The further east you go from Paris, the more likely you are to experience magnificent Christmas festivities. If your winter adventures take you beyond Strasbourg or Colmar, don’t miss the Cologne Christmas market—one of the most spectacular in Europe and even the world. Just a 3-hour-and-20-minute direct train ride from Gare du Nord, this is an easy getaway to enjoy starting in mid-November.
Up to 140 chalets and 50,000 lights at the foot of Cologne Cathedral
Every winter, Cologne and its traditions light up all of Europe, especially during Advent. In the heart of the historic city center, right at the foot of the legendary cathedral, one of the continent’s most beautiful Christmas markets takes place. With its 140 chalets lined up around a large Christmas tree, its heartwarming food offerings, and its craft stalls, it checks all the boxes for a magical experience. But Cologne isn’t just about its main event: plenty of other activities fill the city, including a market featuring a 1,800-square-meter ice rink!
This year, the festivities will kick off on November 13 with the gradual opening of smaller markets. Then, on November 16, the main event will make its grand return at the foot of the cathedral. On the famous Roncalliplatz, beneath the UNESCO-listed monument and 50,000 LEDs installed for the occasion, the “Market of Hearts” will take place, bringing together artisans, decorations, and German specialties. Spiced cookies, mulled wine, and artisanal pastries will of course be on offer, along with pretzels, grilled sausages, and gingerbread.
Just a few minutes’ walk away, on Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares, the Heinzels Wintermärchen—inspired by an old local legend—will also open. There, too, more than a hundred stalls will feature local crafts and delicacies. This is also where you’ll find the majestic giant ice rink with its long runways.
More than just a Christmas market, the entire Old Town of Cologne gets into the spirit and lights up. In 2026, for a total immersion in the magic of traditional holiday celebrations, this is the perfect destination.
📍Location: Cologne’s Old Town
📆 Dates: starting November 13, 2026