Event Dates
From: Monday, November 18, 2024
To: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Cologne Christmas Markets 2024
Every year, the city centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of the festivities in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas in Cologne 2024
Cologne is a Christmas Wonderland with stunning markets dotted across the old town! The gay scene also hosts wonderful parties and events and there is even a dedicated and colourful gay market, Heavenue!
- Are you visiting for Cologne Christmas Markets? Stay close to the markets and the bars at 25 Hours Hotel Koeln The Circle, rated “Fabulous” by guests featuring beautifully decorated rooms and excellent on-site bar and restaurant.
The Most famous Christmas markets in Cologne include:
The Cologne cathedral Christmas market.
- November 18th to December 23rd 2024 – With the Cathedral forming an impressive backdrop, Cologne’s landmark “Cathedral Christmas market” features more than 150 attractively designed wooden pavilions.
- Beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, you can choose from numerous sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work and drink “Original Christmas mulled wine” from the festively decorated Christmas mugs.
- Stay close to the market at the The Legend Hotel, offering luxurious suites with a “Superb” rating.
The Old Christmas market.
- November 18th to December 23rd 2024 (Note Heumarkt is open until the 5th of January 2025) – Probably the most attractive Christmas market is Heinzels Winter Fairytale on the Alter Markt in front of Cologne´s town hall and along Heumarkt squares.
- From treats, toys, and items to waken that feeling of nostalgia, through to handicrafts and Christmas products – here you’ll find everything your heart desires.
- The cosy Heinzels Winter Fairytale focuses on the legend of Cologne’s brownies (friendly household spirits called “Heinzelmännchen”).
- The spectacular ice rink on the Heumarkt is a special highlight of this Christmas market.
- Stay close to this market at the MGallery Hotel, with beautiful views of the Cathedral and delicious breakfast options.
- The market is a 15 minute walk from the Neumarkt main christmas market.
Angel’s Christmas market.
- November 18th to December 23rd 2024 – Cologne’s Neumarkt transforms into “Angel’s Christmas Market”. This is the main Christmas market in the city, famous for its fluttering angels, who sprinkle fairy dust on the streets awaiting Santa’s arrival who makes his appearance on a grand horse. How gay is that!
- Neumarkt is the largest of Cologne squares, located in the heart of the city’s shopping district and two busy shopping centres, Neumarkt-Galerie and the Neumarkt-Passage.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the market.
Harbour Christmas market.
- November 18th to December 23rd 2024 – In a picturesque setting overlooking the Rhine, the Cologne Harbour Christmas market at the Chocolate Museum brings the gateway to the Rheinauhafen to life and gives festive Cologne a maritime flavour.
- Products sold here tend to be more artistic and of higher quality with some unique items on offer, including some hand crafted Christmas Cards. Food here is also delicious.
- The Rheinauhafen is located along the river Rhine between the Südbrücke and Severinsbrücke, just south of the inner city’s historic old town. The district includes several cafés, restaurants, and galleries and some of the city’s most unique architecture and the art’otel Cologne.
- The centerpiece of the new Cologne promenade is the trio of buildings called the “Kranhäuser” (crane towers), which rise to a height of about 60 meters. The buildings, which are shaped like hoisting cranes, are defining elements of the skyline on the west bank of the Rhine.
- The market is a 25 minute walk from the main market.
The Stadtgarten Christmas market.
- The Christmas market in the Stadtgarten exudes charm, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Slap bang in the middle of the hip Belgian Quarter, it has a romantic, village-like feel to it.
- The market is a 15 minute walk from the main market.
- Cologne’s Belgian Quarter is home to some of the city’s young fashion designers, custom artisan products and abundant trendy pubs, cafés and restaurants that radiate the charm of “old” Brussels, Liège & co. in the very heart of Cologne.
Vringsadvent
- 21st November – 23rd December, 2024 Located in the heart of the Cologne “Südstadt” district, the Vrings-Veedels-Advent takes place at the historic Severins City Gate on Chlodwigplatz square, showcasing products from both the local district and surrounding areas.
