Illustration of a santa visit scene (Afternoon Advent Cruise Cologne)
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Afternoon Advent Cruise Cologne

Guests embark on a relaxing Advent boat tour along the Rhine, taking in views of Cologne's illuminated Old Town. The festive atmosphere features live musical entertainment, holiday scents of cinnamon and mulled wine, and a special visit from Saint Nicholas for children. Food and beverages, including sweet treats, are available to order à la carte on board.

What to Expect

Afternoon Rhine cruise with views of Cologne's illuminated Old Town and Nikolaus.

Event Details

Duration

Two hours.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Altstadt

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH

Food & Drink

Food and drinks, including sweet treats, are available à la carte; groups of at least 10 paying adults can book a coffee package with a hot drink and Belgian waffle.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Calm and festive

Energy Level

Low

Budget

€€

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

KD Anlegestelle Köln/Altstadt
Frankenwerft 35, 50667 Köln, Germany
Cologne

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Adults €28; children €10; pupils and students €14; seniors €22.40. Group offer for groups of at least 10 paying adults: €29.20 per person for the afternoon cruise plus one coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a Belgian waffle with cherries and cream. – Get tickets
  • Hours: 15:00 Uhr Einlass; 15:30 Uhr Abfahrt; 17:30 Uhr Rückkunft/Ende.
  • Accessibility: Information for guests with limited mobility is available in advance from the Service Center regarding daily ship deployments and piers.

Tips & Advice

  • Book online ahead of time, because every ticket comes with a reserved seat and KD sets up the tables based on the party sizes that have booked.
  • If your party is small, expect to share a table with other guests, because tables are built for a set number of people.
  • Groups of ten or more paying adults should book the coffee package, which adds a hot drink and a Belgian waffle with cherries and cream.
  • Bring the kids along, since Saint Nicholas comes on board to visit the children while the live music plays.
  • Plan for a Tuesday to Sunday trip, because the afternoon Advent cruise doesn't run on Mondays during the season.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Group coffee package for at least 10 paying adults: the cruise plus a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a Belgian waffle with cherries and cream
  • Optional ticket insurance through Ergo Reiseversicherung, offered by email after you book online

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise good for children?

Yes. Saint Nicholas comes on board to visit the children, and there's live music throughout the trip.

What is there to eat and drink on board?

Food and drinks are ordered à la carte. The menu runs from sweet treats like Belgian waffles to savoury dishes such as currywurst with fries.

How long is the cruise?

It lasts two hours. It leaves from Cologne and comes back to the same pier, with views of the lit-up Old Town along the way.

How does seating work?

Your ticket includes a reserved seat. KD assigns tables based on availability and the size of your party. Tables hold a limited number of people, so smaller parties may share with other guests, and larger groups may be spread across several tables next to each other.

Is there a deal for groups?

Groups of at least 10 paying adults can book a coffee package. It adds a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a Belgian waffle with cherries and cream to the cruise.

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlySanta visitslive musicfestive foodseasonal activitiesholiday traditioncommunity celebrationwinter activities

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team