Short answer: pick Cologne for the most markets within walking distance and the longest season, from 13 November 2026 into January 2027, and add Düsseldorf, 25 minutes away. Pick Nuremberg or Strasbourg for one very traditional, historic market, and Vienna or Kraków for a city break further afield.
Cologne vs other Christmas markets at a glance
| City | 2026 dates | From Cologne | Cologne | 13 Nov – 23 Dec; Heumarkt to 10 Jan | — | Düsseldorf | 19 Nov – 30 Dec (closed 22 & 25 Dec) | 25 min by train | Nuremberg | 27 Nov – 24 Dec | about 3.5 h by ICE | Strasbourg | 27 Nov – 24 Dec | about 3.5–4 h by train | Vienna | 13 Nov – 26 Dec (Rathausplatz) | about 1.5 h by plane | Kraków | From 27 Nov; full market to 26 Dec | about 2 h by plane |
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Cologne dates by market: Harbour from 13 Nov, the cathedral market and Markt der Engel 16 Nov – 23 Dec, Heinzels Wintermärchen from 23 Nov. See all Cologne Christmas markets 2026.
Cologne vs Düsseldorf Christmas markets
Düsseldorf is the obvious alternative, and the easiest one to combine. Its seven themed markets are spread through the Old Town and along the Königsallee, a little more stylish and shopping-led than Cologne's. Cologne is bigger and more dramatic: four large markets all within a 20-minute walk, with the cathedral towering over the Roncalliplatz.
One practical difference: Düsseldorf stays open until 30 December (closed 22 and 25 December), while Cologne's cathedral market closes on 23 December. Between Christmas and New Year, Düsseldorf and Cologne's Heumarkt and harbour markets are still running.
Can you visit Cologne and Düsseldorf Christmas markets in one day?
Yes. Trains between Köln Hauptbahnhof and Düsseldorf take about 25 minutes and run frequently, so you do not need to plan around a timetable. A good order: Düsseldorf in the afternoon, then back to Cologne for the evening, when the markets around the cathedral are lit up. Staying over? See where to stay for the Christmas markets.
Cologne vs Nuremberg Christmas market
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is the classic: one market of about 180 red-and-white stalls on the Hauptmarkt, opened by the Christkind on 27 November 2026 and running until 24 December. Come for tradition, Nuremberg gingerbread and the small Nuremberg sausages.
Cologne gives you more variety and a longer season: several large markets, each with its own theme, from 13 November until well into January. Nuremberg is about 3.5 hours from Cologne by ICE, so it is a trip of its own rather than a day out.
Cologne vs Strasbourg Christmas market
Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas. Its market dates back to 1570, the oldest in France, and in 2026 about 12 markets with some 300 chalets fill the centre from 27 November to 24 December, with security checks at the entry points. Like Cologne, it has a towering Gothic cathedral at its heart.
Cologne opens two weeks earlier and keeps going into January, and it is far easier to reach from London, Brussels or Amsterdam by direct train. Strasbourg is about 3.5 to 4 hours from Cologne by train with one change.
Vienna or Cologne Christmas market?
Vienna's market in front of the City Hall runs from 13 November to 26 December 2026, with an ice rink beside it until 6 January, and the city has many smaller markets around its palaces. It is a grander, more imperial setting and about 1.5 hours from Cologne by plane.
Cologne is smaller and easier: everything is walkable from the main station, and for UK and Benelux visitors it is a train ride rather than a flight.
Cologne or Kraków Christmas market?
Kraków's market fills the Main Market Square from 27 November 2026, with the full market until 26 December and a smaller one into early January. It is compact and atmospheric, and prices are usually lower than in Germany.
Choose Cologne for size and choice, with four big markets instead of one, and for the cathedral. Choose Kraków for a cheaper, more relaxed city break.
Things to book in Cologne in December
If Cologne wins, these fit around the markets. The interior visitor ticket for the cathedral (€12 / €6) is separate.
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 & 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 & 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 & 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
Is Cologne or Düsseldorf better for Christmas markets?
Cologne has the bigger setting, with four large markets within a 20-minute walk and the cathedral as a backdrop. Düsseldorf has seven themed markets in the Old Town and on the Königsallee and stays open until 30 December. They are only 25 minutes apart by train, so many visitors see both.
Can you visit Cologne and Düsseldorf Christmas markets in one day?
Yes. Trains between Köln Hauptbahnhof and Düsseldorf take about 25 minutes and run frequently. Spend the afternoon in Düsseldorf and come back to Cologne for the evening, when the markets around the cathedral are lit up.
Is the Cologne Christmas market better than Nuremberg?
They are different. Nuremberg has one famous, very traditional market of about 180 stalls on the Hauptmarkt, open 27 November to 24 December 2026. Cologne has several large markets, starts earlier (13 November) and keeps two of them open into January. Nuremberg is about 3.5 hours from Cologne by ICE.
When do the big Christmas markets open in 2026?
Cologne's first market (the Harbour Christmas Market) and Vienna's Rathausplatz market open on 13 November, the Cologne Cathedral market on 16 November and Düsseldorf on 19 November. Nuremberg, Strasbourg and Kraków open on 27 November.
Dates checked on 17 October 2026 with the organisers and tourist boards of each city. They can change, so check before you book.
Cologne Christmas market 2026 · Getting there from the UK · Where to stay