Having spent a year in Düsseldorf as a student, as well as having family and friends spread across the NRW region, I feel like I’m almost a local of these parts. In this guide I’ve put together the best Christmas Markets in Nordrhein-Westfalen, from those in the big cities, to magical markets in castle and palace grounds, to something just a little bit different..
The Best Christmas Markets in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Christmas Markets in the Cities
Each of the cities in Nordrhein-Westfalen have Christmas Markets during the festive period. Whilst some are more famous than others, all offer visitors something unique.
Bonn
The city of Bonn, and former capital of West Germany, transforms into a winter wonderland in December. Many of the city’s squares transform into cosy Christmas villages, inviting you in with the smell of spiced lebkuchen and Glühwein.
The central market in Bonn is at Münsterplatz, where you’ll find plenty of stalls selling decorations, gifts and the classic festive food and drink. If you happen to visit on a Saturday during advent, you can enjoy the Christmassy soundtrack played by the tower trumpeters in the Minster.
You will find more markets in the city at Bottlerplatz and Friedenplatz, as well as along Windeckstraße, Poststraße and Vivatsgasse.
22 November until 22 December 2024
Aachen
Aachen Christmas Markets have made it into the top 10 markets in Europe several times in recent years and after a visit, it becomes clear why. The alleyways and squares around the beautiful cathedral light up with twinkling lights and the authentic wooden huts provide plenty of opportunities for browsing and a bit of Christmas Shopping. An absolute must at the Aachen Christmas Markets is to try and the famous Printen cake, a type of gingerbread!
22 November until 23 December 2024
Düsseldorf
Scattered across Düsseldorf’s Old Town are a number of differently themed markets. In front of the lovely Rathaus (City Hall) you’ll find the most traditional history-themed market. Here you can browse the arts and crafts whilst sipping on some Glühwein. At Heinrich-Heine-Platz is the Engelchenmarkt (Little Angels Market) and on Flingerstrasse, the different market stalls are themed on the old town houses of the city. You’ll also find the Sternchenmarkt am Stadtbrückchen (Little Star Market at the Little City Bridge) located in the courtyard of Wilhelm Marx House. This lovely market is decorated with twinkling stars and crystal decorations.
If you fancy a bit of ice skating, head to the Kö-Bogen where you’ll find a large ice rink, surrounded by rustic wooden huts. When you’re done continue browsing along the Schadowstraße shopping street. Alternatively head to the snow-white Christmas village at Schadowplatz. For more, check out my complete guide to visiting Düsseldorf at Christmas Time.
21 November until 30 December 2024
Münster
Münster is arguably one of the prettiest cities in NRW, with is picturesque merchant houses, churches and museums. At Christmas time all of these are lit up with hundreds of lights and create a festive atmosphere for visitors. Around the city you’ll find five different markets and over 300 stalls. The St. Lamberti Church is surrounded by rustic cabins and an impressive Christmas tree, and the city’s town hall opens its courtyard to the oldest and largest market. Here you’ll find plenty of arts and crafts stalls as well as a carousel.
For something to eat I’d recommend the Kiepenkerl Market, rustling up all sorts of local specialities. Meanwhile at the Aegidii Christmas Market you’ll find a wooden pyramid at the centre of the stalls. Before your time at the markets is done, visit the Giebelhüüskesmarkt. It’s particularly lovely for its location in front of the Church of Our Lady.
25 November until 23 December 2024
Cologne
Maybe the most famous markets in all of Germany are the Christmas Markets of Cologne. The most popular market (the Market of Hearts) is made up over about 100 red-draped stalls around the stunning Cologne Cathedral (make sure you peek inside) on Roncalliplatz. This market does get very busy especially in the evening and at weekends.
If you prefer somewhere a little quieter head to Heinzels Wintermarchen, just a short walk away from the cathedral. This market, split between Alter Markt and Heumarkt, is one of my favourites and is themed around the Heinzelmännchen- Cologne’s legendary elves who the locals believe help them with their housework as they sleep. Sounds great! That’s not it as you’ll also find the Neumarkt Christmas Market in the middle of Cologne’s shopping district, as well as Nikolausasdorf Christmas Market in Rudolfplatz.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, there is also a great Christmas Market at Stadtgarten in the city’s Belgian quarter and for a market with a nautical theme, head to Hafen Weinhnachtsmarkt next to the Chocolate Museum.
18 November until 23 December 2024
Dortmund
Dortmund’s Christmas Market is pretty vast with around 300 stands surrounding the huge tree in the centre of Hansaplatz, as well as other markets in Alter Markt, and in front of St Renoldi and St Petri churches. Around the city you’ll find plenty of plenty more ornaments, some unusual toys and can indulge on yet more culinary treats include bratwurst and roasted almonds. If you stop for a hot drink at one of the stalls, admire the annual festive mug which has become somewhat of a collector’s item. For the deposit you pay on your mug anyway when ordering a drink, you’ve got yourself a souvenir of your trip to Dortmund!
