November 26, 2025, 12:01 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
When the first strings of lights illuminate at the end of November and the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds wafts through the streets, the enchanting time of Christmas markets begins in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Whether romantic in old town alleys, modern with themed worlds, or rustic with crafts–TRAVELBOOK presents six of the most beautiful Christmas markets in NRW that are worth a visit during Advent.
Whether with friends, family, or as a couple–a stroll through festively lit Christmas markets is an ideal way to kick off the pre-Christmas season. Here, everyone can find something to suit their taste and get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you prefer peace and contemplation or a city vibe with a show atmosphere, the following recommendations offer a selection ranging from traditional to unusual.
Overview
1. Cologne: Christmas Market at the Cathedral
In the heart of the city, the Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral unfolds its magic against an impressive backdrop. Here, over a hundred Christmas stalls are packed closely together, offering crafts, local specialties, and international delicacies that invite you to linger. With a glass of mulled wine in hand, you can stroll curiously through the booths while the sparkling lights glitter over the square–this is what makes this market so special. On the central stage, there are over a hundred free shows every year–from choirs to jazz and pop to Cologne sing-along evenings. In 2025, the program includes the Cologne Transport Orchestra, S(w)inging Christmas, and the Cologne Christmas Show by the “Kölsche Stäänefleejer.” There is also a dedicated children’s stage program. The central location also makes the Christmas market ideal for combining with shopping or a winter city stroll.
- Opening hours 2025:
- November 17 – December 23
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Thursday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- (Day of Remembrance, November 23: Closed)
- Admission: Free
2. Düsseldorf: Christmas Market in the City Center
In Düsseldorf, the entire city center transforms into a glittering Christmas world. Instead of a single market, visitors can explore several themed areas, all easily accessible on foot–from the marketplace in front of the town hall to Heinrich-Heine-Platz and the Schadow area, to the Kö-Bogen and along the Rhine. Around 200 stalls offer crafts, gift ideas, and culinary specialties from the region. The crafts market on the marketplace is particularly popular, while a large ice rink at Corneliusplatz invites visitors to skate. In between, festively decorated streets, light arches, and small gourmet stands with mulled wine, waffles, and chestnuts beckon.
A tip: The “Christmas City Map” shows all the huts and places and is also available for download.
- Opening hours 2025:
- November 20 – December 30
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Second Christmas Day (Dec. 26): 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission: Free
3. Münster: Christmas Market “Around the Town Hall”
Münster becomes a winter fairy tale during the Christmas season: The historic old town is adorned with light garlands and a canopy of lights, with stalls lining up around the town hall inviting you to linger. Under a sky of thousands of lights, around 120 festively decorated stalls offer traditional crafts, regional specialties, and sweet temptations like roasted almonds or Westphalian punch. For those who prefer a quieter experience, this market offers the perfect moment–whether with family or in a small group. Crafts, culinary delights, and a lot of heart ensure that the visit remains memorable. Current information on dates can be found on the market’s official website. Among the stalls, there are small retreats for warming up and pausing, while soft music and choirs on the stage create a Christmas atmosphere.
- Opening hours 2025:
- November 24 – December 23
- Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission: Free
4. Aachen: Christmas Market at the Cathedral and Town Hall
Between the cathedral and town hall, the Aachen Christmas Market unfolds its unique magic–surrounded by cobblestones, a glow of lights, and the scent of waffles and chestnuts. For over 50 years, the market has attracted visitors from all over the world, who stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town and discover handmade jewelry, candles, wooden toys, and winter delicacies. A special highlight is the view of the magnificently illuminated Aachen Cathedral, which gives the scene a fairy-tale character. With a glass of mulled wine or a hot chocolate with cream, you can fully enjoy the Christmas feeling here. Families also get their money’s worth: choirs, brass bands, and festive programs provide musical accompaniment.
If you’re looking for a souvenir, try the famous Aachen Printen–the regional pastry is known far beyond the city limits.
- Opening hours 2025:
- November 21 – December 23
- Daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; except:
- Sunday, Nov. 23 (Day of Remembrance): 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 13 (long Christmas market): 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 23 (last day): 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Also interesting: 4 of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Bavaria
4 of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Rhineland-Palatinate
6 of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Baden-Württemberg
5. Dortmund: Christmas Market Classic in the Ruhr Area
The Dortmund Christmas Market is one of the largest in Europe, and this is evident at first glance. The Christmas tree here, standing 45 meters tall and adorned with around 138,000 LED lights, is a real eye-catcher. According to the organizers, it is considered one of the largest erected Christmas trees worldwide and forms the glowing centerpiece of the market on Hansaplatz. Surrounding it are more than 250 stalls offering a vast array of crafts, gift ideas, and culinary classics–from potato pancakes and bratwurst to roasted almonds and mulled wine in all variations.
In the evening, when the tree shines with thousands of lights and the square glows in golden splendor, the market becomes one of the most atmospheric in all of NRW. The area around the Old Market, with its nostalgic children’s carousel and fairy-tale stage, is particularly popular–a highlight for families with children. Dortmund’s Christmas market combines tradition with impressive size and remains an experience for all the senses year after year.
- Opening hours 2025:
- November 20 – December 30
- Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Mulled wine and snack stands open about an hour longer
- Admission: Free
6. Herne: Cranger Christmas Magic
If you like it spectacular, you’ll love the Cranger Christmas Magic. On the grounds of the famous Cranger Kirmes in Herne, Europe’s largest mobile Christmas world is created every year–an impressive mix of classic Christmas market, winter fair, and show event. In addition to around 40 rides, a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, a large ice rink, and daily changing live shows provide real entertainment. Traditional stalls with mulled wine, chocolate, and roasted almonds are also present–even a Christmas arena with acrobatics and illusions.
Despite its size, the market remains charming: thousands of lights, atmospheric music, and the scent of cinnamon and cotton candy transform the fairground into a festive experience for young and old alike.
- Opening hours 2025:
- November 20 – December 30
- Monday to Friday: 2 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Day of Remembrance: 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Christmas Eve: Closed
- Christmas Day: Closed
- Second Christmas Day: 12 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Admission: Free