Dusseldorf is one of those underrated cities in Germany that takes the opportunity Christmastime affords and makes the most of it. This quirky, interesting, chic city is the ultimate backdrop for an unexpectedly charming Christmas market.
The Old Town market in particular is awash with lights and filled with festive stalls that just go over the top. Salmon cooked on an open fire, chestnut sellers with silk top hats, a stunning twirling Christmas pyramid, floods of colored lights, a glühwein tower, and the city skyline itself which looks like an architecture and design textbook. Dusseldorf is just delightfully extra.
Dates of the Dusseldorf Christmas Market
Thursday, November 21 to Monday, December 30, 2024
Open daily until 8pm (Friday and Saturday until 9pm), except for Christmas Day and Sunday, November 24 which is Totensonntag, or the German Day of the Dead, when the market is closed.
Dusseldorf is one of the markets that stays open after Christmas, which can come in very handy if you’re juggling tight holiday schedules, have guests in town, or if you just haven’t managed to get your Christmas market fix by the time the big day arrives. Dusseldorf has your back!
Location of the Dusseldorf Christmas Market
You definitely don’t need detailed directions to find the Dusseldorf Christmas market! The entire city center is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. The main Christmas market is located on the Königsallee (known as the Kö to locals), one of the city’s fanciest high-end shopping streets. There are also several smaller markets scattered throughout the city center, and skirting the Rhine River and its gorgeous promenade.
The official city of Dusseldorf Christmas map
The City of Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf has quite a fascinating history. The fertile land next to the Rhine River with its abundance of fish, water, and a convenient means of transport, has been inhabited since the Stone Age! During the Middle Ages, it flourished as a fishing village and eventually evolved into an important fishing port and trading center. Devastated by the religiously-motivated Thirty Years War in the 17th century, it managed to rebuild and eventually became a thriving metropolis during the Industrial Revolution.
World War II saw mass devastation, since Dusseldorf was a high-value industrial target for Allied bombers. And again, with the aid of the Marshall Plan, Dusseldorf built itself up into something unique and beautiful.
Today the city shows off all the eras of its evolution, and is a visual delight. The enormous post-war reconstruction in Dusseldorf included the vision and efforts of some of the world’s great architects, and instead of a disorganized hodge-podge, it manages to pull all the centuries together in an eclectic mix of styles and forms. This architectural showcase on the Rhine presents the best of all its past incarnations – and hosts one heck of a Christmas market!
The Dusseldorf Christmas market (s)
That’s right, technically the market is more than six markets, each with its own personality, and charm. It’s enough to keep you busy for a couple days for sure. And all the markets are within easy walking distance of each other, connected in an area that leads from the river inward. Let’s dig in to the main six!
1) Altstadt Markt (Old Town Market)
Located on Flinger Straße in the heart of the Old Town, this market is surrounded by the history and charm of picturesque 17th and 18th century buildings. Photo ops abound, and it really is a magical feeling to wander through these old cobblestone streets with a mug of glühwein (hot mulled wine) and just soak it all in.
The stalls themselves are made to look like old townhouses, and each one is more delightful than the next.
2) Handwerk (Handcraft/Artisan Market)
The Handwerk Markt is right by the river, also located in the Old Town right in front of Dusseldorf’s historic town hall. And the name says it all. Here is where you’ll find the biggest concentration of handmade goods from local artisans. I’m talking everything from candles and soaps, to blown glass, handmade ornaments, Christmas pyramids with their turning tops, lovely carved wooden decorations, nativity scenes, and so much more.
You’ll also find food and drink stalls of course, but the theme of this market is handmade crafts. We even saw a glass blowing demonstration by one of the artisans, and others are on site creating right in front of you.
3) Kö-Bogen Market near the Kö-Bogen Building and Joachim Erwin Platz
This is a really cool market. It’s in the shadow of the formidable and interesting Kö-Bogen building and its huge green facade, and is located in a more open space making it easier to navigate. It also features the amazing Glüh-Turmchen – a two story glühwein stall with a huge Christmas tree on top! We weren’t able to make it inside because there were too many people, but it really looked cozy and fun. Next time!
4) Kö-Lichter (Kö Lights Market) on Königsallee
This beautiful market is located near the Märchen Market and the huge ice skating rink. Even if you don’t go skating, it’s really fun to watch the skaters – couples in love, parents with little kiddos, packs of teenagers, all out there having a blast and enjoying some winter festivity.
This market is also located on Königsallee which is a major boulevard and high-end shopping mecca. You can either get some indoor shopping done to warm up during the day, or just enjoy the beautiful displays and do some window shopping at night while you enjoy the Christmas market.
5) Märchen Markt (Fairytale Market) on Schadowstraße
This market will be easy to spot because the market stalls feature on their roofs silhouettes of characters from Grimm’s fairytales. The Brothers Grimm weren’t just about fairytales though. The German brothers made a huge mark on the history of German language by developing the very first German dictionary! All Germany loves the Brothers Grimm. You will often find fairytale themes and displays in German Christmas markets for this reason!
