The Dusseldorf Christmas Market is simply magical! From the moment we arrived, we were entranced by the picture-perfect celebrations that dot the gorgeous cityscape.
Each distinctive market features idyllic holiday huts selling warm glühwein, local treats and unique artisan wares.
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We marveled at the twinkling lights and decorated trees. We watched in wonder as the giant riverside Ferris wheel spun around and admired the skaters as they glided across an outdoor ice rink.
During our trip, we completely immersed ourselves in the festiveness of Dusseldorf at Christmas time and soaked in all the joyful vibes!
Why Visit the Dusseldorf Christmas Market?
The Dusseldorf wintertime festival may not hold any titles – it’s not the oldest, biggest or grandest – but we believe it’s one of the best places to visit in Germany at Christmas.
On top of the many Fun Things To Do in Dusseldorf year round, the city is jam-packed with merriment during the month of December.
Underrated and often overlooked, the Dusseldorf winter fair only came to our attention at the last minute.
We had a few free days in our schedule between visiting Croatia and traveling to the Netherlands. With those open dates, we were on a quest to experience an epic German Christmas market.
The previous year, we had spent time at the Frankfurt Christmas Market and were completely in awe of the spectacle.
Craving similar revelry, large cities – like Berlin and Munich – sprang to mind as classic holiday destinations. They host some of the top Christmas markets in Germany.
But then we heard whispers about the charming Dusseldorf Winter Market and realized the lesser-known location was an ideal place to get a full dose of holiday cheer.
Now, we are letting you in on the secret by sharing our tips from the best experiences on our visit!
Dusseldorf, Germany Christmas Market Review
After visiting many European Holiday Markets, it was with great anticipation (and pretty high expectations) that we arrived at the Christmas Market in Dusseldorf – and it absolutely delivered!
Based on our personal experiences, we are sharing our list of the top things to do at the Dusseldorf Christmas markets.
Of course, we provide this year’s dates and times so that you know when to plan your trip, as well a map of the markets and attractions.
Fun Fact: In German, the holiday fair is called Weihnachtsmarkt or Kerstmarkt – but it all refers to the same fabulous event!
Best Things To Do in Dusseldorf at Christmastime
Alright, let’s get on with the festiveness! Here are our top-recommended activities for your holiday trip.
Visit the Distinctly Unique Dusseldorf Markets
One of the things that impressed us most at the Christmas Markets in Dusseldorf, Germany is how the wintertime celebration completely takes over the city center.
Cheerful holiday chalets cluster along cobblestone lanes, crowd into prominent squares and hide in cozy corners. In fact, the city proudly proclaims seven distinct holiday marketplaces.
Each uniquely-themed space is bathed in the soft glow of lights and adorned in vibrant decor, creating an utterly jovial atmosphere.
Best of all, the markets are all within easy walking distance, making it possible to simply saunter from one to the next with a steaming cup of glühwein in hand.
We are sharing our favorite spots – but be aware that some market themes, vendor placements and top attractions may change from year to year.
Handwerke Markt on Marktplatz
Trips to Dusseldorf at Christmastime would not be complete without visiting the Handwerke Markt.
Located on the main square under the gaze of the Elector Jan Wellem equestrian statue, the picturesque artisan bazaar features handmade crafts, a historic carousel and a towering Christmas tree.
It’s a prime place for unique Christmas presents – like wooden Nutcrackers, Weihnachtspyramiden figurines and complete nativity sets. Also be sure to seek out the life sized Nativity Scene.
Altstadt Markt on Flinger Strasse
A pedestrian lane in historic Old Town, Flinger Strasse hosts the must-see Altstadt Christmas Market. Here, huts resembling old Burgher houses are backdropped by stunning age-old architecture.
The festive centerpiece, however, is the Christmas pyramid. Featuring characters of the city’s past, it’s the most popular spot to grab a goblet of glühwein.
Schadow Markt
Dusseldorf’s popular shopping street, Schadowstrasse, is enhanced with its own bustling outdoor marketplace.
