Köln – Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt Köln 2026
What to expect
Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt Köln 2026 begins on Friday, 13 November 2026, right next to the Chocolate Museum in Cologne’s Rheinauhafen harbour district. The season runs until Sunday, 3 January 2027. A maritime Christmas market welcomes you until 23 December; after a break on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the New Year market follows at the same location from 26 December to 3 January. The organiser confirms the full dates and special opening times on its official website.
Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt Köln 2026: Dates on the Rhine
The Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt opens on 13 November on the promenade in front of the Chocolate Museum. According to the organiser, around 70 wooden huts with a warm lighting design feature in the new layout. There is also a large Ferris wheel at Rheinauhafen again this year. The last regular day of the Christmas market is 23 December, followed by two days of closure. The New Year market then continues the festivities. So, despite spanning two calendar years, the whole event belongs to the same edition, starting in 2026.
Opening times and quiet public holidays
The market is usually open from 11 to 21 on Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can stay until 22. However, on Remembrance Day, Sunday, 15 November, it opens only from 13, and on the Sunday of the Dead, Sunday, 22 November, only from 18. The site is closed on Thursday, 24 December, and Friday, 25 December. It also closes early at 20 on Thursday, 31 December. These exceptions are specifically listed in the official visitor information and have been added to the schedule.
Maritime huts, Ferris wheel and food
The Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt has a maritime theme right by the Rhine. You’ll find stalls selling crafts, gift ideas and winter food. The food and drink offering also includes specialities from different regions. The Ferris wheel offers a special view over the Rhine, the cathedral and the illuminated market site. The organiser also mentions group booking options and a site map showing entrances and toilet facilities. Separate charges apply for some rides and food.
Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt Köln 2026: Family programme
The programme includes live music, face painting for children and art activities on selected days. For example, a celebration featuring violinist Anoush and the band Lupo is planned for the opening on 13 November. The organiser also lists a live ice sculptor, stilt walkers and other musical performances. There are also family activities for children. Check the current organiser’s calendar for the exact times, as not every activity takes place daily.
Getting there, admission and visitor information
The address is Im Zollhafen 1, 50678 Cologne, right next to the Chocolate Museum. From Heumarkt, you can walk along the Rhine promenade to the market. Alternatively, bus route 133 takes you close to the museum. The organiser provides detailed information about getting there and step-free access. General admission to the market is free, but rides, food and other extras may cost money. You can find all the information on the official visitor website. More dates are available in the Kirmestermine calendar.
Highlights at a glance
What Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt Köln has to offer
- Opening / ceremonial keg tapping
- Ferris wheel
- Special lighting / world of lights
- Children's area / fairy-tale forest
More to experience in Cologne
AdvertisingProgramme & dates
- Fri13NovFestive opening with violinist Anoush and band Lupo16:30Stage at the Chocolate MuseumThe official programme gives the start time as around 16:30.
Getting there & services
Bus 133 to the Chocolate Museum, Stadtbahn to Heumarkt and around ten minutes on foot. Address: Im Zollhafen 1, 50678 Köln; Rheinauhafen underground car park.
Frequently asked questions
When does Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt Köln 2026 take place?
From 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027; the New Year market follows at the same location from 26 December.
What are the market’s regular opening times?
Sundays to Thursdays 11–21, Fridays and Saturdays 11–22. Special times apply on quiet public holidays and New Year’s Eve.
Is Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt open on 24 and 25 December?
No, it is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Are there special opening times on the Sunday of the Dead?
Yes, on Sunday, 22 November 2026, the market opens only at 18; on Remembrance Day (15 November), it opens only at 13.
Is admission to the market free?
Yes, access to the market site is free; rides on the Ferris wheel and other activities may cost extra.
Where is the market?
Right next to the Chocolate Museum, Im Zollhafen 1, 50678 Cologne, on the banks of the Rhine.
Is there a Ferris wheel and a family programme?
Yes, the organiser lists a Ferris wheel and regular activities such as face painting for children, live ice sculpting and music.
