Cologne – Santa’s Christmas Market at MediaPark 2026
What to expect
Santa’s Christmas Market MediaPark Cologne 2026 is taking place for the first time from Thursday, 19 November to Wednesday, 23 December 2026 at Cologne’s MediaPark. Around 80 market stalls in striking gift-box designs transform the square in front of the KölnTower into a festive wonderland. The offering also includes weather-protected seating areas, curling lanes and a programme of changing musical events. MVP Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH has confirmed the date and opening hours in its own press release. Admission to the market site is free.
Santa’s Christmas Market MediaPark Cologne 2026: Premiere
The new Christmas market opens on Thursday, 19 November 2026. According to the official information, it opens at 14. The market remains open until and including Wednesday, 23 December. Unlike many other Christmas markets, Santa’s Christmas Market also has limited opening hours on Totensonntag, 22 November. The organisers have announced special opening hours from 18 to 21. So you should not expect the usual visiting hours on this Sunday. MediaPark is located between the city centre and Neustadt-Nord.
Opening hours and how to get to MediaPark
From Monday to Friday, Santa’s Christmas Market is usually open from 14 to 22. On Saturdays, you can visit from as early as 12 until 22. Regular Sunday opening hours are 12 to 21, except on Totensonntag, when it opens from 18. The exact times have been published by both MediaPark and the organiser. There is also an underground car park directly beneath MediaPark; spaces can be limited on busy days. The Hansaring and Christophstraße/MediaPark stops are particularly convenient for getting there.
Santa’s Christmas Market MediaPark Cologne 2026: Attractions
“Santa in the Sky” is particularly unusual. You float in a Christmas-themed sleigh up to 50 metres above the market and can admire the illuminated square from above. This experience is not normally available to buy: according to the official tourism website, places are allocated by a prize draw. There are also five curling lanes with dedicated seating areas. The Rooftop Lounge, with drink service, is available for private groups. These offers are separate from free access to the market and may require separate bookings or be subject to participation conditions.
Elf Lane, food and programme highlights
The around 80 stalls feature gift-box designs. Covered seating and standing areas in Elf Lane also invite you to warm up. According to the organiser, a mobile elf service brings drinks straight to your seat. There is also a Christmas restaurant and a lounge for special occasions. A charity event for the RTL – Wir helfen Kindern foundation is announced for the opening day. The market also hosts candlelight concerts on selected Advent Sundays. These require separate tickets, while you can visit the regular Christmas market for free.
Practical information and planning your visit
You’ll find the market at MediaPark, 50670 Cologne, in front of the KölnTower. According to the organisers, the site is largely accessible, although some upper areas of the Rooftop Lounge and the Elf House are not accessible. So check accessibility directly with the organiser when planning to take part in special experiences. Regular admission is free; food and other booked experiences cost extra. Up-to-date details about programme dates are available on the official organiser’s website and from MediaPark Cologne. Find more dates in our events calendar.
Highlights at a glance
What Santas Weihnachtsmarkt im MediaPark has to offer
- Opening / ceremonial keg tapping
- Live music / stage programme
- Special lighting / world of lights
More to experience in Cologne
AdvertisingProgramme & dates
- Thu19NovOpening and charity event for the RTL fundraising marathon14:00MediaParkThe opening is confirmed for 14. On-site donations to the Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kindern, with a free drink as a thank-you.
- Sun29NovCandlelight concert, first performance17:30 – 18:30MediaParkTicketed concert; second performance from 19:30 to 20:30. Organiser’s programme.
- Sun13DecCandlelight concert, first performance17:30 – 18:30MediaParkTicketed, second performance from 19:30 to 20:30.
- Sun20DecCandlelight concert, first performance17:30 – 18:30MediaParkTicketed, second performance from 19:30 to 20:30.
Rides & attractions
1Getting there & services
Train/tram: Use Hansaring station (S-Bahn lines S6, S11, S12, S13 or tram lines 12 and 15) or Christophstraße/MediaPark (tram lines 12 and 15). From there, you can walk to MediaPark.
Car/parking: The central underground car park is directly below MediaPark. Enter Maybachstraße 10, 50670 Cologne into your sat nav and follow the signs. Capacity is limited, so the organiser recommends travelling by public transport.
- Accessible with some difficultyWheelchair & pushchair
- Nearby car parks
- Good public transport links / special services
Frequently asked questions
When is Santa’s Christmas Market at MediaPark Cologne 2026 taking place?
From Thursday, 19 November to Wednesday, 23 December 2026.
What are the opening hours at MediaPark?
Monday to Friday 14–22, Saturday 12–22, Sunday 12–21. On Totensonntag, 22 November, exceptionally from 18 to 21.
Is Santa’s Christmas Market open on Totensonntag?
Yes, according to the organiser, on Sunday, 22 November 2026, from 18 to 21.
Is there an admission fee?
No, admission to the market is free. Some booked experiences, concerts, food and drinks cost extra.
Can you buy tickets for Santa in the Sky?
No. Places on the Christmas sleigh, which floats up to 50 metres high, are allocated by a prize draw, according to official tourism information.
What can you book?
Including five curling lanes, Rooftop Lounge boxes, a Christmas restaurant and some concerts.
Where is Santa’s Christmas Market?
At MediaPark 50670 Cologne, in front of the KölnTower. Easily reached from the Hansaring and Christophstraße/MediaPark stops.
