Cologne Christmas Markets: gnomes, Kölsch and a cathedral

Cologne hosts several Christmas markets, each with its own theme, spread across the old town. The most famous sits right under the twin spires of the cathedral, beneath a canopy of lights and a giant Christmas tree.

Fun facts

• Cologne Cathedral took over 600 years to finish, from 1248 to 1880.
• The Heinzels market is named after the Heinzelmännchen, legendary gnomes who secretly did the work of Cologne's citizens.
• The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany's most visited landmarks.

What to see

• The market at the foot of Cologne Cathedral with its star-studded canopy.
• Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, with an ice rink.
• The harbour market near the Chocolate Museum on the Rhine.

What to taste

• Reibekuchen, crispy potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
• Kölsch, the city's light beer, served in small glasses in old-town pubs.
• Glühwein in each market's own souvenir mug.

What to do

• Climb the 533 steps of the cathedral's south tower for city views.
• Walk between markets along the Rhine promenade.
• Visit a traditional brewery pub (Brauhaus) for hearty Rhineland food.

💡 Tip: The S-Bahn from Cologne Bonn airport reaches the main station in about 15 minutes, and the station is right next to the cathedral market. Weekends are very crowded, so come on weekday afternoons.