21 November until 30 December 2024
Essen
Essen comes alive at Christmas time when the city centre hosts the international Christmas Market. The handicrafts and delicacies of over 20 different countries are showcased in the market each year and attracts guests from all over the world. In Flachsmarkt square you are transported to the Middle Ages with stalls selling incense, pottery and homemade soaps. You can also try some traditional recipes from the past from the Burgküche kitchen. On Kardinal-Hengsbach-Platz you can try your hand at crafting a beeswax candle along with other craftsy fun, perfect if you are visiting with children.
15 November until 23 December 2024
Oberhausen
Combining high street stores and festive stalls is the Christmas Market at CentrO Oberhausen, Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre. There are three Christmassy areas to explore including Santa’s Village, Elves Market and the Alpine Christmas Market. Once finished you can experience the toboggan run or head inside and continue your shopping.
15 November until 23 December 2024
Christmas Markets in Castles and Palaces
Away from the big cities of Nordrhein-Westfalen you’ll find plenty of other Christmas Markets worth visiting. Many of the castle and palaces in the region also host Christmas Markets and some of these are really lovely and a tad more chilled.
Schloss Grünewald, Solingen
The Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Grünewald is well worth a visit. Not only do you have your classic market stalls to browse but the park surrounding the castle transports you to a glistening winter wonderland, illuminated with over 1.5 kilometres of fairy lights and fire torches.
Open Weekends 29 November until 1 December 2024
Schloss Moyland, Bedburg-Hau
The Christmas Market at Schloss Moyland is a great place to come if you’re looking for an unusual gift. The castle, which also houses an art museum, invite craftspeople from across Europe to set up stalls each year. Whilst you are browsing the stalls you can enjoy a wide-ranging music programme, including music sung by local choirs from the NRW region. If you are visiting with children it is also worth knowing that St Nikolaus visits most days!
11 December until 15 December 2024
Schloss Benrath, Düsseldorf
On the outskirts of Düsseldorf is Schloss Benrath, a baroque style mansion and former hunting lodge. At Christmas time market stalls are erected in front of the palace and are a lovely place to enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere.
22 November until 22 December 2024
Dorenburg Water Palace, Grefath
Open for less than two weeks, you’ll have to be quick if you want to visit the Christmas Markets at Dorenburg. Set in the grounds of the Lower Rhein open-air museum you will find stalls showcasing work of designers, artists and craftspeople. The grounds are also transforms with glowing torches, twinkling lights and crackling fires which really add to the festive atmosphere.
Open 6-8 December and 13-15 December 2024
Schloss Merode, Langerwehe
Just outside of the town of Dueren is the stunning Schloss Merode. During advent season, the gates of this lovely castle open and guests are welcomed to enjoy the picturesque scenery and market stalls for as little as 7 EUR. If it gets too cold, you can also head inside the castle’s cafe for a warming cup of coffee or a hot chocolate. Why not treat yourself to a slice of stollen whilst you’re at it.
27 November until 22 December 2024
Schloss Bensberg, Bergisch Gladbach
Open for just two weekends, the Christmas Market at Schloss Bensberg certainly has an exclusive feel to it. No wonder, as the castle itself is actually a fancy hotel. For a small fee of 14 EUR, which includes a glass of Glühwein or punch, you can enjoy the lavishly decorated market and fill up with a delicious hog roast, sausages, or sweet treats such as Belgian waffles.
Open weekends 5-8 December and 12-15 December 2024
For Something a bit Different
After all of the city markets and those set in the grand setting of the region’s castles, if you are still looking for more Christmas Markets in the Nordrhein-Westfalen region, I have two more suggestions.
Medieval Christmas Market in Siegburg
Located between Cologne and Bonn is the quiet town of Siegburg. At Christmas time this town comes alive with its Medieval Christmas Market at the foot of Michaelsberg hill. The Market is filled with craftspeople, traders and jesters, all kitted out in their medieval outfits, and whilst you are browsing you can enjoy the authentic sounds of bagpipes and drums. Children can enjoy the tradition carousel and can even get involved in a children’s jousting competition!
22 November until 22 December 2024
Christmas Market at Phantasialand, Brühl
No visit to NRW is complete without a trip to the legendary Phantasialand. What better time to go than when the park is lit up with twinkling lights, a giant Christmas tree stands in Kaiserplatz and the lake is frozen over for visitors to enjoy some ice-skating. Not only that but there are special winter shows including the ‘White Christmas on Ice’ or the ‘The Magic Rose’. Each day you are also treated to a mesmerising firework display.
16 November until 26 January 2025
Cover image source: The Daily Telegraph
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Other posts that may help you:
- What to do in Düsseldorf at Christmas Time! [2022]
- Berlin at Christmas Time: Festive Things To Do
- My Top 5 UK Christmas Markets
- What to do in London at Christmas Time
Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you by sharing my list of the best Christmas markets in Nordrhein-Westfalen. If you have any questions about the destination in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
