Christmas Market at Fort Paul

On December 5 and 6, 2026, Fort Paul in Cologne’s Südstadt district invites you to a Christmas market in a unique setting. Surrounded by ancient walls, trees, and shrubs, you can experience the winter atmosphere at the fort while enjoying a campfire, mulled wine, and hot food.

Fort Paul was completed in 1825 and later incorporated into the Volksgarten. Today, it is no longer a fortress but a place steeped in history, art, and cultural activities. Since the 1970s, the building has served as a studio for various artists. The exhibition and the observation towers will also be open this weekend.

If you’d like to learn more about the fort, you can join a free guided tour at 5 p.m. on both days. During the tour, you’ll gain insights into the building’s history, its changing uses, and its current role as a cultural hub in the Südstadt.

On Sunday evening at 6 p.m., the Mosaik Choir, conducted by Michi Köster, will provide a musical Advent atmosphere with a short concert. The Christmas market is open on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.