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✨ When it gets dark earlier outside... ✨

✨ When it slowly gets colder outside, the days get shorter and darkness falls, various light installations illuminate the windows, the smell of hot chestnuts and almonds fills the air, and you drink delicious mulled wine to warm up, then it's here – Christmas market season.✨

All the latest information and further impressions of all the markets can be found here. Cologne Tourism offers a wonderful overview of locations, times and any admission prices. Clicking on the headings will also take you to the respective markets.

Christmas market on the cathedral square
The most beautiful and certainly best-known Christmas market, with a magnificent backdrop, splendidly decorated pavilions and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, is located directly in front of Cologne Cathedral. Here, visitors can expect around 150 stalls offering Christmas treats and handicrafts. From 17 November to 23 December.

Market of Angels on Neumarkt
Another highlight awaits visitors to the Christmas market on Neumarkt, also known as the ‘Market of Angels’. Cologne's oldest Christmas market on the central city square captivates visitors with hundreds of star lights in the trees and decorative oak stars. The market is characterised by elaborately designed houses in natural colours, angel figures and Christmas wreaths. The approximately 1,000 light elements transform the otherwise hectic Neumarkt into a place of peace and contemplation. The angels strolling through the alleys are an absolute highlight, especially for children. The Market of Angels is open from 17 November to 23 December.

Fairytale Christmas Market at Rudolfplatz: Village of St. Nicholas
The ‘Fairytale Christmas Market’ for young and old alike, set against a historic backdrop with a touch of magic, is family-friendly and transports visitors to a St. Nicholas village with small half-timbered houses. Highlights include the village chapel, the nativity scene designed by children and young people, and a video installation featuring the puppet Niko, who tells the story of St. Nicholas. In the St. Nicholas House, children and young people, but also adults, can learn something new – whether Cologne artists, authors or craftspeople, the works on display cover a wide range of variations. Here, everyone can do crafts, paint and listen together. And it's even free of charge. The Christmas market is open from 18 November to 23 December.

Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market in the Old Town
The Christmas spirit is also in the air at the Old Market and Hay Market. This Christmas market is also called the ‘Heinzelmännchenmarkt’ (Brownies' Market) and is based on the legend that brownies helped the guilds of old by baking bread for the baker, sewing clothes for the tailor and holding hot iron for the blacksmith. The winding alleys are also divided thematically. Whether it's handicrafts, sweets or toys, there's something for everyone here. The ice skating experience provides extra fun. Young and old alike can enjoy themselves on the ice rink or playing curling. The Christmas market is open from 24 November to 4 January.

Cologne Harbour Christmas Market
With its somewhat different Christmas market featuring pagoda tents and pointed roofs at the Chocolate Museum, visitors can experience a Mediterranean-style Christmas market based around the themes of the harbour, shipping and Cologne. Apart from the usual Christmas market assortment, the approximately 80 stalls here mainly offer maritime cuisine: fine fish specialities from a Michelin-starred chef, flambéed salmon and fish rolls from the original Hamburg fish market trader. Mulled beer and Feuerzangenbowle (a traditional German alcoholic drink) are served from a 15-metre-long three-masted wooden ship and a lighthouse tavern. The stall staff are dressed in authentic sailor costumes. On Advent weekends, you can also meet various artisans here. If you want to experience something even more special, you can get married on a trial basis and have Captain Ippach marry you in front of the large wooden three-masted ship. In a humorous ceremony, the marriage is officially concluded with a certificate – but only for
24 hours. The Christmas market is open from 14 November to 28 December. 

Christmas market in the Stadtgarten
With around 90 exhibitors, the Christmas market in the Belgian Quarter offers lifestyle products, modern creations, traditional crafts and nostalgic trinkets. The Christmas market is not only worth a visit because the exhibitors and stalls change weekly. There is no chance of boredom here – the colourful and varied programme on the Christmas stage ensures that. Opening hours: 14 November to 23 December.

The smallest Christmas market & for a good cause
This year, from 20 November to 23 December, the ‘smallest Christmas market in the city’ will take place in the charming ‘Südstadt’ district in the festively decorated courtyard of the Kartäuserchurch. Hot mulled wine, cool Gaffel Kölsch beer, a changing menu and evening live music from great Cologne bands ensure a cheerful and contemplative atmosphere every year. Every hour of work at this market is done on a voluntary basis and the proceeds from the huts are donated to selected aid projects.

Dino World at Cologne Zoo – a journey through time for the whole family

To mark its 165th anniversary, Cologne Zoo is presenting a spectacular highlight for visitors of all ages with the special exhibition ‘Dinoworld’. From Easter 2025 to autumn 2026, guests can immerse themselves in a fascinating world where 24 life-size dinosaur sculptures can be admired at 14 different locations throughout the zoo grounds.
Experience prehistoric giants up close

The exhibition features impressive replicas of dinosaurs such as the 15-metre-high and 35-metre-long Argentinosaurus, which towers majestically over the meadow at the Old Rhinoceros House. Other highlights include the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex on the zoo pond, the 10-metre-long Triceratops with its young near the tapir outdoor enclosure, and the Velociraptor baring its teeth opposite the bird of prey enclosure. Cologne Zoo

Many of these detailed figures are animated and move realistically, for example by opening their mouths or turning their heads. Most of the sculptures were made especially for Cologne Zoo and come from the renowned US company Dino Don, the world's leading provider of dinosaur exhibitions.
Virtual journey through time with the Dino VR experience

