Whether drinking mulled wine on the Ruhr or eating hot chestnuts in the forest Christmas market - you can always discover something new at these particularly beautiful Christmas markets in 2024 against an extraordinary backdrop in NRW. By the way: Our list is constantly growing - so it's worth checking back often.
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
Mülheim Ship ChristmasMülheim an der Ruhr learn moreMülheim Schiffsweihnacht offers an unrivalled backdrop right on the water, which bathes the Christmas hustle and bustle in a special light. Festively illuminated ships are moored on the banks of the Ruhr, which, together with the lovingly decorated riverside stalls, create an atmospheric and almost maritime Christmas atmosphere. The lights are reflected in the calm river and the gentle current brings a natural tranquillity to the hustle and bustle of the market.
The unique combination of water, lights and festively decorated ships makes the Mülheim Christmas on a Ship an unforgettable experience. The tranquillity of the Ruhr, the festive lighting and the varied offerings create a pre-Christmas atmosphere that can only be experienced here.
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
Colliery Park, Kamp-LintfortKamp-Lintfort learn moreThe Christmas market in the colliery park in Kamp-Lintfort is a special experience that combines industrial history and a festive atmosphere in an impressive way. Strings of lights shine between the mighty brick buildings and old winding towers of the former colliery, adorning the park with a touch of nostalgia and Christmas magic. The historic industrial backdrop gives the market a rugged but fascinating charm and creates an atmospheric ambience that can only be found here.
Between the old machines and halls, festively decorated stalls invite you to explore. Here you will find handmade products, Christmas decorations and regional specialities that make the offer unique and authentic. The aroma of freshly baked waffles and spicy mulled wine wafts through the clear winter air and harmonises perfectly with the imposing backdrop.
As dusk falls and the winding towers glow in soft light, the Christmas market in the colliery park is transformed into a place of contemplation and pre-Christmas joy. The mixture of industrial history and festive lighting makes the market an unforgettable excursion into a bygone era - an encounter with tradition and modernity that sheds a whole new light on the Christmas season.
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
At Cologne CathedralKöln learn moreThe Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral is a place where the magic of Christmas comes alive. Located directly at the foot of the imposing cathedral, the festively decorated stalls spread out and lend the square an atmospheric ambience that is particularly impressive in the shadow of the Gothic towers. The venerable walls and intricate details of the cathedral tower majestically over the market, creating a backdrop that is hard to beat in terms of Christmas romance.
There is plenty to discover between the small wooden huts: from artistically designed handicrafts and Christmas decorations to traditional treats that carry the scent of cinnamon, cloves and mulled wine into the cold winter air. The delicate fairy lights that illuminate the market are reflected in the stained glass windows of the cathedral and conjure up a festive atmosphere that is even more intense with the majesty of the cathedral in the background.
Especially in the evening, when the cathedral is bathed in golden light and its towers shine high above the city, the Christmas market becomes a magical place. The backdrop of Cologne Cathedral lends the market an aura of history and contemplation - a unique experience that captivates visitors from all over the world every year and brings the anticipation of the festive season to life in the most beautiful way.
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
Cologne Harbour Christmas MarketKöln learn moreCologne's harbour Christmas market on the banks of the Rhine offers a festive atmosphere with a charm all of its own. Amidst the backdrop of the Chocolate Museum and the modern crane houses of the Rheinauhafen harbour, a maritime Christmas world unfolds here that reinterprets the traditional market in a refreshing way. The proximity to the Rhine gives the market a special atmosphere - the gentle lapping of the water and the view of the passing ships immerse visitors in a wintery harbour idyll.
The white pagoda tents are reminiscent of sails, which are illuminated by fairy lights at dusk and bathe the market in a warm, glittering light. Here you will find a variety of unique handicrafts, maritime Christmas decorations and culinary delights that invite you to feast and savour. From freshly roasted salmon and mulled wine to Cologne specialities - the offerings reflect the cosmopolitan spirit of the harbour.
In the evening, when the lights are reflected on the water and the cathedral glows in the dark in the distance, Cologne's harbour Christmas market becomes a magical place. The special backdrop of the Rheinauhafen harbour with its blend of tradition and modernity makes this market an extraordinary experience that enriches the pre-Christmas season in Cologne in a unique way.
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
Market of lights in the Duisburg-Nord Landscape ParkDuisburg learn moreThe Schauinsland Reisen Christmas market in the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park is a unique experience that combines a festive atmosphere with the impressive industrial architecture of the Ruhr region. The disused blast furnaces and huge steel structures of the former steelworks form a spectacular backdrop that immerses the market in a fascinating interplay of light and shadow. Amidst the old industrial facilities, the market shines in a warm glow of lights and adds a touch of Christmas magic to the rugged ambience.
Between the imposing buildings and weathered walls, festively decorated stalls invite you to explore. Here, visitors can find handmade arts and crafts, original Christmas gifts and winter specialities. The aroma of mulled wine, roasted almonds and savoury food fills the crisp winter air and creates a contrasting experience between tradition and industrial culture.
As soon as dusk falls and the light installations bathe the blast furnaces in glowing red and blue, the landscape park is transformed into a fairytale Christmas landscape. The special backdrop of the old ironworks gives the Christmas market a unique atmosphere and makes the visit an incomparable experience - a place where the history of the Ruhr region comes to life in a festive way and the magic of Christmas finds an extraordinary space.
So impressive ...Markets against a special backdrop
Aachen CathedralAachen learn moreAachen's Christmas market transforms the old town around the cathedral and the historic town hall into a sparkling winter wonderland that enchants visitors year after year. In the shadow of the majestic Aachen Cathedral, which forms an impressive backdrop with its imposing towers and ornate windows, one festively decorated stall follows the next. The time-honoured town hall with its magnificent façade shines in the glow of the lights and tells of the city's long history, while bathing the scenery in a special, almost magical atmosphere.
Here you will find a variety of handcrafted treasures, Christmas treats and lovingly designed gift ideas. Particularly popular are the Aachener Printen, whose scent mingles with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the cold winter air, spreading a feeling of Christmas cosiness.
When darkness falls and the historic ensemble of the cathedral and town hall is illuminated, Aachen's Christmas market becomes a place that reflects the magic of Christmas in all its beauty. The impressive backdrop of the Old Town makes every visit an unforgettable experience and brings the centuries-old history of Aachen to life in a festive way.