- Visitors can unwind here with a variety of food and drink offerings, as well as a children’s carousel, making it an ideal spot to relax after a day of shopping in nearby neighborhoods.
Getting around the markets, The Christmas Market Express
- The Christmas-Market-Express is ideal for all of those who would like to visit more than just one of the beautiful Christmas Markets of Cologne even in wind and weather.
- The train drives through the lavishly decorated streets of Cologne’s old city and goes directly to the central stops which are located nearby four of the most beautiful Christmas Markets.
Gay Cologne
- Cologne has two different gay districts. Rudolfplatz is home to some of the more modern bars and clubs, while the Old Town is where you will find more traditional German gay bars.
- Enjoy a fun and friendly festive atmosphere in the gay bars and cafes during the Christmas Market celebrations. The following venues are popular with both visitors and tourists:
Gay Cafes
- Cafe Era – Modern gay friendly cafe with a busy street terrace open daily, perfect for lunch.
- Cafe Rico – Popular post-shopping meeting spot in the designer shops district, Open Wed-Sun
Popular Gay Bars
- Amadeus – Cafe Bar in the old town close to the Klein St Martin tower.
- Barcelon – Art Cafe with some Mediterranean inspiration from Barcelona.
- Baustelle 4U – Popular gay bar in the old town with camp music and friendly staff.
- Casino-Eck – German style bar open from Tuesday to Saturday with a traditional feel.
- ExCorner – Perhaps the busiest gay bar in Cologne, with more than 30 years of history.
- Exile – Busy bar with modern interior and younger guys, music videos. Open Wed to Sat.
- Gentle Bars – Bear-friendly bar in the old town with a fun atmosphere.
- Kattwinkel – The busiest bar in the Eigelstein quarter.
- Mumu – Home to the young and the pretty. Open daily from 7 pm.
- Schampanja – Alternative gay bar, popular with guys in the 30s and 40s in the heart of the gay “Bermuda Triangle”.
- Zur Kaiserin – Small gay bar in the old town close to several other popular venues.
Cruising Bars
- Deck 5 – Small cruising bar with darkroom, popular with 30+ crowd.
- Kinkz – Fetish bar right in the heart of Cologne.
- Pullermanns – Longest running fetish bar in Cologne open daily until 3 am.
Saunas
- Badehaus Babylon Cologne – Very busy sauna in Cologne complete with pool and host of several theme nights.
- Phoenix Sauna – Spacious sauna, busy at weekends when its open 24 hours and attracts lots of young guys.
Cologne Hotels
The following hotels are close to the main Christmas market and a short ride to the city’s bustling gay bars
Hotel Lyskirchen, Maritim Hotel, Dorint-Cologne, 25hours Hotel,
Recommended Hotels
Book your hotel well in advance for
Christmas Avenue as the city fills fast
Where we stay!
25hours Hotel The Circle offers a great
restaurant in the heart of the gay district
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Cologne Christmas Market Website
Gay Map of Cologne
There two gay areas in Cologne: Rudolfplatz, known locally as the “Bermuda Triangle” is more modern in style with Many of the cafes, bars and clubs around have started during the last twenty years. The Old Town is home to more Traditional pubs and bars for mixed ages.
Filzengraben 26, 50676 Köln, Germany
This hotel lies in the heart of , 100 m from the Rhine Promenade. Guests enjoy free use of the large indoor swimming pool and modern gym, and the sauna can be used for a surcharge.
The bright and spacious rooms at Hotel Lyskirchen feature elegant interiors. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a coffee machine as well as a complimentary bottle of mineral water. Free WiFi is available.
Pipinstraße 15 0667 Cologne, Germany
This hotel is situated in Cologne city centre, 200 m from the Heumarkt Square. It offers spacious rooms and a restaurant. Some rooms include access to a health club with large indoor swimming pool (usable for a surcharge).
Dorint am Heumarkt Köln provides spacious rooms with soundproofed windows and modern décor. All rooms include free tea/coffee facilities and a stylish marble bathroom. Some rooms offer a view of Cologne Cathedral.
Heumarkt 2050667 Cologne, Germany
Centrally located in Cologne, this hotel provides panoramic views of the River Rhine. The Maritim Köln offers elegant accommodation and a spa with a gym and indoor pool.
