Heinzels Wintermärchen opens on 23 November 2026, a week later than the cathedral market. It fills two Old Town squares: Alter Markt until 23 December and Heumarkt, with its ice rink, until 10 January 2027.
- Dates
- 23 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027
- Alter Markt
- 23 Nov – 23 Dec
- Hours
- Daily 11:00–22:00
- From 31 Dec
- 11:00–21:00 (Heumarkt)
- Closed
- 24 and 25 December
- Where
- Alter Markt & Heumarkt, Old Town
Heinzels Wintermärchen 2026 dates and opening hours
| Square | Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alter Markt | 23 Nov – 23 Dec 2026 | Daily 11:00–22:00 |
| Heumarkt + ice rink | 23 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | 11:00–22:00, from 31 Dec 11:00–21:00 |
Both squares are closed on 24 and 25 December. Many guides say all of Cologne's markets open on 16 November. This one does not.
Where is Heinzels Wintermärchen?
On Alter Markt and Heumarkt, the two big squares of Cologne's Old Town, between the town hall and the Rhine. From the cathedral it is about a 10-minute walk south through the Old Town lanes. The nearest tram stop is Heumarkt.
It pairs well with the cathedral market: start there in the afternoon and walk down to the Old Town as it gets dark.
Why it is called Heinzels Wintermärchen
The name comes from the Heinzelmännchen, the little house gnomes of Cologne folklore. In the story they did the townspeople's work at night, until a curious tailor's wife scattered peas on the stairs to catch a glimpse of them. They slipped, fled, and never came back. Gnome figures and decorations run through the whole market.
More Cologne stories are on our legends page.
Ice skating at Heumarkt
The open-air ice rink on Heumarkt is the market's centrepiece and runs until 10 January 2027, after the stalls on Alter Markt have closed. Walking around the market costs nothing. Skating is paid separately; check current prices and skate hire on the organiser's ice-skating page before you go.
Hotels near Heinzels Wintermärchen
The Old Town is the most atmospheric place to stay in December, but rooms on market weekends go early. The map shows places to stay around Heumarkt 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
The Rhine is a short walk from Heumarkt. 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 & 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
When does Heinzels Wintermärchen open in 2026?
On Monday 23 November 2026, a week after the cathedral market. Alter Markt runs until 23 December; Heumarkt and the ice rink stay open until 10 January 2027.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 11:00 to 22:00 until 30 December, then 11:00 to 21:00 from 31 December. The market is closed on 24 and 25 December.
Is Heinzels Wintermärchen open over Christmas?
Not on 24 or 25 December. Heumarkt and the ice rink reopen on 26 December and run until 10 January 2027. Alter Markt has closed by then.
Where is it, and how far is it from the cathedral?
On the two Old Town squares, Alter Markt and Heumarkt, about a 10-minute walk south of Cologne Cathedral. The nearest tram stop is Heumarkt.
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: heinzels-wintermaerchen.de.