Cologne Christmas Market at the cathedral: 2026 dates
The Cologne Christmas Market at the cathedral stands on the Roncalliplatz, right in front of the building, from 16 November to 23 December 2026. It is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On 22 November 2026, Totensonntag, the market is closed.
Cologne has several Christmas markets, and the one at the cathedral is the one most visitors mean. Do not mix it up with the markets on the Alter Markt or the Heumarkt, which have other dates and hours. The overview table below sorts them out. For a market visit with the interior, read about Cologne walking tours and the cathedral ticket prices.
Opening hours of the main markets
Dates and hours for 2026. Check the current hours before you go.
| Market | Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cathedral, Roncalliplatz | 16 November to 23 December 2026 | Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed 22 November |
| Alter Markt | 23 November to 23 December 2026 | Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Heumarkt | 23 November 2026 to 10 January 2027 | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. until 30 December, then 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from 31 December; closed 24 and 25 December |
| Markt der Engel, Neumarkt | 16 November to 23 December 2026 | Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed 22 November |
| Harbour market at the Chocolate Museum | 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 | Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 15 November from 1 p.m., 22 November from 6 p.m.; closed 24 and 25 December |
For most visitors, the cathedral market plus the Alter Markt and the Heumarkt make a good evening. They are different markets, so check the dates. An ice rink at the Heumarkt is an extra offer, and its prices are not part of this overview.
Our picks: Christmas in Cologne
The markets with a master brewer, a Christmas bike tour or a winter cruise with St Nicholas.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Christmas markets and brewhouse tour
- Master brewer as guide
- Three Christmas market sites
- Two brewhouses
About three hours with a master brewer as guide, three Christmas market sites including the one at the cathedral and two traditional brewhouses. Mulled wine and Kölsch are paid on the spot.
Check availability →Christmas guided tour by bike
- Guide
- Rental bike
Three hours by bike with a guide through Cologne in the Christmas season, with the rental bike included.
Check availability →
Winter afternoon cruise with St Nicholas
- Decorated boat
- Reserved seat
- Live music
Two hours on a decorated boat with a reserved seat, St Nicholas on board and live music.
Check availability →Cologne tours and Rhine cruises
City walks, cathedral visits and boat trips in Cologne, with live prices and availability.
Weihnachtsmarkt Kölner Dom: how to plan a visit
Getting there and combining the market with the cathedral.
Getting to the market
The cathedral stands next to Cologne's main station, so the market is a short walk from the platforms. Light rail lines 5, 16 and 18 stop at Dom/Hbf. See how to get to Cologne Cathedral for trains, the airport and parking.
Visiting the cathedral on the same trip
Sightseeing in the interior has cost money since 1 July 2026: €12 regular and €6 reduced, and children up to 13 years are free. Prayer and services stay free. On Sundays the sightseeing visit runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. See opening hours and service times.
The tower in December
From November to February the tower is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry 30 minutes earlier. It is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December. Climbing it takes 533 steps, with no lift. See the tower climb guide.
Planning your days
Combine the market with the cathedral in the daytime and come back for the lit square in the evening. The cathedral at night page shows where to see it lit.
When to go
Advice for choosing a day.
Fixed dates, no promised quiet days
The markets have fixed opening dates. No day is guaranteed to be quiet, so pick your day and time with the hours table above and check the current hours before you go.
Dress for the weather
The markets are outdoors. Wear warm clothes and shoes that handle wet stone. See the best time to visit Cologne for seasons and carnival dates.
Where to stay
Hotels near the cathedral and station keep walks short on cold evenings. Where to stay in Cologne compares areas.
Cologne Christmas Market: frequently asked questions
When is the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral in 2026?
It runs from 16 November to 23 December 2026 on the Roncalliplatz. It is closed on 22 November 2026.
What are the opening hours of the cathedral market?
Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Is the cathedral market the only Christmas market in Cologne?
No. There are also markets on the Alter Markt, the Heumarkt, the Neumarkt (Markt der Engel) and at the harbour near the Chocolate Museum, each with its own dates and hours.
Which Cologne market is open longest?
The Heumarkt market runs from 23 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. The harbour market runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Is this the official Christmas market website?
No. This is an independent visitor guide. Check the current hours on site before you go.