. The first Sunday of Advent in 2026 falls on 29 November, so the market opens almost a fortnight before Advent even begins — and the first week or so is noticeably quieter than the December crush.
Without a year attached, the general pattern: Cologne's Christmas markets open in the second half of November and usually finish on 23 December, the day before Christmas Eve. They do not run through Christmas itself.
The opening day moves around from year to year, so it is worth checking the current year rather than assuming last year's date repeats — 2026's provisional 16 November is early by recent standards.
Almost — with one closure. The market does not open on Sunday 22 November 2026.
That date is Totensonntag, a statutory day of remembrance in North Rhine-Westphalia on which public entertainment is restricted by law. It catches visitors out every year, because it lands in the middle of an otherwise daily run.
Don't confuse the two: the market is free to walk into. The cathedral is not — since 1 July 2026 the interior costs €12 / €6. Plenty of people arrive expecting one price to cover both. See tickets.
The cathedral market is the biggest, but Cologne has four large Christmas markets, all within a 20-minute walk of each other. They do not all open on the same day.
| Market | 2026 dates | From the cathedral |
|---|---|---|
| Cathedral Christmas market | 16 Nov – 23 Dec, closed 22 Nov | right here |
| Heinzels Wintermärchen | from 23 Nov; Heumarkt to 10 Jan | about 10 min |
| Markt der Engel | 16 Nov – 23 Dec, closed 22 Nov | about 15 min |
| Harbour Christmas Market | 13 Nov – 3 Jan | about 20 min |
There are also smaller neighbourhood markets around the city. Planning an overnight trip? See where to stay for the Christmas markets.
Book ahead for market season
1.5 hours on the river past the lit-up cathedral and Old Town, then walk straight into the markets. Runs only in the Christmas season; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Partner link: booked through GetYourGuide; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Closed Sunday, November 22. Dates are provisional.
Visit after dark for magical Christmas lights!
Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, nativity scenes, candles, and unique German Christmas decorations.
Warm mulled wine in collectible mugs, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted almonds, hot chocolate, and traditional German pastries.
Bratwurst, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), Flammlachs (grilled salmon), Kartoffelpuffer, and other hearty German fare.
The 25-meter tall Christmas tree in front of the cathedral, decorated with thousands of lights, creates a stunning backdrop.
The magnificent Gothic cathedral illuminated at night provides a breathtaking setting unique to this Christmas market.
Enjoy live music, carol singers, and the cathedral's own choir performing during the Christmas season.
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Roncalliplatz
Right next to Cologne Cathedral
50667 Köln, Germany
Exit at Köln Hauptbahnhof (1-min walk)
Hotels within walking distance of the cathedral and Roncalliplatz fill up early for December weekends. The map shows places to stay around the cathedral with live prices. Enter your dates to see what is still available.
Partner map by Stay22 (Booking.com, Expedia and others). We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
The markets are busiest after dark, so many visitors spend part of the day on the river first.
Cologne's landmarks from the river, on a winter cruise with music. It sails in the market season. Check the listing for dates.
Check dates & pricesThe best view of the twin towers is from the river. A short panorama cruise past the city's landmarks.
Check dates & pricesA guided walk through the historic Old Town, taking in the cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Old Town Hall.
Check dates & pricesPartner links: bookings go through GetYourGuide, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Cancellation terms are shown on each tour page.
The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market 2026 runs from Monday, November 16 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026. It is closed Sunday, November 22. Hours are Sunday–Wednesday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, Thursday–Friday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Dates and hours are provisional.
Yes, entry to the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is completely free. The market is an outdoor event on Roncalliplatz square, right next to the cathedral. You only pay for food, drinks, and items you purchase from the stalls.
The market features more than 140 stalls selling traditional German Christmas items including handcrafted ornaments, nativity scenes, wooden toys, candles, nutcrackers, and gifts. Food stalls offer Glühwein, Lebkuchen, roasted almonds, Bratwurst, and other seasonal treats.
Yes. Tourist visits generally run 10:00 AM–5:45 PM Monday–Saturday and 1:30 PM–4:30 PM on Sundays and public holidays. Christmas-period access can change, so check the official cathedral notice before travelling. Tower and Treasury tickets are sold separately.
The Christmas market is located on Roncalliplatz, directly next to Cologne Cathedral. It's a 1-minute walk from Köln Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Take any S-Bahn or regional train to Köln Hbf, exit the station, and the cathedral and market are immediately visible.
Make the most of your trip to Cologne Cathedral