With six main Christmas markets in Düsseldorf city center, there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. Dusseldorf may not be a big city, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in Christmas fun. Take a Ferris wheel ride by the Rhine, or test out your ice skating skills as you soak in the holiday spirit.
Table of contents
There’s plenty of festive fun to be found if you travel to Dusseldorf over Christmas time. Whether you’re looking for special gifts, wanting to try your hand at curling or just sample as much of the delicious food as possible, there’s something for everyone. Here’s my guide on all you need to know about the Christmas markets in Dusseldorf to make the most of your trip!
The best Christmas markets in Dusseldorf: Your ultimate guide
What you need to know
- Does Dusseldorf have good Christmas markets? While bigger cities may have more flashier markets, Dusseldorf still has some great ones. I’d say they’re more traditional and have some great handmade gifts!
- What is the best Dusseldorf Christmas market? This depends on what you enjoy, the Handwerker Markt is always popular!
- What date do the Christmas markets in Dusseldorf open? They generally open on the 23rd of November and run till the 30th of December. Be sure to check the dates for individual markets, especially after Christmas, on the website.
Dusseldorf Christmas market map
You’re never too far from a Christmas market in Dusseldorf. Here’s a map of everything to do and see!
How to use this map: Click on the markers for more information about each destination. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star in the top left corner.
Handwerker Markt – Craftsmen Market
Backdropped by the beautiful Rathaus (City Hall), the Handwerker Markt is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Dusseldorf and, true to its name, is overflowing with handmade delights. From kitchen utensils and hand-carved sculptures to hand-blown glass ornaments and delicate nutcrackers, you’ll find a vast array of unique items. It’s the perfect spot to find a special Christmas gift! Of course, there’s also there’s the usual filling of delicious treats on offer if you’re looking to grab something to eat!
Kö-Lichter Markt
Taking its name from its location along Königsallee, the Kö-Lichter Markt is one of the most fun Christmas markets in Düsseldorf! The main attraction is the huge ice rink wrapped around a fountain, where you can glide around under the fairy lights. There’s also a curling rink, as well as a two-story bar right beside it, which makes for a great spot for people-watching.
Königsallee itself is a high-end, luxury shopping street, so it’s well worth taking a stroll to see some of the fancier Christmas displays in the shop windows!
Altstadt Markt – Old Town Market
Set among the beautiful old buildings in Düsseldorf’s Old Town, the Altstadt Markt offers a quintessential German Christmas market experience. Here, you’ll find a wide array of decorations and gifts alongside plenty of delicious food. Its setting makes it particularly cosy. A major attraction is the Glühwein Pyramid, a large wooden Christmas tree-like structure selling delicious Glühwein, making it one of the must-visit destinations.
Märchen Markt – Fairytale Market
One of the prettiest Christmas markets in Düsseldorf has to be the Fairytale Market. All of the stalls here have white roofs topped with figures from, you guessed it, German fairy tales! Thousands of fairy lights, lanterns, and illuminated stars enhance the magical ambience, creating a scene straight out of a storybook. See if you can spot all of the different fairytales while you wander around!
Schadow Markt
Another one of the best traditional Christmas markets in Düsseldorf is the Schadow Markt. Located on Schadowstraße, a bustling shopping street, this is one of the best places to stop by if you need to do some last-minute shopping. You’ll find all the usual goods and tasty treats here, making it an ideal spot to indulge in some Christmas market fun!
Kö-Bogen-Markt
New meets old at the Kö-Bogen Markt, located by the sleek Kö-Bogen II, the largest green building in Europe. Here, you’ll find the traditional wooden huts of a Christmas market, creating a great contrast against the modern backdrop. A highlight of this market is the impressive Lichterhimmel, a dome made of fairy lights, where live music and performances take place, adding to the festive atmosphere in Dusseldorf at Christmas.
More things to see and do
There are some great Christmas markets Dusseldorf has to offer, but if you’re looking for something else to do, why not check out these activities:
Schadow-Arcaden Christmas Tree Show
Once every hour the giant Christmas Tree in the Schadow Aracden shopping centre comes to life. Lighting up in a spectacular light show, the tree spins and plays music treating shoppers to a festive show.
Ferris wheel on Burgplatz
Soar 55 meters in the air for incredible views of the city on the Ferris Wheel. The heated carriages are the perfect place to escape the cold and see the city as you’ve never seen it before!
Königsallee dome of lights
Across the Benrather Strasse Bridge on Königsallee you’ll find the Lichter Dome (Dome of Lights). Two huge arches covered in lights stretch out over the bridge making the perfect photo spot!
Advent Cruise along the Rhine
Take an afternoon off from shopping and set sail on this unique Christmas cruise! There’s plenty of festive music, delicious food and drink and even a visit from Santa Claus to keep you entertained!
Summary
There’s no better way to get in the festive mood than visiting a German Christmas market in Germany. Dusseldorf has a great selection to explore, so grab some mulled wine and some cookies and go enjoy some yuletide fun!
