Grandiose Christmas markets - with huge offer

Until the end of December, Düsseldorf is transformed into a fairytale Christmas world where the many themed markets leave nothing to be desired 

When Wham's "Last Christmas" is blaring on the radio, your bank account is dyed red from excessive gift shopping, and bratwurst followed by roasted almonds passes for a full dinner, you know it's that time of year again - finally Advent, finally Christmas market time! In Düsseldorf you have again this year such a wide choice of very different, but very special markets, that you can enjoy every single December evening mulled wine and Christmas fun. Be it the classic market at the city hall and in the old town or a little further away from the hustle and bustle in Benrather Castle or in the quaint Kaiserswerth.  

The markets in the city center open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; out of order: open Sunday, Nov. 27, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Boxing Day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Only on Totensonntag (November 20) and Christmas Day they remain closed. The individual opening hours of the other markets you can read below. 

Kö Lights Market on Königsallee

Luxury is ... the designer bag for 1000 euros that you've been dreaming of for a long time, or the candy apple for three euros. No matter what you're longing for during these Advent weeks, the Kö is the place to be. Once again this year, selected huts stand on one of the longest and widest shopping streets in Europe, which shows its extra radiant side just before Christmas. The arch of lights directly on the Kögraben will show you the way to the stalls, where you can enjoy a hot after-work drink with friends and toast to the flair of this world-famous shopping mile. Cheers, to a fulfilling Advent and Christmas season! 

Kö-Bogen market at Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz

If these special weeks of the year don't already warm your heart, a few hot chestnuts or a large glass of Feuerzangenbowle will help. And where is the best place to feast? Exactly, at one of the most photographed places in Düsseldorf - Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz. You'll find the Kö-Bogen market with its traditional wooden huts there, so that - wrapped up in your thickest jacket and warmest boots - you can not only experience the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market, but also enjoy the view of the Kö-Bogen II. Hopefullythe largest green facade of the city a little snowed in even serves as a motif for your Christmas mail!

Benrath Castle in Benrath

"Silent Night, Holy Night" is considered the most successful and popular Christmas carol of the Germans. Translated into 320 languages and dialects, it can be heard today even in the most remote corners of the earth. In Düsseldorf, the perfect backdrop for the song is undoubtedly the Benrath Baroque Palace complete with Christmas market, which whisks its visitors away from the metropolis straight into a world of its own. From November 18 to December 18, cookies will taste just that little bit crispier, sausages juicier, and hot cocoa so sweet that it will conjure up memories of earlier Christmases and wishes for next year's festivities. And if you still have a big question mark about what to put under the tree for your loved ones this year: You can find handicrafts at the Christmas market, and the museum store also offers a selection of unusual objects. Only one thing is missing: the crunching sound of deep snow underfoot. Well, Frau Holle, how about it this winter? Opening hours: Fridays from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Title image: Düsseldorf Tourism