Christmas Markets in Düsseldorf 2025
Düsseldorf is home to seven main Christmas markets, which is fitting for a city with its reputation for affluence and fashion.
The most traditional and picturesque market is located in front of the historic Rathaus (City Hall) on the Marktplatz. The stalls are arranged to resemble a small village and a restored carousel spins near the statue of Jan Wellem.
However, you will find other themed markets nearby. They are connected through the Old Town and shopping streets, so you can walk between them easily.
Although Düsseldorf's markets are not as internationally famous as those in Nuremberg or Cologne, they offer a more immersive experience. Rather than staying in one large square, the markets spread across the city centre. While this layout encourages walking, it can also make the streets crowded at weekends.
All of the markets have the same opening hours:
Dates: 20.11.25 - 30.12.25
Times: Sunday-Thursday: 11.00-20.00
Friday-Saturday: 11.00-21.00
Altstadt-Markt
The Altstadt-Markt connects Marktstraße with Flinger Straße in the heart of Düsseldorf's old town – a festive promenade between the Handwerker-Markt and Winter Village. The huts and stalls are modelled on old Düsseldorf town houses and blend seamlessly into the charming architecture of the old town.
Handwerker-Markt
The Handwerker-Markt (Craftsmen's Market) reveals its historic charm right in front of Düsseldorf Town Hall. Artisans present their artistic works in lovingly designed huts at the foot of the equestrian statue of Elector Jan Wellem. The colours and style are based on the brick construction of the Renaissance town hall.
Schadow Markt
The Schadow Market is located on one of Düsseldorf's major shopping streets. It is a lively meeting place for anyone who wants to combine Christmas spirit with shopping.
Winter Village
The Winter Village is an elegant Christmas market along Königsallee, combining tradition and contemporary design to create a stylish winter landscape. The market transforms the area between Corneliusplatz and Girardetbrücke into a winter wonderland of white glass containers, cosy huts and atmospheric lighting.
Märchen-Markt
The Fairytale Market is located on Schadowplatz, nestled between the modern architecture of Kö-Bogen I on Schadowstraße and Königsallee. Around 15,000 LEDs bathe the square in a magical glow. The detailed silhouettes on the huts have been designed by an artist. They retell well-known fairy tales in a whole new way and some figures even move gently in the changing light.
Other Things To Do in Düsseldorf
See the Altstadt (Old Town). This area is often called the "longest bar in the world" because it has more than 260 pubs and breweries in a small space. It is the social center of the city and sits directly next to the Rhine river. You can try the local dark beer, called Altbier, which is brewed at several traditional house breweries in these streets.
The Rheinturm, the city's tallest building, is a telecommunications tower. It stands on the edge of the southern city centre. You can pay an entrance fee to take the lift to the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Rhine. There is also a rotating restaurant at the top. Visitors should check the weather forecast before paying to go up, as the view is only worth it if the sky is clear.
Stroll through the Hofgarten park.The Hofgarten, created in 1769, is Düsseldorf's oldest public park and connects the city centre to other neighbourhoods. Wide paths wind through the park, passing mature trees and open lawns. The park is popular with locals who use it for running, picnicking and walking dogs. The park is free to enter and remains open all day. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and it takes about 30 minutes to walk the entire length.
Visit the Kunstsammlung Art Museums. Düsseldorf operates three buildings under the Kunstsammlung name: K20, K21, and the Schmela Haus. K20 holds 20th-century art including works by Klee, Picasso, and Warhol. K21 focuses on contemporary art and features installations spread across multiple floors. The top floor has a massive web-like structure you can climb into.
Plan Your Own Christmas Market Break in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf Airport is the fourth busiest international airport in Germany, after Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. In 2012, around 20.8 million passengers flew with 60 different airlines to and from 200 destinations in over 50 countries worldwide. The airport benefits from its proximity to the city centre and the exhibition grounds in Stockum, direct access to the motorway network, and excellent rail links, enabling short transfer times to the city and the surrounding region.
As well as InterCity and regional rail links, Düsseldorf also has an extensive local rail system connecting the other cities in the Rhein-Ruhr region as well as 25 S-Bahn stations in the city itself.
Travel Information
Airport: www.dus.com
National Railways: www.bahn.de
Local Rail: www.s-bahn-rhein-ruhr.de
Tourist Office: www.visitduesseldorf.de
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors