Cologne – Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral 2026

Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral 2026 runs from Monday, 16 November to Wednesday, 23 December 2026 on Roncalliplatz, directly in front of Cologne Cathedral. The so-called Market of Hearts combines festively decorated huts, a tall Christmas tree and a large star-lit tent. You can also look forward to arts and crafts, specialities and an extensive stage programme. Kölner Weihnachtsgesellschaft confirms the dates, opening hours and numerous new features for the 2026 edition on its organiser's website.

Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral 2026: Dates

The market opens on 16 November and closes on 23 December 2026. However, it is closed on Sunday, 22 November, for Totensonntag (the Sunday of the Dead). A continuous Christmas world takes shape at Roncalliplatz, right beside the famous cathedral. From here, you can combine a visit to the Christmas market with a trip to Cologne's Old Town. Unlike the Christmas markets at Rheinauhafen and Neumarkt, this is a separate event at the cathedral, with its own programme and organiser.

Opening times at Roncalliplatz

According to the official organiser's website, the Christmas market is open from 11 to 21 on Sundays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays and Fridays, you can visit the stalls from 11 to 22. On Saturdays, the market opens at 10 and closes at 22. The closure on Totensonntag also applies at this location. These times differ from those of other major Christmas markets in Cologne. That is why they are listed here separately in the weekly schedule rather than as general city-centre opening times.

Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral 2026: new highlights

According to the organiser, the market features over 120 festively decorated stalls. Alongside crafts and food and drink, 2026 also brings new attractions. These include a lovingly designed miniature Christmas market, the new Sternwarte viewing terrace with a photo spot, and a permanent area for the Sternenwald. A children's carousel, a Lindt gift world and an Alpenstube are also announced. The lights of the great canopy of stars above the market make a visit especially impressive in the evening. You can browse the square for souvenirs, food and crafts.

Stage programme and activities for children

The official tourist information describes more than 100 free events on and around the Christmas market stage. These include musical performances and changing acts. Activities for children also take place from Tuesday to Thursday, including puppet theatre, face painting and plays. Many events are free to attend. Their exact start times are listed in the organiser's event calendar. We therefore recommend checking the day you want to visit and not assuming an unconfirmed time.

Admission, how to get there and visitor tips

You can find the Christmas market at Roncalliplatz, 50667 Cologne, right next to the cathedral and the main railway station. You can easily walk to the square from the main railway station. In addition, tram lines 5, 16 and 18 stop at the Dom/Hauptbahnhof station. According to NRW Tourism, general admission to the market is free. Charges may apply for food, drinks and certain special offers. You can find the latest information and the full programme on the official website of the Cologne Christmas market. More dates are available at Kirmestermine.eu.