Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Cologne, Germany
Cologne and the Rhine Valley Christmas Markets
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View towards the city centre with cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge ©Francesco Carovillano, GNTB
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Bonn Market Square
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Cologne is one of the most popular Christmas market destinations in Europe, offering several markets dotted around the city and which are renowned for their unique festivities. They line the streets in front of the cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark, and are among the most spectacular places to get your Christmas shopping done. The historic backdrop of the giant black cathedral looms over the stalls and elaborately decorated Christmas tree.
Nearby cities such as Bonn and Dusseldorf also offer traditional markets. Bonn Christmas Market, the city of Beethoven and HARIBO, is a great destination for those in search of food, shopping and culture whilst Dusseldorf offers seven unique themed markets dotted around the city.
Dates
November & December 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais. Continue through France, into Belgium and via Brussels before crossing the border into Germany and on to Cologne for the next 3 nights. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Cologne Christmas Markets
A full day to explore the city’s amazing markets. At the heart of the city is the “Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral” and not far away, located on the squares Alter Markt and Heumarkt, “Heinzels Winter Fairytale” hosts a spectacular ice rink. Directly located on the Rhine, next to the Chocolate Museum, the “Harbour Christmas Market” exudes a maritime flair. In the centre of the larger shopping areas, the “Market of Angels” is located on Neumarkt and on nearby Rudolfplatz, you can enjoy the spirit of the “Village of St. Nicholas”. The colourful and dazzling community Christmas market “Heavenue” opens its doors and on the edge of the popular Belgian quarter, people meet at the “Christmas Market at Stadtgarten” within Cologne’s oldest park.
(The above markets are usually open daily from about 11.00 am until 8.00 or 9.00 pm – subject to confirmation for 2025)
Day 3
Rhine Valley
Continue to explore Cologne or why not make the short drive to one of the following located along the Rhine Valley:
Bonn: Only a short drive from Cologne, the Münsterplatz is the location of the heart of Bonn’s Christmas Market, where there’s a high density of classic Christmas market stalls selling ornaments and gifts, along with tons of tasty classic Christmas market food. Generally speaking, the Christmas market scene in Bonn is considerably less crowded than Cologne.
Düsseldorf: Known for its seven unique themed markets, which are scattered around the city and decorated in different (yet beautiful) ways. The entire city centre and Old Town is transformed into a Christmas paradise, lined with hundreds of Christmas trees. Stroll around, buy presents and experience Christmas. And if you want to get up high, take a ride on the Ferris wheel on Burgplatz and enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the city.
(The above markets are usually open daily from about 11.00 am until 8.00 or 9.00 pm – subject to confirmation for 2025)
Day 4
Return to the UK
Make the return journey to Calais and take the ferry across to the UK, and home.
| Departure date | 4 days/3 nights | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| November & December 2025 | Price on request | Price on Request |