This gorgeous market likes to dress in white – snowflakes, thousands and thousands of little LED lights, Merovingian stars, white rooftops, and sparkling Christmas magic everywhere!
6) Schadow Markt (Shadow Market) on Schadowstraße
And finally, the Shadow Market rounds things out with rows of market stalls that are peak German gingerbread adorable! This market runs down the main shopping avenue in the more modern part of Dusseldorf and goes to show that you don’t need old buildings to get the Christmas spirit.
The half-dozen markets that span the city center make for an absolutely perfect Dusseldorf Christmas market experience. Nobody does Christmas markets like Germany, and these markets are peak German!
Food and Drink
The thing I noticed about the Dusseldorf Christmas market is that it does all the traditional fare, and does it really well. Top quality bratwurst on fresh brötchen (rolls), crispy reibkuchen (potato pancakes), roasted chestnuts, flame cooked salmon, pork knuckle, and the ever-popular “potato tornado” on a stick. But you’ll also find new takes on the classics like pizzabrötchen!
You will also find PLENTY of amazing restaurants, and many ultra-chic fabulous cocktail bars if you feel like stepping away from the market and having a quiet moment inside.
Shopping
If you’re someone for whom half of the fun of the Christmas market is the shopping, Dusseldorf will give you an awesome double-whammy! Not only are the market stalls fabulous, and filled with all the traditional German gifts, food, accessories, and decorations you’d expect from a first-class Christmas market, but the streets themselves are lined with some of the best shopping in Germany! Jewelry, watches, fashion, accessories, food, you name it and you’ll find it in the high-end stores and boutiques along the market route.
Activities
The ferris wheel is the obvious showstopper in the Dusseldorf Christmas market. It’s located on the Burgplatz, and measures over 150 feet (50 meters) tall! A ride will give you stunning views of the Rhine River and all of the surrounding Christmas markets from above. The ferris wheel itself is beautifully lit up and provides a beautiful backdrop for the markets near the Old Town.
There’s also a huge ice skating rink near the Kö-Lichter market, and you can even try your hand at curling!
And if you have kids, you’ll have your choice of beautiful antique carousels across the market area.
Also not to be missed is a stroll along the Rheinuferpromenade, an absolutely beautiful pedestrian walkway right along the Rhine River. You can amble with your mug of glühwein, and watch the boats big and small glide down the Rhine and listen to the festivities from the market.
In the Kö-Bogen Markt, you’ll find a special childrens’ activity tent, and also the site of live music performances that happen throughout the season.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market Pro-Tips
🌞🌛Day and Night
Make sure you experience the Dusseldorf Christmas market both in the daytime and at night. Daytime will allow you to fully appreciate the backdrop that is Dusseldorf and all its architectural magnificence. There are also fewer people, and it’s also a little warmer.
But as night settles in, and the lights come on, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Suddenly you’ll notice all the reflections in the Rhine and the boats with their lights gliding by, and the stunning dome of lights over the Königsallee. The booths will be ablaze with twinkling lights and it’s every Christmas market dream you can imagine. Never mind the illuminated Ferris wheel, the wash of colored lights in the Old Town and the general merriment that starts when the mulled wine begins to flow.
🏃♀️ Don’t rush it!
If you can afford to give Dusseldorf two or even three days, you won’t be sorry. Not only are the markets large, their atmospheric nature just makes you want to linger and take in all there is to see. And the city itself is full of museums, churches, shops, urban art, and stunning architecture.
🏙 Stay near the city center
There are so many hotels in Dusseldorf city center, it should be simple to find somewhere within a ten minute walk to everything. There will be lots of people so no need to be trying to navigate public transport or finding a cab if you don’t have to. Just plan ahead to make sure you get the accommodations you want!
💵 Cash
You will definitely need to bring cash, since most booths take euros only.
🧤What to wear
Layering is the name of the game! Hats, mittens or gloves, a warm coat, and a scarf is never out of place, and all are nice to have on chilly nights. I like to bring a tote bag to put what I’m not wearing in, and that doubles as a shopping bag. Also, smartwool socks, and comfortable shoes or walking boots are a must! Check out this link for current weather conditions in Dusseldorf.
☕Get the mug!
When you buy a cup of glühwein or other warm drink, it will come in a glass mug and the cost of the mug (usually a few euros) will be included in your charge. If you want to return the mug when you’re done, you’ll be refunded the deposit that you paid (this is called the ‘pfand’). Or you can just keep the mug as a souvenir if you like! I have an ever growing collection of market mugs including from Dusseldorf, and every time I use them I can practically smell the roasting almonds and the steaming cauldron of spiced wine…
🚫 Avoid the Crowds
Try to hit these markets on weekdays or during daytime hours if you want to avoid the crowds. The Old Town in particular can get very busy. Dusseldorf is a big city and lots of locals and tourists go to the markets on the weekends. If you think the hustle and bustle is all part of the fun, then any time is a great time for the Dusseldorf Christmas market!