A special highlight of the exhibition is the Dino VR experience, which takes place in the Old Rhinoceros House. With the help of virtual reality glasses, visitors embark on a ten-minute journey through time into the world of dinosaurs. The expedition takes them through the lives of dinosaurs in the water, on land and in the air until their extinction around 66 million years ago. This captivating journey is narrated by Cologne-based bestselling author Frank Schätzing.
Collecting fun with the Panini sticker album

For collectors and dinosaur fans, there is an exclusive 48-page Panini sticker album that includes three special pages on Dinoworld. The album and accompanying stickers are available in the zoo shop and at selected kiosks. Annual pass holders and members of the Friends of the Zoo association receive discounts on the VR experience and the Panini sticker book until 24 August 2025.
Tickets and further information

Dinoworld is included in the regular admission price for Cologne Zoo and will remain open until autumn 2026. The Dino VR experience can be booked on site for €11 (reduced price €9). A special Dino Combi Ticket, which includes admission to the zoo and aquarium, the VR journey and a Panini sticker album with six stickers, is available online for €26 for adults and €14 for children. (City portal koeln.de, Come-on)

Staying at Hotel Viktoria

After an eventful day at Cologne Zoo, Hotel Viktoria is the perfect place to relax. Our comfortable hotel is centrally located in Cologne and is ideal for families and dinosaur fans who want to visit Dinoworld. Enjoy our first-class service and round off the day in a cosy atmosphere.

It is worth mentioning that children up to the age of 3 can sleep in their parents' bed free of charge. A cot is available on request and a 3-bed room is also available on request. Nothing stands in the way of a carefree family outing.

Cologne Zoo Hotel Package

Our specially designed package includes

A sweet welcome gift from the hotel

Detailed information about the zoo and Cologne's sights
One night's accommodation in a comfortable double or single room, including breakfast buffet

Simply book your tickets as an extra service when you book your accommodation!

Are you planning your wedding and still looking for a suitable hotel? Then you've come to the right place to make this the most beautiful day of your life!

One of the most imposing large villas in Cologne, built as the Music History Museum around 1906, now houses our innovative private hotel within its walls. In a quiet location and close to the Rhine promenade, the listed architecture of the historic building provides a spacious setting for the comforts of modern hospitality.

With our 47 rooms and 60 beds, we offer your guests enough space to spend the night and are happy to provide you with one of our junior suites.

The Cologne Flora and Villa Brändström in the immediate vicinity
Our hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the Flora. The botanical garden is a venue for banquets, conferences and upscale events - such as your wedding - for up to 1,500 guests. Inaugurated in 1864, the Flora Köln, operated by KölnKongress, is considered an outstanding work of German garden art. With around 10,000 different plant species and forms, it is one of the richest and most beautiful gardens of its kind in Germany. The Flora offers a variety of event rooms, including the Festsaal building, which is ideal for weddings. In addition to the beautiful gardens, there is also the stylish ‘Floraschänke’ restaurant, which is perfect for smaller celebrations.

The Art Deco Villa Brändström at Cologne's sculpture park is also an ideal wedding venue. This location impresses with its extraordinary ambience and offers space for up to 120 guests. The Villa Brändström, operated by Deli Eventservice, is just a 5-minute walk away. The villa impresses with its historical charm and modern facilities that create a romantic atmosphere for weddings. Deli Eventservice also provides first-class catering, which is individually tailored to the wishes of the bridal couple.

Be inspired by the breathtaking possibilities of these two outstanding locations and plan your unforgettable wedding in Cologne. Visit the websites of Flora Köln and Deli Eventservice for more information and impressions.

Getting married at Cologne Zoo: An extraordinary location for the most beautiful day of your life
Are you dreaming of a wedding that is just as unique and unforgettable as your love story? Then let yourself be enchanted by the extraordinary location at Cologne Zoo! Here, where exotic animals and breathtaking nature come together, your big day will be a very special experience.

A paradise for romantics and adventurers
Cologne Zoo offers you the opportunity to celebrate your wedding ceremony in a fairytale setting. Imagine saying ‘I do’ surrounded by exotic plants and animal company. The impressive backdrop creates an atmosphere that is both romantic and adventurous - perfect for couples looking for something special. Cologne Zoo has a variety of venues that are ideal for your wedding. Whether in the historic Zoo Society House, which impresses with its elegant ambience, or in the exotic Hippodrome, where you are surrounded by African flair - here you will find the perfect setting for your celebration. A wedding at Cologne Zoo also means unforgettable experiences for your guests. While you and your loved ones enjoy the various venues, you can discover the zoo's fascinating animal world. From elegant flamingos and majestic elephants to playful monkeys - the zoo offers numerous photo opportunities and entertainment options for young and old. The experienced Zoo-Event team will ensure that no culinary wishes are left unfulfilled. Enjoy a customised wedding menu that is perfectly tailored to your wishes. Whether an elegant dinner or a relaxed BBQ - the gastronomic highlights will round off your special day. To ensure that your wedding runs smoothly and stress-free, Cologne Zoo's experienced event team will be at your side. From planning to realisation - the experts will take care of all the details and ensure that you and your guests can enjoy the day to the full.

Combine your wedding with a stay at Hotel Viktoria
Why not combine your unique zoo wedding with a stay at our charming Hotel Viktoria? Our historic building and stylishly furnished rooms offer the perfect retreat after an exciting day. Enjoy first-class comfort and warm hospitality - and start your future together in an ambience that is just as special as your love.

Experience the most beautiful day of your life in a place that is just as extraordinary as your love. Get married at Cologne Zoo - an unforgettable experience that you and your guests will remember for a long time to come.

Visit ZOO EVENT for more information and to plan your dream wedding at Cologne Zoo. We look forward to being part of your special day!

With best regards,
Your team from Hotel Viktoria

We look forward to seeing you!