The air-conditioned rooms and suites of the Maritim Hotel Köln are furnished in warm colours. All rooms include satellite TV, a desk and a modern bathroom. WiFi is provided free of charge for guests in the whole hotel.
Hohe Straße 30 51149 Cologne, Germany
Located next to the lively pedestrian areas Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse you find Hotel am Augustinerplatz, only a 4-minute walk to Cologne’s Old Town and the Rhine.
The rooms at the 4-star Hotel am Augustinerplatz were completely renovated in 2009 offering a comfortable, modern design. They all feature a TV with free sky channels, a telephone, minibar and a safe.
Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Köln,
Conveniently set in Cologne, 25hours Hotel The Circle provides air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The hotel has newspapers and a fax machine and photocopier that guests can use.
Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All units include a desk.
Komödienstraße 3, 50667 Köln, Germany
The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with bidet and a hairdryer. Free WiFi and a balcony.
Ehrenstraße 67, 50672 Köln, Germany
The apartment has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a bidet. Free WiFi and private parking
Friesenwall 24B, 50672 Köln, Germany
The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with bidet and a hairdryer. Free WiFi and a balcony.
Hämergasse 4-14, 50667 Köln, Germany
All apartments at DASKöln feature designer-style furniture, a safe, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom with a shower. Just a 10-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral & the Main Train Station
Friesenwall 26 / Kettengasse, Cologne 50672
● Modern design with a popular street terrace
● Great spot to unwind and socialize
● Offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone
Monday, Tuesday 16:00 – 24:00; Wednesday, Thursday 15:00 – 24:00
Friday 15:00 – 01:00; Saturday 12:00 – 01:00; Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Mittelstraße 31-33, Cologne 50672
● Popular among shoppers from nearby fashion & design streets
● Gay-friendly with a cozy vibe
● Ideal for a coffee break or light meal
Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00 – 19:00; Thursday-Saturday 09:00 – 21:00;
Sunday 09:00 – 20:00
Pipinstraße/Vor St. Martin 8-10, Cologne 50667
● Cafe-bar in the Old Town of Cologne, next to the tower of Klein St.Martin ● Energetic, pink-hued gay bar featuring drinks, cafe bites & drag shows, plus outdoor tables.
Wednesday, Thursday 17:00 – 24:00; Friday 17:00 – 03:00 Saturday 14:00 – 03:00; Sunday 14:00 – 22:00
Pipinstraße 3, Cologne 50667
● Friendly gay bar in the Old Town, with a touch of Mediterranean
● The Barcelon has been a popular gay gin bar in Cologne's old town since 2011 with a large outdoor terrace.
Wednesday, Thursday 17:00 – 23:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 02:00
Sunday 14:00 – 20:00
Pipinstraße 5 / Vor St. Martin 12, Cologne 50667
● Popular gay bar in the Old Town of Cologne
Monday-Thursday 17:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 03:00+ Sunday 16:00/17:00 – 01:00
Kasinostraße 1a / Stephanstraße, Cologne 50676
● Traditional German pub with a mixed clientele
Tuesday-Saturday from 16:00
Schaafenstraße 61 A, Cologne 50676
● Modern fancy bar with drinks, DJs, music videos, and neon lights.
● Mainly young and middle-aged clientele.
Wednesday, Thursday 19:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 05:00
Schaafenstraße 45, Cologne 50676
● Mixed gay-straight-lesbian cocktail lounge bar.
● Stylish and with high-quality cocktails and drinks.
● Stylish and with high-quality cocktails and drinks.
Tuesday-Thursday 19:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00
Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
● Long-standing gay bar in the Eigelstein quarter.
Monday-Thursday 15:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 16:00 – 03:00 Sunday 14:00 – 00:30
Balduinstraße 20, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Small fetish-friendly gay bar in the center of Cologne Men Only!
Tuesday-Thursday 19:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 19:00 – 04:00 Sunday 17:00 – 02:00
Richard-Wagner-Straße 25, Cologne 50674
● Small basement lounge bar with karaoke and mixed clientele.
