We took a day trip from Cologne to Düsseldorf to experience it’s Christmas markets, and we’re glad we did. The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf has over 600,000 residents, making it the 7th largest city in Germany. It is a short 30-minute train ride from Cologne and a perfect day trip option. The Christmas Markets are a 20 minute walk from the train station. You can also take the subway, as the markets are just a couple of stops away.
When arriving in Düsseldorf, we honestly were not expecting much from the city itself. It was largely rebuilt after WWII and is more known as a business center rather than a tourist destination. As we walked from the train station, there was nothing to deter us from this thinking.
Not the case
Once you get into the old city core, Düsseldorf is dominated by lovely pedestrian or pedestrian friendly streets. Its Christmas markets are strewn throughout this part of the city, making the process of walking the shop-lined streets between markets enjoyable. In fact, Düsseldorf is more similar to Lyon than any other city we visited during this trip.
The Düsseldorf Christmas markets were somewhat themed and fun to explore. You will find a good mix of vendors selling all manner of items and foods here. As opposed to huge contained markets in Cologne or Stuttgart, the markets here are more spread out and really made for a lovely stroll about the city.
Highlights
Our favorite Düsseldorf market was the Handwerker-Markt, a charming Christmas village focused on handcrafted items. It’s located in Marktplatz and sits up against Düsseldorf’s Rathaus (City Hall). This is a place to find truly one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures.
Märchen-Markt’s huts are topped with characters from the Grimm’s Brother fairytales. Located in the Schadowplatz, it’s a great market to visit with kids. You’ll even find a Christmas Tower here where stories are read out loud, and Father Christmas makes an appearance on select days.
It’s fun to explore the huts scattered along Flinger Straße, as they are varied and don’t have that “cookie cutter” feel.
Schadowstraße is a popular pedestrian retail shopping street with new flashy storefronts and Christmas market huts.
In Burgplatz you’ll find decorated stalls made to look like Düsseldorf burgher houses, with colorful facades. The market is set under a giant Ferris wheel. A little kitschy for me, but worth a look.
A few of the things for sale here which we hadn’t seen in earlier markets: whole dried fish; Pierogis; bonsai; and lap pillows with places for cups, remotes and phones. Such a practical gift!
Beyond the Christmas Markets
Check out the Street Food Market at Carlsplatz. It’s a very large indoor market with a wonderful variety of food options.
Dusseldorf is home to the largest Japanese community in Germany, so you’ll find some of the best Japanese food in the country here (In case you’re tired of gingerbread and sausage….)
