Heinzels Winter Fairytale Christmas Market & Ice Rink
Visitors can wander through more than 100 stalls arranged across themed alleys in Cologne's Old Town, watching European wood carvers, blacksmiths, and confectioners demonstrate their crafts live. Guests can skate along an open-air ice rink circumnavigating a horseman statue or join in games of ice stock sport. The market also features live entertainment from jugglers and artists, interactive children's workshops, and food stalls serving freshly baked strudels, Handbrot, and flame-grilled salmon.
What to Expect
Cologne’s largest Christmas market with a spectacular open-air ice rink.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Heinzel GmbH
Food & Drink
Food includes freshly baked strudels, waffles, apple pancakes, Handbrot, potato fritters, and flame-grilled salmon; drinks are available at the Allgäuer Büble Alpe beside the ice-stock rinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy skating, crafts, and festive markets
Vibe
Whimsical and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Daily 11 AM–10 PM; through December 30: 11 AM–10 PM; from December 31: 11 AM–9 PM.
- Parking: The page recommends using a Park+Ride car park on the edge of the inner city and names Heumarkt, Groß St. Martin, Philharmonie and Dom parking buildings.
Tips & Advice
- Book an ice stock rink as early as possible if you want one for your team, family or Christmas party group.
- Visit before Christmas to see the artisans, since most work at Alter Markt, which closes after December 23 while Heumarkt runs into January.
- Take the metro to Heumarkt on lines 1, 5, 7 or 9, or to Rathaus on line 5, instead of driving into the Old Town.
- Hop on the Christmas Market Express, which runs between all of Cologne's Christmas markets during the season.
- Remember that Heumarkt is closed on December 24 and 25 and closes an hour earlier from December 31 onward.
Special Events & Promotions
- Ice stock sport rinks can be booked for teams, family gatherings and Christmas parties; book as early as possible.
- Ice rink tickets are sold separately online.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can kids do?
They can mould their own candy canes and forge a horseshoe with their name on it. They can also write a wish list at the Christmas Post Office, ride the Ferris wheel or historic carousel, and go ice skating.
Where are the craftspeople?
Most artisans are in the artisan laneway, the Handwerkergasse, at Alter Markt.
Where's the food?
Head to the food and snacks alleys, the Futter- und Naschgasse. You'll find strudels, waffles, apple pancakes, Handbrot, potato fritters and flame-grilled salmon.
Can we play ice stock sport?
Yes. You can book ice stock rinks for teams, family gatherings or Christmas parties. The Allgäuer Büble Alpe next door serves drinks.
Where do I park?
Use the Park+Ride on the edge of the inner city. If you drive downtown, use the Heumarkt, Groß St. Martin, Philharmonie or Dom parking garages.
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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.