The Heinzels Winter Fairytale Cologne (Heinzels Wintermärchen), also known as the Gnome Market, is a whimsical market spread across two squares, the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, featuring charming gnome decorations – friendly household spirits called “Heinzelmännchen” – throughout.
The market on the Heumarkt includes one of Germany’s finest open-air ice rinks, with more than 100-meter-long straights. Tickets cost €6 for children and €9 for adults, plus an additional fee for skate rental. Click here for more info on pricing.
In the “artisan lane” (Handwerkergasse) at Alter Markt, visitors can watch skilled European artisans including wood carvers, blacksmiths, and confectioners demonstrate their crafts, making it perfect for unique gift shopping, while the “food and snacks alley” (Futter- und Naschgasse) tempts food lovers with freshly prepared regional specialties including strudels, waffles, apple pancakes, traditional Handbrot, potato fritters, and flame-grilled salmon.
Check out the for the market map here (in German).
The Heinzels Winter Fairytale Cologne is one of six Christmas markets in the German city. Click here to check out the other Christmas markets in Cologne.
2025 dates
- Heumarkt: 24 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
- Alter Markt: 24 November 2025 – 23 December 2025
Opening Hours (Heumarkt & Alter Markt)
Monday: 11am – 10pm
Tuesday: 11am – 10pm
Wednesday: 11am – 10pm
Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday: 11am – 10pm
Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 11am – 10pm
Heumarkt Exceptional Opening Hours
24 December: closed
25 December: closed
26 December: 11am – 9pm
Find more markets in Cologne!
Images © Heinzels Winter Fairytale Cologne