Tuesday-Sunday from 20:00
Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
● Long-standing gay bar in the Eigelstein quarter.
Monday-Thursday 15:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 16:00 – 03:00 Sunday 14:00 – 00:30
Mühlenbach 53, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Bears-friendly bar in the Old Town of Cologne.
● Little and big bears in all sizes.
Wednesday-Saturday from 18:00
Alter Markt 58 50667 Cologne, Germany
● In summer with terrace at Alter Markt(Old Market), a popular area for tourists.
● The clientele outside is usually very mixed.
Daily 12:00/14:00–01:00/03:00
Pipinstraße 5, 50667 Köln, Germany
● Small bar in the Old Town of Cologne.
● Next to the gay bars Barcelon and Baustelle4U.
Wednesday,Thursday17:00–01:00;Friday,Saturday17:00–2:00 Sunday16:00–23:00
Mathiasstraße 5, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Small gay bar with a backroom.
● Mainly attracts thirty- and forty-something clientele.
Monday-Thursday 20:00 – 02:00+, Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00+
Sunday 20:00 – 02:00+
Mathiasstraße 22, 50676 Köln, Germany
● The longest-running gay cruising and fetish bar in Cologne.
● Formerly known as Hands and Boners.
● Primarily attracts clientele aged 35+.
● Minimum consumption: 8 €
Monday 18:00 – 03:00, Tuesday-Thursday 21:00 – 03:00, Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 05:00, Sunday 21:00 – 03:00
Club Bogen 2, Gladbacher Wall 5, 50670 Köln, Germany
● Legendary party, well known for a great line up and light show. Cute crowd as well.
Schaafenstraße 49, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Popular busy gay bar can be a lot of fun
Daily from 7pm
Schaafenstraße 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
● Rather inconspicuous during the day, the Ex|Corner wakes up in the evening with regular entertaiment this bar is always busy
Schaafenstraße 51 50676 Cologne, Germany
● Gay bar with mainly very young clientele
Daily from 19:00
Mühlenbach 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
● Bar for gay seniors and their admirers.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday from 17:00 –01:00; Friday, Saturday17:00–03:00
Recommended Hotels in Cologne By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Cologne that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Dorint Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, health club, large indoor pool.
- Close to the gay district.
- Soundproofed, marble bathroom.
- Prime city center location, luxurious amenities, ideal for relaxation.
25hours Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, unique bar, vibrant ambiance.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
- Creative design, central location, perfect for a unique experience.
Hotel Lyskirchen
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, indoor pool, modern equipped gym.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, elegant interiors.
- Heart of Cologne, great value, modern facilities, leisure comfort.
DASKöln
Serviced Apartments
- Modern-style, central, free WiFi.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Designer furniture, equipped kitchen.
- Quiet yet central, ideal for longer stays, close to attractions.
Video of Cologne Christmas Market
Promotional Video for Cologne Christmas Market
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Cologne
Cologne, affectionately referred to as the “Gay Capital of Germany”, boasts vibrant gay neighbourhoods brimming with history, culture, and LGBTQ+ pride. The city’s heart beats loudly in the districts of Rudolfplatz and the Old Town’s famous Bermuda Triangle.
Altstadt-Nord | Cologne Old Town
Photo: Cologne hosts huge Circuit Events, Kinky Festivals & even a Gay Christmas Market
- Cologne’s gay scene is around Heumarkt-Mathiasstrasse in the Old Town (Altstadt). It is the city’s original gayborhood.
- The gaybourhood is home to low-key gay bars, a leather vibe and famous cruise clubs.
- One of the pioneering districts for LGBTQ+ rights in Germany, it hosts several post-parade parties during Cologne Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the old town.
Rudolfplatz
Nicknamed “The Bermuda Triangle”, located west of town and home to Babylon & Phoenix saunas.
Ehrenfeld
Artsy neighbourhood, 20-mins from the centre, with trendy cafes, boutiques, & a vivid street art scene.
Belgian Quarter
Known for its hip atmosphere offering a blend of chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, & lively bars.
Deutz
On the eastern bank of the Rhine River, with a quieter vibe and fantastic views of Cologne’s skyline.
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