Christmas Markets 2026: Cologne, Aachen, Düsseldorf and Bonn
2026 dates for the Christmas markets in Cologne, Aachen, Düsseldorf and Bonn, drive times from Cologne Bonn Airport and practical tips for a calm Advent trip.
When do the Cologne Christmas markets open in 2026?
The Rhineland's Christmas markets open in mid-November 2026: Cologne's main markets run from 16 November to 23 December, Düsseldorf's from 19 November to 30 December, Bonn's from 18 November and Aachen's from 20 November. All four cities are within reach of Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), so one trip can cover two or three.
The market below the cathedral on the Roncalliplatz runs from Monday 16 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026 and is closed on Sunday 22 November (Totensonntag). The Markt der Engel on the Neumarkt and the Nikolausdorf on the Rudolfplatz keep the same 16 November to 23 December dates.
Heinzels Wintermärchen in the old town opens on 23 November. Its Alter Markt section closes on 23 December, while the Heumarkt section with the ice rink stays open until 10 January 2027. The harbour market by the Chocolate Museum starts earliest, on 13 November, and runs to 23 December. Expect the markets to be closed on 24 and 25 December, and check each market's site for daily hours.
When do Aachen, Düsseldorf and Bonn open?
Aachen holds its 53rd Christmas market from 20 November to 23 December 2026, spread around the cathedral, the Katschhof and the Markt in front of the town hall. It usually opens 11:00–21:00. On Totensonntag, 22 November, it only opens from 18:00 to 21:00, and on the last day, 23 December, it closes at 20:00. The local speciality is Printen, a firm, spiced Aachen gingerbread that travels well in a suitcase.
Düsseldorf runs from Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026. Its themed markets form a chain from the Altstadt via the Heinrich-Heine-Platz and the Schadowstraße to the Königsallee, with an ice rink and a big wheel on the Burgplatz by the Rhine. It is closed on 22 November and on 25 December.
Bonn's market fills the Münsterplatz and the surrounding streets from 18 November to 23 December, closed on 22 November. After Christmas, a smaller Dreikönigsmarkt on the Remigiusplatz runs from 27 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, closed on 1 January.
Which is better, Aachen or Düsseldorf?
They suit different trips. Aachen is compact: the stalls sit close together around a cathedral that is older than most of the city, and you can walk the whole market in an evening.
Düsseldorf is a shopping city first. The markets string along streets you would visit anyway, the Königsallee included, and the season runs a week past Christmas. Cologne sits between the two: the biggest choice of markets, the cathedral as a backdrop, and the largest crowds.
Bonn is the quieter option and close to the airport. If you want to cross a border, Magisch Maastricht on the Vrijthof runs from 27 November to 27 December 2026. Weekends, especially Saturdays in Advent, are very crowded everywhere, so go on a weekday if you can.
How do you get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the markets?
Cologne city centre is a short ride from the airport, and many travellers take the train from the airport station straight into town. For the other cities, plan on these drive times: Bonn 26 km, 48–60 minutes; Düsseldorf 56 km, 66–83 minutes; Aachen 87 km, 68–85 minutes; Maastricht 119 km, 82–103 minutes. Phantasialand in Brühl is 28 km, 32–40 minutes.
The train works well for a couple with light bags. It is less convenient with children, a group, a late arrival or a hotel in Aachen or Düsseldorf that means changing trains with luggage. In those cases HotelTaxi can arrange a private transfer with a local provider, booked online or on WhatsApp, with a driver waiting in arrivals and the price agreed in advance.
Checklist for an Advent trip to the Rhineland
- Book your hotel early
- Rooms near the markets fill up for Advent weekends. Reserve as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for Saturdays.
- Choose weekdays
- Monday to Thursday evenings are noticeably calmer. Keep weekends for one market, not three.
- Dress for damp cold
- Rhineland evenings in December are often wet and just above freezing. Waterproof shoes and a warm layer matter more than a heavy coat.
- Arrange the airport leg
- Share your flight number if you book a transfer, and allow extra time on the way back for busy Advent traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Cologne Christmas markets open on Christmas Eve?
No. The Cologne markets are closed on 24 and 25 December. Most close for good on 23 December, while the Heumarkt section of Heinzels Wintermärchen with its ice rink reopens and runs until 10 January 2027.
Can I visit Cologne and Aachen on the same day?
Yes, but it makes for a long day. Aachen's market is compact, so an afternoon there followed by an evening in Cologne is realistic.
Which market is still open after Christmas?
Düsseldorf runs until 30 December 2026, closed on 25 December. The Heumarkt in Cologne stays open until 10 January 2027, and Bonn's Dreikönigsmarkt runs from 27 December to 6 January, closed on 1 January.
How far is Aachen from Cologne Bonn Airport?
Aachen is 87 km from the airport, usually a drive of 68 to 85 minutes.