Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Cologne and the Rhine Valley, Germany
Cologne and the Rhine Valley Christmas Markets – NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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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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Drachenburg Christmas Market ©Foto Schloss Drachenburg gGmbH - Reinelt
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 Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf offers seven unique themed markets dotted around the city.
Dates
04 December 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover or Dunkerque and take the ferry across to Calais. Continue through France, into Belgium and via Brussels before crossing the border into Germany and on to Königswinter for the next 3 nights and arrive in time for dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Cologne and 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. (Markets are usually open daily from mid-November to 23 December from about 10.00 or 11.00 am until 9.00 or 10.00 pm – subject to confirmation)
Apart from the markets there are plenty of other shopping options such as the designer and souvenir shops, as well as cafes, bars and restaurants throughout the city. There are also many museums that will be open such as the Chocolate Museum (open daily) and the Eau de Cologne Museum (open daily). Guided tours can also be arranged for groups of the old town and the cathedral.
We return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3
Bonn and Königswinter or Düsseldorf
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. (Markets are usually open daily from end-November to 23 December from about 11.00 am until 9.00pm – subject to confirmation). Nearby, the riverside village of Konigswinter is also a pretty place to explore with option to visit the Schloss Drachenberg which is located a short walk (uphill) from the town. (**see notes below)
Düsseldorf is 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. (Markets are usually open daily from end-November to end- December from about 11.00 am until 9.00pm – subject to confirmation).
We return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Make the return journey to Calais or Dunkerque and take the ferry across to the UK, and home.
Featured hotel
4* Maritim Hotel, Königswinter
Ideally located in the charming town of Königswinter, between the River Rhine and the Siebengebirge low mountain range.
The Maritim Hotel Königswinter boasts comfortable rooms with smart TV, minibar or mini fridge and free WiFi access.
Relax on the hotel terrace with wonderful views of the River Rhine. The Rheinterrassen restaurant and piano bar cater to all tastes. The hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the Drachenfels mountain with its striking castle ruins and the attractions of Bonn are also just a 15-minute drive away. In November and December there are a number of nearby Christmas markets to explore.
Christmas Markets
Information is based on current details and dates/times and locations are subject to confirmation for 2026 onwards.
Schloss Drachenberg, Königswinter
Experience the magical Advent season at the Christmas market at Drachenburg Castle! From the end of November to mid-December/weekends only/14.00-19.00 hours, the castle will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland. The park and castle will be lit up in the run-up to Christmas and where you can enjoy a warm drink and something to eat. In the castle interiors, pre-Christmas music will be played by local artistes and there will be a tent with a show in the park for young and old. This will deliberately not be a market but will offer a small selection of stalls with different goods.
Please note that areas of the park and terraces as well as the north tower of Drachenburg Castle are only accessible by steps. The exhibition rooms of the castle are accessible without steps for people with walking disabilities and wheelchair users accompanied by on-site staff. People with walking disabilities and wheelchair users report to the ticket office. Guided tours available for groups (bookable in advance).
4* Maritim Hotel, Königswinter
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single supplement |
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| 04 December 2026 | From £329.00 per person | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
Some dates in 2025 may still be available.
Register now for 2027!
