Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral

Cologne’s best-known market, on the Roncalliplatz right below the cathedral, under a canopy of lights around a giant tree. Sun to Wed 11:00 to 21:00, Thu and Fri 11:00 to 22:00, Sat 10:00 to 22:00. Closed Sunday 22 Nov. Free entry. Hours as published by the organizer in October 2026; check the official site before you go.

Insider tips

Locals call this one the “Markt der Herzen” (market of hearts), and the setting is hard to beat: more than 120 decorated stalls on the Roncalliplatz, right below the cathedral’s twin spires, around a Christmas tree up to 25 meters tall under a canopy of lights. The central stage has more than 100 free performances over the season, plus a children’s program. It opens on 16 November, one of the first big markets in Germany, so it’s a good pick for an early trip. It’s closed on Sunday 22 November. Saturdays and evenings are the most popular times. On a weekday it opens at 11:00 and is much easier to browse.

Getting there

This is the easiest market in Germany to reach by train: walk out of Köln Hauptbahnhof and the cathedral is right in front of you. The Roncalliplatz is on the cathedral’s south side, a couple of minutes on foot. KVB lines 5, 16 and 18 stop at Dom/Hauptbahnhof.

Nearby markets

Cologne has seven markets in 2026, and two of the best are short walks away: Heinzels Wintermärchen in the old town and the Markt der Engel on the Neumarkt. For a day trip, try the Aachen Christmas Market or the Düsseldorf Christmas Market.

See every 2026 date in our guide to German Christmas markets, and find more to do in our Cologne travel guide.