Shining moments

Cologne's Christmas season promises an unforgettable experience where festive splendor and urban life merge. Whether you are looking for handmade gifts, sweet treats or simply a Christmas atmosphere - this walk will take you on a journey through the heart of Christmassy Cologne!

The route: A tour through Cologne's Christmas fairy tales

Your wintry tour starts at Heumarkt, right by "Heinzels Wintermärchen", where the open-air ice rink and quaint market stalls will put you right in the Christmas spirit. Just a few steps further on is the lively Alter Markt with its medieval backdrop.

From there, the route leads to the world-famous Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral, one of the most magnificent markets in Germany. Let yourself be enchanted by the large tent of lights and the stalls against the imposing backdrop of the cathedral. Now we turn into Hohe Straße and explore the Christmas shopping paradise before continuing along Breite Straße and Ehrenstraße. These lively shopping streets are perfect for a leisurely browse and a short coffee break.

At Rudolfplatz, the picturesque Nikolausdorf awaits with its quaint charm and creative gift ideas. The route then leads along the festively decorated Mittelstraße to Neumarkt, where the "Market of Angels" creates a heavenly backdrop - perfect for a mulled wine or a sweet waffle.

You return to Heumarkt via the popular Schildergasse and Gürzenichstraße. If you're looking for an end to the walk in an extraordinary atmosphere, you'll find what you're looking for at the harbor Christmas market at the Chocolate Museum. Here, maritime lights twinkle along the Rhine - a finale as special as the tour itself!

An experience for all the senses

This route leaves nothing to be desired. It combines Cologne's tourist highlights with the biggest Christmas markets and the most important shopping streets. Whether for families, friends or alone - thanks to numerous places to stop for refreshments, the culinary delights are not neglected and all stages can be shortened flexibly. Embark on this winter discovery tour and enjoy the diversity, culinary delights and joie de vivre of the Christmas city of Cologne!