Get ready for a magical winter! Düsseldorf is fantastic because the markets are all close enough to walk between, creating one continuous festive “archipelago” rather than just a single market.
Here is the complete list of the 2025 Düsseldorf Christmas Markets and the best nearby affordable hotels.
Düsseldorf Christmas Markets 2025
Confirmed Dates: November 20 – December 30, 2025 (Closed on Nov 23 for Totensonntag and Dec 25 for Christmas Day) The markets are spread across three main zones. You can easily walk from one to the other.1. The Altstadt (Old Town) Zone
- Handwerker-Markt (Artisans’ Market): Located in front of the historic Rathaus (City Hall). This is the most traditional market, featuring red-roofed huts and craftsmen demonstrating glassblowing and woodturning.
- Altstadt-Markt (Old Town Market): Located on Flinger Straße. The stalls here are modeled after old Düsseldorf burgher houses. It connects the artisan market to the shopping district.
- Riesenrad am Burgplatz (Wheel of Vision): While technically an attraction, the massive Ferris wheel on the Rhine embankment offers the best view of the lights.
2. The Königsallee (“Kö”) Zone
- Kö-Lichter-Markt (Kö Lights Market): Located on the famous luxury shopping boulevard Königsallee. Expect impressive lighting, upmarket food stalls, and a more elegant vibe.
- Corneliusplatz (Ice Rink): At the top of the Kö. This features a large outdoor ice skating rink and a stunning alpine-style lodge for drinks.
3. The Shopping Zone (City Center)
- Schadow-Markt: Located along Schadowstraße. This is great for shoppers, offering plenty of snacks and mulled wine right next to major department stores.
- Märchen-Markt (Fairytale Market): Located on Schadowplatz. Perfect for families. The huts feature moving figures on top that tell German fairytales (Grimm Brothers stories).
- Kö-Bogen-Markt: Located at Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz (near the Schauspielhaus). This is a modern market with a contemporary feel, often featuring live music.
Affordable Hotels Near the Markets
Rates in December can spike, so “affordable” generally means €80.00–€130.00/night if booked early.Best for “Right in the Action” (Altstadt)
These are closest to the Handwerker-Markt and nightlife, but can be noisier.- Hotel Alt Düsseldorf: Hotel Alt Düsseldorf is situated in the heart of the Altstadt, near to the fair, airport, opera house, local museums, art galleries and famous Königsallee shopping center.
- Hotel St. Georg: A simple, no-frills hotel located right in the Old Town. You step out the door and are usually smelling the Glühwein immediately.
- Barcelona Bed & Breakfast: A charming, small spot in the middle of the Old Town. It feels cozy and personal, though rooms are compact.
Best for Shopping & Comfort (City Center/Japanese Quarter)
These are a 10-minute walk to the markets and often better quality for the price.- Max Brown Hotel Midtown: Located in the Japanese Quarter (Little Tokyo). Very stylish/boutique feel but often has competitive rates. It is a roughly 10-15 minute walk to the Kö-Bogen market.
- Motel One Düsseldorf-Hauptbahnhof: The “Motel One” chain is the gold standard for budget-chic in Germany. It is clean, modern, and very close to the train station (5-minute walk to the markets).
- Hotel Bismarck: A family-run hotel near the train station with a decent breakfast and a small pool (rare for budget hotels).
Best for Budget (Near Train Station)
If you don’t mind a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride to save money.- ibis Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof: Standard reliable Ibis quality. It is integrated into the station area, making it incredibly convenient if you are arriving by train.
- a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof: This is a hostel/hotel hybrid. If you just need a cheap private room to sleep in and save your budget for shopping, this is the lowest price option.
Summary of Opening Hours
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Exceptions:
- Nov 23: Closed (Sunday of the Dead)
- Dec 24: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Shortened hours)
- Dec 25: Closed
- Dec 26: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
