Cologne’s Winter Wonderland: Christmas Market Walking Tour

Cologne transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, and the Free Christmas Market Tour is your guide to its enchanting markets. Discover the history behind Cologne’s most iconic Christmas markets and learn about the local traditions that make the season so special, with plenty of chances to buy a mug of Glühwein along the way if you’d like one. This 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through five major markets, including the famous Dom Christmas Market, with engaging stories that show what makes Christmas in Cologne unique. Enjoy a warm atmosphere and delightful company as you explore the heart of this festive city. - Guided tour through Cologne’s largest Christmas markets - Learn about local holiday traditions, with optional stops to buy Glühwein (not included) - Approximately 2.5 hours long, perfect for winter exploration - Available in English and Spanish with a maximum group size of 15

1. 1

   Roncalliplatz

   15 min

   Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom. Cologne’s most famous Christmas market, in the shadow of the cathedral on Roncalliplatz. Red-roofed stalls gather around a 25-metre Nordmann fir, the tallest natural Christmas tree in North Rhine-Westphalia, with live music on the stage and the Dom’s twin spires towering overhead.

2. 2

   Am Hof - Cologne

   10 min

   Adventsdorf am Dom. A cosy “Advent village” just around the corner from the cathedral on Am Hof. Under a giant illuminated Christmas pyramid, a Santa in his little hut leads the crowd in Cologne sing-alongs, while stalls serve Reibekuchen, bratwurst and fiery Feuerzangenbowle.

3. 3

   Alter Markt

   20 min

   Heinzels Wintermärchen. Set in the heart of the Old Town, this market tells the legend of the Heinzelmännchen, the little house gnomes who once secretly did all of Cologne’s work at night. Look for the gnomes hidden among the stalls, along with lanes of crafts, sweets and toys and plenty of traditional taverns.

4. 4

   Heumarkt

   20 min

   Heinzels Wintermärchen. The second half of the Heinzel market and its liveliest corner, built around a large open-air ice rink. Watch skaters glide under the lights or try Eisstockschießen, a Bavarian cousin of curling, then warm up at the cosy huts around the square.

5. 5

   Neumarkt

   15 min

   Markt der Engel. The “Market of the Angels” is one of Cologne’s most enchanting. Thousands of white star lights hang in the trees above white-topped stalls, and angels in flowing gowns wander among the visitors. Sample churros, poffertjes or Flammlachs as choirs fill the square.

6. 6

   Rudolfplatz

   15 min

   Nikolausdorf. A charming “St. Nicholas Village” of little half-timbered houses at the foot of the Hahnentorburg, one of Cologne’s medieval city gates. Hundreds of thousands of fairy lights glow on the rooftops and in the trees, making this one of the city’s most atmospheric markets.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.