The Harbour Christmas Market opens first: on 13 November 2026, outside the Chocolate Museum on the Rhine, and it stays open until 3 January 2027, longer than the cathedral market.
- Dates
- 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027
- Daily
- 11:00–21:00
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00–22:00
- Sun 15 Nov
- from 13:00
- Sun 22 Nov
- from 18:00 only
- Entry
- Free
Harbour Christmas Market 2026 dates and opening hours
- Every day: 11:00–21:00
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00–22:00
- Sunday 15 November (Volkstrauertag): opens at 13:00
- Sunday 22 November (Totensonntag): opens only at 18:00
It is the only big Cologne market still open after Christmas, until 3 January, which makes it useful for a trip between the holidays.
Where is the Harbour Christmas Market?
On the square in front of the Chocolate Museum, Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln, in the Rheinauhafen. The easiest way is on foot: about 20 minutes south of the cathedral along the Rhine promenade, passing the Old Town and Heinzels Wintermärchen on the way.
With the Rhine right beside it and the old harbour cranes along the quay, it has a different feel from the markets in the city centre.
Hotels near the Rheinauhafen
The harbour area is quieter than the Old Town and still walkable to every market. The map shows places to stay nearby with live prices. Enter your dates to check availability.
Partner map by Stay22 (Booking.com, Expedia and others). We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Things to book while you are there
River cruises leave from the Old Town riverbank, a short walk from the market. The cathedral interior needs its own €12 / €6 ticket if you go inside.
Rhine winter cruise with festive music
Cologne's landmarks from the river, on a winter cruise with music during the market season. Check the listing for dates.
Check dates & pricesCologne from the water: 1-hour Rhine cruise
The best view of the twin towers is from the river. A short panorama cruise past the city's landmarks.
Check dates & pricesOld Town highlights walking tour
A 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 on each tour page.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market open in 2026?
On Friday 13 November 2026. It is the first of Cologne's big Christmas markets to open, and it runs until 3 January 2027.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 11:00 to 21:00, and until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sunday 15 November it opens at 13:00, and on Sunday 22 November only from 18:00.
Where is the Harbour Christmas Market?
Outside the Chocolate Museum at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln, on the Rhine. It is about a 20-minute walk south of the cathedral along the river.
Is entry free?
Yes. There is no charge to enter the market.
More Christmas markets in Cologne
- Cathedral Christmas market: 16 Nov – 23 Dec, closed 22 Nov, in front of the cathedral
- Heinzels Wintermärchen: from 23 Nov in the Old Town, with the ice rink
- Markt der Engel: 16 Nov – 23 Dec at Neumarkt
- Harbour Christmas Market: 13 Nov – 3 Jan by the Chocolate Museum
Planning a trip? See where to stay for the Christmas markets and Christmas gifts from Cologne. Coming from Britain? Read getting there from the UK, or compare Cologne with other Christmas markets. Staying for New Year? See New Year's Eve at the cathedral.
Dates and hours checked on the organiser's site on 11 October 2026. Official site: Chocolate Museum (organiser page).