Why the Dusseldorf Christmas market?
🛍 A Christmas market right in the heart of a swanky famous shopping boulevard means fabulous window shopping, an elegant atmosphere, and the chance to shop both in and out of the market for goodies!
🗓 Dusseldorf Christmas market opens earlier than most in November and closes later than most in December giving two extra weeks to work it into your schedule.
🏙 Dusseldorf’s spectacular skyline is reason enough to visit any time but adds a certain something to the festivities of the markets.
⚓️ Dusseldorf’s location right on the Rhine makes it even more romantic and beautiful, especially at night.
👍 The markets are large with many booths, and lots of things to do and buy!
🚶♂️ All the markets are close to each other, and easily walkable. You won’t need to walk long distances or find a cab.
🗺 It’s close to some other great markets like Cologne, Munster, Essen, and Dortmund!
🐾 The Dusseldorf Christmas market is dog-friendly, but it was definitely too busy for us to bring Helga the frenchie to the market. I’d recommend doing so only if you have a dog who is very non-reactive, and to go during the earlier daytime hours or on weekdays when the crowds are thinner.
Nearby Sights to Explore
The Harbor
There’s nothing more relaxing than strolling by a harbor, and Dusseldorf’s is fantastic. There are all kinds of interesting pleasure boats, and also the commercial ships on the Rhine. Enjoy the peace of the water after the bustling market, and admire the interesting architecture.
The Rheinturm
The Rheinturm [Rhine Tower], a 790-foot tall concrete communications tower, is the tallest building in Düsseldorf and defines the downtown skyline. It also features a series of lights which act as a timepiece, making it the world’s largest digital clock!
There’s an observation deck which is open to the public, and you can ride the elevator up to the top where you will find spectacular views of the city, and also beer, wine, coffee, and cake!
Enjoy the beauty of the City Center
Pop into the Ceramic Museum or the City Museum, admire the incredible old buildings that have survived the ages, people watch on the promenade, duck into a fancy cocktail bar, or just meander down the beautiful boulevard and check out all the stores and boutiques. Dusseldorf is anything but boring. Give it a chance and you’ll fall in love!
Where to stay in Dusseldorf
There are literally hundreds of amazing places to stay in Dusseldorf. If Christmas markets are your goal, then stay as close to the city center as you can. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you may as well start off the market fresh on your feet!
INNSiDE by Mélia Dusseldorf Hafen
For us, the right choice was the INNSiDE by Mélia at Dusseldorf Hafen. I’ve stayed in a LOT of hotels, and this one was definitely one of the most memorable!
We always travel with our frenchie Helga, so the first thing I look for is a pet-friendly hotel. This one fit the bill and checked all kinds of other blocks as well: an amazing breakfast on site, parking close by, and a view to DIE FOR. I almost didn’t want to leave the room! It was incredible just to sit and watch the boats, the sunrise, the sunset, the lights come on, and the life of the city below.
Helga loved the view as well and amused herself looking out the window just like we did!
The building itself was incredible, and we could spot the primary colors from far away, even from the Rheinturm tower! Breakfast was served in the dining room on the top floor with the best view of all, and the floor doubled as a cocktail bar and restaurant as well which was lovely.
The whole place had a super fun and funky vibe, and we really enjoyed our two night stay.
Staff friendly, room impeccable, and location about a 10-minute beautiful walk to the markets! It was absolutely *chef’s kiss*. If you want to stay here, do book early, because as you can imagine it does fill up! If you book through a link on this page I do make a small commission for the referral, so thank you!
Getting to the Dusseldorf Christmas Market
From Frankfurt:
🚉 By Train: 1 hour 27 minutes
🚗 By Car: 2 hours 5 minutes
From Cologne (Köln):
🚉 By Train: 21 minutes
🚗 By Car: 27 minutes
From Amsterdam:
🚉 By Train: 2 hours 8 minutes
🚗 By Car: 2 hours 20 minutes
From Kaiserslautern:
🚉 By Train: 3 hours 33 minutes
🚗 By Car: 2 hours 22 minutes
✈️ From Closest Airports:
Dusseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), Eindhoven (EIN), Dortmund (DTN), Weeze (NRN) are the five closes airports to the Dusseldorf Christmas Market.
Parking
Here are the closest parking facilities to the area of the Dusseldorf Christmas market.
See You at the Dusseldorf Christmas Market!
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Dusseldorf’s Christmas markets offer a truly magical experience. Even though Dusseldorf is Germany’s sixth-largest city, it tends to get overlooked for Christmas market trips, in favor of Berlin, Munich, and Nuremberg. But it’s proximity to the very popular Cologne Christmas market, its absolutely unique atmosphere, and the elegant aura of the city itself makes this market one to put on your destination wish list. It’s the perfect market for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season in style!
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