What we liked most about this market were that most of its vendors sold traditional and custom holiday gifts.
Ko-Lichter Markt on Konigsallee
Konigsalle – or King’s Avenue – is one of the prettiest promenades in the entire city – so it’s fitting that it is home to an atmospheric market.
The wide boulevard features a long canal that is lined with trees, decorated with statues and crossed by picturesque bridges.
During Kerstmarkt in Dusseldorf, the romantic Lichterdom – a dome of lights – arches across Benrather Strasse Bridge, which make the Ko-Lichter Markt simply dazzling.
Another reason not to miss this area is that the thoroughfare is the city’s best shopping street.
Whether standing under the light dome, window shopping or sipping a festive drink, we are certain you will feel the Christmassy vibes, just like we did!
More Unmissable Markets
The Marchen Markt is one that is especially enticing to children (and the young at heart!). The chalets are decorated with Grimm Brothers’ fairytale characters.
In the past, the Marchen Market has hosted special reading of German fairy tales – and Santa has even been known to make an occasional appearance!
The Ko-Bogen Markt is situated in front of the renowned Ko-Bogen II building and overlooks the city center Hofgarten.
Special activities are arranged for kids, like carol singing, and the market hosts musical performances, too.
New Market: Werhnachtspromenade
Fresh to the lineup of phenomenally festive Dusseldorf Kerstmarkt events is the Roncalli’s Werhnachtspromenade.
Located along the Rhine River Promenade, this new addition features holiday decorations, regional products and tasty treats.
Go Ice Skating at Ko on Ice
Marking the north end of the posh Konigsallee shopping street and Stadtgraben canal, the Dusseldorf Christmas Ice Rink, located on Corneliusplatz, is an inviting winter wonderland.
The rink encircles a tiered fountain and lights are strung overhead, illuminating the way for the elegant (and not so elegant) skaters.
Curling lanes are adjacent to the rink – and while we didn’t attempt playing, we definitely had fun watching the winter scene from the cozy lodge!
Take a Whirl on the Dusseldorf Ferris Wheel
Situated on the banks of the Rhine River in Burgplatz is the iconic Riesenrad Wheel of Vision. Whirling around the Ferris wheel in an enclosed (and heated!) gondola is a holiday tradition.
We opted to keep our feet on the ground, instead savoring the delicious fair food at the base of the wheel.
In fact, this lively little spot right by the river turned out to one of our favorite festive places in Dusseldorf.
Sing Along with the Schadow Arkaden Christmas Tree
Another long-standing tradition during Christmas in Dusseldorf is the Singing Tree at Schadow Arkaden Mall.
In addition to a slew of jolly decorations, the shopping center boasts an entertaining Singing and Dancing Christmas Tree. The light and music show occurs every hour on the hour.
We missed out on this fun holiday custom – as our timing never aligned. But it is definitely one to keep on your list (especially if the weather gets too cold).
Eat and Drink the Best Dusseldorf Holiday Fare
One of the great things about German Christmas Markets is the food – so, naturally, we ate as much of it as we could!
While there is an array of cuisine to feast on at the Dusseldorf Christmas Markets, there are a few things that should not be missed.
Mulled Wine
There is no other drink that ushers in the holiday season quite like Gluhwein. The hot wine is spiced with cloves and citrus…and it’s both tasty and warming.
Each festive area at Kerstmarkt Dusseldorf has at least one mulled wine vendor – and a commemorative mug they serve it in. A small deposit is required for the drinkware; you can either return it or keep it as a souvenir!
Feuerzangenbowle is gluhwein’s more potent cousin. The concoction is prepared by lighting a rum-soaked sugar cube on fire and letting it drip into the mulled wine. You’ve been warned!
Bratwurst
As one would expect at the Dusseldorf Xmas fair, the aroma of grilled sausages hangs heavy in the air. The heavenly scent was impossible for us to resist and we gobbled up more than our share!
