Dusseldorf is a busy commercial centre known for its fashion and culture. The Dusseldorf Christmas Market in the historic Altstadt features themed huts and is popular with locals and visitors alike.
This guide covers the 2024 dates, opening times and the four locations.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Dusseldorf Christmas Market dates: 21st November to 30th December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location:
Altstadt Markt on Flinger Straße and Marktstraße.
Artisan Market at Rathaus Marktplatz (Town Hall).
Schadow-Markt at Schadowplatz.
Roncalli Market at Carlsplatz.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm.
Friday to Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 3pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: 2pm to 8pm.
Sunday of the Dead: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: This family-friendly walking tour.
Public transport: Underground: Heinrich-Heine-Allee and Benrather Straße.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Park & Ride services are available.
Travel tips: Dusseldorf is a busy conference destination and hotel rooms can be on short supply. Be sure to book as early as possible.
Where to stay: The Ruby Luna Hotel is centrally located in the Altstadt.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: At Kö in Düsseldorf.
Ferris wheel: Burgplatz.
Reason to visit: The longest bar in the world and Japanese cuisine in Little Tokyo.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Locally brewed beer, Japanese snacks, themed chalets.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
I suggest staying at the central Ruby Luna Hotel. If you’re comfortable walking, it’s less than 10 minutes to the main events and the shops at Königsallee on the canal.
I’ve stayed at several Ruby hotels in Germany and Austria; they’re always clean, comfortable, and great value for money.
Read our guide to hotels in Dusseldorf for more places to stay.
Recommended Tours
Indulge your sweet tooth with this popular walking tour dedicated to the German afternoon coffee and cake tradition.
If your interests lean towards brewing, a Brewery Tour could perfectly round off your Dusseldorf visit.
Beyond the Old Town, MedienHafen is one of the city’s most vibrant districts. This harbour and warehouse area is home to the State Parliament, Rhine Tower, and Gehry Buildings. A guided MedienHafen tour can give you an insight into this area.
Our German Christmas Markets List has more ideas on where to go this winter.
Location Map
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
List of Markets
- Altstadt – Located on Flinger Straße in the heart of Altstadt near shops and restaurants, the stalls are designed to resemble historic burgher houses.
- Handwerker Markt – The Artisan market on Marktplatz is one of the smaller markets. Its stalls are designed to mirror the brick Renaissance-style architecture of the Town Hall.
- Schadowplatz – Follows Schadowstraße shopping street over the canal and past the renowned Tritonenbrunnen fountain and statue.
- Roncali – The new market on Carlsplatz.
What to Expect
Dusseldorf’s four central markets are all within easy reach, forming a convenient trail through the city.
Altstadt Markt is the main market in Dusseldorf, stretching along Flinger Straße and Marktstraße in the Old Town.
Food Specialties
- Himmel und Ääd: A traditional Rhineland dish combining blood sausage, mashed potatoes, and applesauce, symbolising ‘heaven and earth.’
- Rievkooche: Crispy potato pancakes typically served with applesauce.
- Mettwurst: A cured and smoked sausage.
- Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten: Roast beef marinated in mustard and grilled or roasted, a Dusseldorf specialty paired with potatoes and cabbage.
- Killepitsch: Dusseldorf’s famous herbal liqueur.
At the Market Stalls
- Reibekuchen: German potato fritters, often served with applesauce.
- Bratwurst: Grilled German sausage served in a bread roll with mustard.
- Marzipan: Sweet almond-based treats.
- Lebkuchen: Spiced German biscuits similar to gingerbread in flavour.
- Glühwein: The winter classic.
- Champignons mit Knoblauchsoße: Mushrooms in garlic sauce.
- Flammkuchen: This is a thin baked base with creme fraiche and various toppings from the Alsace region of France.
What to Buy
- Handcrafted Decorations: Unique, handcrafted ornaments and decorations, including glass baubles and wooden carvings.
- German Beer Steins: Traditional mugs with detailed artwork and pewter lids, ideal for collectors or as gifts.
- Altbier: Bottled local dark beer, packaged perfect for gifting.
- Senf (Mustard): Locally produced mustard in distinctive earthenware pots.
- Gingerbread Hearts: Cookies shaped like hearts, often inscribed with messages and tied with ribbons.
- Wooden Toys: Nostalgic crafted wooden toys, including spinning tops and painted dollhouses.
- Christmas Pyramids: Handcrafted tiered carousels featuring nativity scenes, a traditional German decoration powered by candle heat.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Transport: The extensive public transport network, including trams, buses, and the underground, makes it easy to navigate the city sustainably.
- Local Beer: Support local brews like Altbier, Dusseldorf’s local dark beer.
- Support Artisans: When shopping, choose goods made by local makers, particularly at the Handwerker-Markt.
- Reusable Bags: Bring your own bags when shopping to reduce plastic waste.
- Limit Food Waste: Be mindful of how much food you order to avoid waste.
- Vegetarian Options: To incorporate more sustainable food choices into your diet, explore the city’s plant-based offerings, such as kartoffelpuffers (potato pancakes) and mushroom dishes.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Donna
Do you know the dates for the Christmas Markets in 2024?
I’m looking at Viking cruise it will stop at Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strastbourg, Mannheim, Speyer, Breisach, and Basel. I have been searching on the internet, but I have had no luck.
Thank you,
Donna
Andrea Anastasakis
They’re usually around the same dates. So Dusseldorf will probably be from mid-November until the end of December. Most other markets start on the last week of November until Christmas Eve.