Cologne & Dusseldorf Christmas Markets

We catch the ferry to Calais and journey onwards to our hotel, either the H+ Hotel Koln Bruhl or the Dorint Kongresshotel Dusseldorf/Neuss.

Cologne & Dusseldorf Christmas Markets

En route to Dusseldorf, we spend time in Aachen, a beautiful city bordering Belgium and the Netherlands. This unique location is reflected in the impressive mixture of goods for sale at the Christmas market, including delicious French and Belgian foods as well as traditional German-made products. The markets here are held in two locations, one in the main square by the 14th-century town hall and the other nestled in the shadow of the cathedral. Dating back to the 9th century to the time of Emperor Charlemagne, the cathedral itself is well worth a visit, one of the very first World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO back in 1978.

We then head to Dusseldorf, where we have time to enjoy the festivities and multiple Christmas markets with a scrumptious cup of gluhwein in hand. Don’t miss the most traditional one, Handwerker-Markt (Artisans’ Market), set against the historic City Hall and featuring craftsmen showcasing glassblowing and woodturning in the red-roofed huts, before exploring the Old Town quarters, adorned with rows of decorated stalls offering charming gifts. There is also a Ferris wheel offering great views over the Rhine, another large market and ice skating rink on the Koningsallee, one of Dusseldorf’s most exclusive shopping streets. Later, enjoy dinner at your leisure in a cosy restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Cologne & Dusseldorf Christmas Markets

We travel to Bonn Christmas Market, a festive hive of tasty food and spectacular gifts surrounded by the city’s Bottlerplatz and historic minster. The ideal place to find that unique gift, the market offers an array of delightful hand-crafted treasures, including jewellery, ornaments and knitwear. While here, you may also like to discover Beethoven’s birthplace or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverfront promenade, with the festive lights reflected in the Rhine. We then move on to Cologne Christmas Market to indulge in the special festive atmosphere: think roasted chestnuts and mulled wine while admiring the sparkle of Cologne’s beautiful decorations and stunning cathedral. There’s time for dinner at your leisure before returning to the hotel.

Cologne & Dusseldorf Christmas Markets

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and head back to Calais for our return ferry home.

Continuing on day 2, arrive in Dusseldorf to explore multiple themed markets strung through the Altstadt. Watch artisans at the Handwerker-Markt by the historic City Hall, then ride the Ferris wheel for sweeping Rhine views. Lace up at the ice rink on Konigsallee or wander elegant shopfronts between steaming mugs and cinnamon-dusted pastries.

As dusk settles, the riverfront glows and the “longest bar in the world” lives up to its name. Duck into a brewpub to sample a glass of Altbier or enjoy a free evening finding your own cosy tavern dinner. The setting blends mercantile heritage, contemporary style and merry brass-band carols—an authentic Rhineland welcome before you return to the hotel for the night.

On day 3, discover Bonn’s market, a festive maze around Bottlerplatz and Munsterplatz. Follow the glow of wooden stalls to hand-knitted scarves, tin toys and glass baubles while the aroma of roasted almonds drifts by. Seek out cosy corners for mulled wine and admire the towers of the Bonn Minster, a Romanesque landmark anchoring the scene.

This former capital of West Germany adds cultural depth at every turn. Nearby, you can visit Beethoven’s birthplace on Bonngasse or stroll the Rhine promenade as the water mirrors twinkling lights. The mood here is gentle and neighbourly—perfect for finding thoughtful gifts and pausing for photos and reflection before the afternoon carries you onward to Cologne’s grand finale.

Later on day 3, arrive in Cologne to feel the city’s heartbeat beneath the soaring spires of Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom). Wander the Cathedral market at Roncalliplatz, cupping warm mugs of gluhwein as choirs sing and braziers crackle. Then drift to the Old Town’s Heinzelmännchenmarkt, where fairy-lit lanes evoke the legend of Cologne’s helpful house gnomes.

Here Gothic grandeur meets Rhineland cheer: a masterpiece of high medieval architecture and a civic tradition of winter markets that celebrate craft, conviviality and candlelight. Browse pewter ornaments, carved nativity figures and local treats, then enjoy a free evening to dine at leisure in a riverside brauhaus. Conclude with a final pause for photos and reflection before returning to the hotel.

On day 2, pause in Aachen to stroll the festive chalets clustered around the 14th-century Town Hall and Katschhof square. Follow the scent of Printen—Aachen’s spiced gingerbread—as you sip gluhwein, browse hand-carved ornaments, and pause for photos and reflection beneath the winter lights. If you wish, step inside Aachen Cathedral to admire its octagonal chapel and shimmering mosaics.

Here, Charlemagne’s former capital tells Europe’s story in stone: the Palatine Chapel founded in the 8th–9th centuries, and a sanctuary recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978). Learn how this border city drew influences from Belgium and the Netherlands—reflected in its pastries and crafts—before continuing your journey, warmed by old-world atmosphere and the gentle ring of Advent music.