After a COVID hiatus, Düsseldorf is preparing a grand return of its Christmas markets, expanding to eight locations for better crowd distribution. Each features fewer stalls with wider spacing for safety. Fairy-tale decor, hundreds of stalls, dazzling lights, an ice rink, Burgplatz Ferris wheel, and steaming mulled wine create a true Christmas wonderland in the city center.
These eight markets offer distinct atmospheres, all easily walkable: Altstadt Market on Marktstrasse and Flinger Strasse; Craftsman Market before the town hall; Schadow Market on Schadowstrasse; Kö-Bogen-Markt at Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz; starlit Sternchen Markt in Wilhelm Marx House courtyard; Engelchen Markt with golden angel motifs on Heinrich-Heine-Platz; Märchen Markt (15,000 LED lights) on Schadowplatz; and newcomer Kö-Lichter-Markt on iconic Königsallee. More information plus a map here.
The tourism board urges Dutch visitors to train in—from Hauptbahnhof, stroll directly to the markets. Entry requires a COVID QR code, recovery proof, or negative test (checks apply; subject to updates).
Markets are steps apart, open daily (except Nov 21 & Dec 25) 11am-8pm, until 9pm Fri/Sat. Families enjoy Corneliusplatz ice rink and heated Burgplatz Ferris wheel cabins.
VVV tailors Dutch-guided walks for Netherlands/Belgium visitors: 2 hours, €17/person (VVV Düsseldorf Card discount), with mulled wine/hot chocolate & Christmas cake. Dates: Nov 20 & 27; Dec 4, 11, 18.
Pair festivities with 20+ museums. Until Jan 9, 2022: Claudia Schiffer-curated 'Captivate!' '90s fashion photos. Dec 9, 2021–May 15, 2022: 'Electro: From Kraftwerk to Techno'.
© Düsseldorf Tourismus – Photo: U. Otte
