Programme 2026/2027: Cologne Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum

From lively live music and fascinating ice carvers to a colourful children's programme, right on the banks of the Rhine.

Recurring Weekly Highlights

Mondays:

Enchanting walking acts stroll on stilts through the illuminated hut village on the Rhine bank (3 hours each).

Tuesdays:

Face painting for kids, perfect combined with our treasure hunt.

Wednesdays:

Live ice carving – spectacular ice sculptures take shape before our visitors' eyes.

Thursdays:

Changing bands and solo artists from 6pm to 8pm on stage.

Programme Calendar 2026/2027

Wk
Date
Weekday
Programme & Artists
Time
46
13.11.2026
Friday
Festive Opening: Classic meets Kölsch with violinist Anoush & Planschemaloor
from 17:00
47
17.11.2026
Tuesday
Face painting for kids
16:00 – 19:00
18.11.2026
Wednesday
Live ice carving by the Rhine
Afternoon
19.11.2026
Thursday
Live music: Caribbean X-Mas with Carlos
18:00 – 20:00
48
23.11.2026
Monday
Stilt walker performance
Afternoon
24.11.2026
Tuesday
Face painting for kids
16:00 – 19:00
26.11.2026
Thursday
Live music: Judith Junidori DUO
18:00 – 20:00
49
30.11.2026
Monday
Stilt walker performance
Afternoon
01.12.2026
Tuesday
Face painting for kids
16:00 – 19:00
03.12.2026
Thursday
Live music: Marco Gerano
17:30 – 19:30
06.12.2026
Sunday
St. Nicholas Special: St. Nicholas visits the market and hands out surprises
13:00 – 15:00
50
07.12.2026
Monday
Stilt walker performance
Afternoon
08.12.2026
Tuesday
Face painting for kids
18:00 – 20:00
10.12.2026
Thursday
Live music: Slow Rider
18:00 – 20:00
51
14.12.2026
Monday
Stilt walker performance
Afternoon
16.12.2026
Wednesday
Live ice carving by the Rhine
Afternoon
17.12.2026
Thursday
Live music: Mr. Groove (saxophone)
18:00 – 20:00
52
22.12.2026
Tuesday
Face painting for kids
16:00 – 19:00
53
28.12.2026
Monday
Stilt walker performance
Afternoon
29.12.2026
Tuesday
Face painting for kids
16:00 – 19:00
30.12.2026
Wednesday
Live music: Caribbean X-Mas with Carlos
18:00 – 20:00
02.01.2027
Saturday
Live ice carving (New Year Special)
Afternoon

The Programme Experience at Cologne Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum

The redesigned Cologne Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum offers a varied entertainment programme right on the banks of the Rhine from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. This season, around 70 rustic wooden huts shine in the warm glow of a completely newly developed lighting concept. Enjoy maritime Rhine romance, views of Cologne Cathedral and rides on the impressive 48-metre big wheel – framed by a daily events programme for the whole family.

Lively Live Music & Craftsmanship by the Water

Our riverside event programme combines musical variety with street art. Every Thursday evening, lively live music performances await you at the market grounds – from Cologne-style violin artistry and powerful duos to tropical Christmas sounds at Caribbean X-Mas. At the start of the week, enchanting stilt walkers stroll through the hut village as walking acts, while on Wednesdays ice-cold artworks take shape: watch live as a professional ice carver forms glass-like sculptures against the harbour backdrop.

Perfectly Combined: Chocolate Museum & Family Time

Combine your programme highlight perfectly with a visit to the directly adjoining Chocolate Museum. Warm up before the concert or market stroll at the legendary chocolate fountain, then seamlessly immerse yourself in the pre-Christmas harbour atmosphere. For young guests, the market turns into a children's paradise every Tuesday with free face painting, rides on the nostalgic children's carousel and the popular children's train. A special highlight for families is also the traditional visit from St. Nicholas on 6 December.