While there are many different types of sausages on offer, the classic bratwurst with mustard is what most pleased our palate. The large sausage stand at Handwerker Markt made the best ones, in our opinion.
Reibekuchen
German potato pancakes – called Reibekuchen or Kartoffelpuffer – are fabulous fried fritters that come with a side of applesauce or sour cream (that latter is our preference).
The first time we tried these delicious delicacies was at a small German village Christmas Market near Nijmegen, Netherlands…and we have been pretty much craving them ever since.
When we saw Reibekuchen at the Altstadt Markt in Dusseldorf, we were quick to grab a few. We even tried them enhanced with sauteed mushrooms. Delicious!
Flammkuchen
An iconic German dish, Flammkuchen – also called Tarte Flambee – is a thin, crispy dough topped with cream, cheese, onion and bacon pieces. The delectable treat is a perfect snack while sipping a warm beverage.
Langos – Hungarian Fried Bread
Although Langos originates in Hungary, it has made its way into Christmas Festivals across Europe – and we are not complaining!
A classic Langos is deep fried dough slathered with sour cream then topped with grated cheese and seasoning. We found the tastiest Langos near the base of the Ferris wheel.
Killepitsch
Produced in Dusseldorf since 1858, Killepitsch is an herbal liqueur that helps to keep market-goers warm on brisk wintery days.
We think the best place to get a taste is from the source! Pop into Et Kabuffke Killepitschstube for a nip of Killepitsch…or just order from the takeaway window and continue on your merry way!
Complete Your Christmas Shopping in Dusseldorf
The city is a well-known fashion hub of high-end designers and shopping malls. That said, the prime place to buy holiday gifts is actually at the markets.
If you are looking for something unique and handmade, head to the Handwerke Markt. We also found traditional German Christmas gifts (like wooden toys and pottery) at the Altstadt Markt.
Vendors also sell classic Christmas presents, like holiday baubles, sparkling jewelry, candles and ceramics.
Set Sail on a Rhine River Christmas Cruise
Seeking a special Dusseldorf experience? Hop aboard a Rhine River cruise boat for an afternoon of holiday fun.
The 2-hour cruise features atmospheric lights and Christmas décor. Passengers get a panoramic view of Dusseldorf while enjoying German specialties from the on-board bar. Book your spot!
Attend One of the Christmas Markets near Dusseldorf
Another fantastic reason to visit Dusseldorf in December is its close proximity to other cities in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, which each have their own holiday festivities.
Well connected by public transportation, you can easily travel by train from Dusseldorf to explore and revel in the merrymaking.
Top Tip: Before buying tickets, find the right one for your trip. Deutsche Bahn offers a range of money-saving tickets; find current info on the DB website.
Cologne Christmas Market
If you are trying to decide between Dusseldorf or Cologne Christmas Market breaks, we say go to both!
From Dusseldorf, Cologne is a short 30-minute train ride away. The two main Cologne Xmas Markets – at the Cathedral and in the Old Town – are just steps from the station.
To be honest, the real reason we decided to go to Cologne was for a hockey game. However, we were thrilled that we stayed for the Koln Christmas Festival!
Sipping glühwein under a canopy of lights beneath the soaring Gothic towers of the Kolner Dom ranks as one of our top Christmas moments.
Dortmund Christmas Market
The city of Dortmund boasts a cheerful Christmas fair and claims to display the World’s Largest Christmas Tree (which is created using more than 1500 spruce trees).
We had grand plans to visit the Christmas Market in Dortmund – with stops in Duisburg and Essen along the way – but we got too distracted by all the fun in Dusseldorf. Perhaps on a future trip!
Enjoy Sightseeing during the Holidays
It’s true that the holiday fairs are what enticed us to spend a long weekend in Dusseldorf during winter – but, as the city was new to us, we carved out time for sightseeing, too.
From what to see to where to eat to the city’s top museums, we highlight some of the best things to do in Dusseldorf in December in our city guide.
