Germany · Walking Tours

Cologne Christmas Market Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

2 Hours Round trip from Cologne Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private walking tour through Cologne’s Christmas markets
  • 02 Visit Neumarkt, Alter Markt, Heumarkt, and the Harbor Christmas Market
  • 03 See Cologne Cathedral and the city’s festive historic center
  • 04 Enjoy themed markets with seasonal lights and decorated chalets
  • 05 Discover local lore including the Heinzelmännchen house gnomes
  • 06 Stroll along the Rhine waterfront with maritime Christmas flair

Experience the festive atmosphere of Cologne on a private walking tour through some of the city’s most beloved Christmas markets. From historic squares to the cathedral area and the Rhine waterfront, this tour offers a charming introduction to Cologne during Advent.

Stroll past beautifully decorated chalets, themed market stalls, and seasonal lights as you explore Neumarkt, Alter Markt, Heumarkt, and the Harbor Christmas Market. Along the way, enjoy the sights, stories, and traditions that make Cologne’s Christmas season so memorable.

Get your sea legs ready for a sailor’s Christmas!

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Cologne
Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

We start our Christmas magical tour at the Neumarkt (new market) and its angelical realm of the Angels Market. The Neumarkt Christmas Market is Cologne's oldest Christmas Market and is curiously located on the "New Market". In the backdrop you will see the St. Apostlen’s Church and Cologne’s main shopping area. This market gleams with charmingly designed chalets and a unique “stars at night” theme. Time to go on to the most famous Christmas Market in Cologne. At Alter Markt you will find the most photogenic spot in the city, a bit touristy but manageable. Get close enough to the Christmas tree for pictures! The Kolner Dom (Cologne’s Cathedral) cannot be missed. If you are lucky, you might get to hear a choir in the church. This is heart of Cologne and where the bulk of the crowds are. Although it feels like one large Christmas market, the Alter Markt continues towards the Heumarkt where you will find several rides including the skating rink. It’s also the “Heimat der Heizel”, or the Home of the House Gnomes. Those, here known as Heinzelmännchen, play a large part in the lore of this city. Then, for some more quiet but delicious market, we go on towards the Harbor Christmas Market. With its maritime flair at the shores of the Rhein river, it’s also right next door to the Chocolate museum, so you can combine this easily with a visit after the tour. Enjoy here some mulled wine (Glühwein) see the sailors in the “Trudel”, a three-masted wooden ship. Get your sea legs ready for a sailor’s Christmas!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cologne 1 city · 2 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private Guide for your group only
  • Possible customization on spot

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Any entrances
  • Food or/and drinks

Know before you go

  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cologne, DE
Tour start
Cologne, DE
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 hours finish where they began, in Cologne.

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