Koeln Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Koeln and surrounding areas
Koeln marks Christmas 2025 beneath the Kölner Dom where the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom and other Cologne Christmas Markets fill the cathedral plaza with stalls, music, and festive events. Holiday activities include parades along the Rhine, seasonal concerts, and illuminated promenades through the Old Town. Enjoy Christmas lights, family-friendly markets, and a lively seasonal atmosphere near the historic cathedral and riverside neighborhoods.
Find the best Koeln Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
50 eventsPremium Christmas market with over 140 stalls and ISO sustainability certification.
Christmas Shows
20 eventsPowerful classical performances and community sing-alongs
Christmas Parties
11 eventsAll-inclusive rooftop New Year's Eve party with panoramic city views.
Christmas Lights
7 eventsAward-winning winter event with immersive themed worlds and spectacular shows.
Christmas Activities
12 eventsFestive river cruises for a stress-free holiday season
Editor's Picks (6)
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Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom
(Köln)
Premium Christmas market with over 140 stalls and ISO sustainability certification.
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Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
(Cologne)
Premium Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
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Bonn Christmas Market
(Bonn)
Multiple Christmas markets across Bonn's districts
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Monheim am Rhein Christmas Market
(Monheim am Rhein)
Expanded Christmas market across old town and Monheim Mitte.
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Phantasialand Wintertraum
(Brühl)
Award-winning winter event with immersive themed worlds and spectacular shows.
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Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt am Schokoladenmuseum
(Köln)
Maritime Christmas market with a 50m Ferris wheel.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Koeln Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Koeln
Koeln Christmas FAQ
The biggest events include the Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral and Heinzels Winter Fairytale, both drawing large crowds with festive stalls, lights, and entertainment.
Koeln is known for its vibrant Christmas markets with a strong focus on local crafts and culinary specialties, as well as unique light shows around historic landmarks like the Hahnentorburg gate.
The Old Town and areas along the Rhine River promenade are the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights, offering charming walking trails and festive displays.
You can find Christmas markets and local artisans mainly around Cologne Cathedral, Heumarkt, and Ehrenfeld district, where vendor stalls showcase crafts and seasonal treats.
Exploring neighborhood light displays and visiting free-entry Christmas markets like those at Roncalliplatz offer budget-friendly ways to enjoy the holiday season in Koeln.
Family-friendly options include markets with ice skating rinks, Ferris wheels, and interactive light installations, especially at Heinzels Winter Fairytale and the Village of Saint Nicholas near Rudolfplatz.