Dusseldorf Xmas Market Info and Details
Before you plan your trip to Dusseldorf for Christmas, be sure to check the dates and times for this year’s event.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market Dates 2025
The dates of the 2025 Christmas Market in Dusseldorf are November 20 to December 30.
They are all open daily, with two very important exceptions: November 23 for Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead) and December 25.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market Opening Times
All of the Christmas Markets Dusseldorf keep the same hours. The opening hours are as follows: Sundays to Thursdays from 11am until 8pm; Fridays and Saturdays from 11am until 9pm.
Special Christmas Hours: The Dusseldorf holiday festival observes shorter hours on December 24 (from 11:00am until 3:00pm) and on December 26 (2:00pm until 8:00pm).
Quick Guide to 2025 Dates
- November 20: Opening Day!
- November 23: Closed for Totensonntag
- December 24: Open from 11am to 3pm
- December 25: Closed for Christmas Day
- December 26: Open from 2pm to 8pm
- December 30: Last day of the festival
We also encourage you to check the official website for any last minute changes!
Dusseldorf Christmas Market Map
Use this map to find the location of each Winter Market in Dusseldorf we featured above.
Xmas in Dusseldorf Travel Tips
Now that you know what to see, do and eat, we have a few bits of advice to help you plan your trip!
Planning a Christmas Market Dusseldorf Trip
We have shared our top tips for the best things to do at the Dusseldorf, Germany Christmas Market – now it’s time to start preparing!
If you are traveling to Germany from overseas, start with our guide to Planning a European Vacation.
As you begin to make your plans, you will need to stay on top of all the details. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner.
Getting There
The Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) is served by all major European airlines and most low-cost carriers. Use our tips for finding cheap flight fares, then start your search on SkyScanner.
The city is also well-connected by train. You can use rail services from top German destinations and nearby magical European cities (like Strasbourg or Paris). For a cheaper ride, check out Flixbus.
Where To Stay
When planning your holiday trip, it is essential to book your hotel early! The best ones get snapped up early during the Christmas season.
The most opulent hotel in Dusseldorf is the Capella Breidenbacher Hof, which is located right on Konigsallee. The Hotel Favor also gets rave reviews and offers slightly less expensive rooms.
Budget-minded travelers can find more affordable places east of Altstadt near the train station. For example, the boutique Hotel Lindenhof is within walking distance to all the top Dusseldorf sights.
Because we waited until the last minute, the most affordable hotels in the city center were already booked. Instead, we found an Airbnb Apartment for our trip.
Search for available Dusseldorf Hotels on Booking.com – but first, read our Tips on Finding Prime Places to Stay for Cheap!
What You Will Need for Christmas Trips to Germany
Before you set off, you will want to make sure you pack the correct things. So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Germany!
Winter Weather Gear
Dusseldorf Markets at Christmas are an outdoor attraction – so you will need to contend with the elements.
The weather in December can be quite cold. Average high temperatures hover in the mid-40Fs, and wind can make if feel much colder. Precipitation – in the form of rain or snow – is common, as well.
During our visit, we experienced howling wind, rain, overcast skies and sunshine. That said, it was not nearly as cold as we anticipated…perhaps it was the glühwein.
We recommend wearing layers under your winter coat – along with a hat, scarf and gloves. And, it’s a good idea to pack a travel umbrella, too.
Durable Shoes
With so much to see and do, you will likely be spending a lot of time on your feet. We suggest packing a pair of warm and comfortable travel shoes or walking boots.
Travel Camera
We use a Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens for our travel pics. Not only does it take quality photos, but it’s easy to use…and it comes in at a budget price for DSLR cameras!
Day Pack
Bring a travel day bag that is big enough to stow everything you will need for your outings. We use these backpacks that are adequate size for our extra layers and have zippered compartments to deter pickpockets.
Travel Insurance for Germany
Trip coverage could come in handy for delayed flights or lost luggage. It may also cover unexpected medical costs abroad for illnesses or injuries. Consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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