Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and home to the country's only themed Christmas markets. On this guided tour, we will discover the most popular and unique ones: the Gnomes' Winter Fairytale, the Angel Market, and St. Nicholas' Village. Amid twinkling lights, the aroma of cinnamon, and warm mulled wine, we will uncover unique legends and traditions while soaking in the Christmas spirit.
We will begin this walking tour at Kurt-Hackenberg-Platz, located directly in front of the Hotel Mondial and opposite the Cologne Philharmonic. Following an introduction to the history of Christmas markets, we will head over to the Heinzelmännchen Fountain to learn about the legend of Heinzel, which inspires the decoration of the Gnomes' Market. Spanning across the city’s two main squares, this lively Christmas market will be our next stop. There, we will admire the decorations, visit various stalls, and immerse ourselves in a feast of music, aromas, and colors. You will also enjoy free time to stroll at your own pace, sample local delicacies, take photos, and embrace the festive atmosphere.
After this visit, we will walk to Neumarkt, home to the iconic Angel Market. Its illuminated stalls, adorned with celestial motifs, invite you to enjoy an incredibly cozy setting and a wide variety of food and drinks. Celebrated for offering the largest selection of culinary treats among all of Cologne’s markets, it is also a fairytale come to life, where we will stroll among angels and mythological figures. Here, we will discover some of the traditional German Christmas pastries, a true classic of the local culture.
Our final stop will be at Rudolfplatz, host to the wonderful St. Nicholas' Village. We will see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa's sleigh, and you will have the chance—if you wish—to taste the best mulled wine (Glühwein) in the city.
After a two-and-a-half-hour tour, we will conclude our Cologne Christmas Market Walk at Rudolfplatz. However, we will be happy to recommend other markets so you can make the absolute most of your visit to the city during this magical time of the year.