How To Celebrate Christmas In Dusseldorf

Christmas is nearly here and Dusseldorf is getting ready for the festive season. The city is being decorated with lights, Christmas markets have moved onto the town squares and people are buying gifts for their loved ones. We’ve had a look at what the city has in store; here’s our list of how to celebrate.

Go on a cruise

You heard that right! The KD Schiffahrt organises Advent-themed Rhine river cruises each year. The tours start running four weeks before Christmas, and their ships are decorated with fairy lights and ornaments for the event. Your ticket buys you an evening round trip from the central Rheinuferpromenade landing, a buffet dinner, drinks and musical entertainment is included.

KD Anlegestelle, Burgplatz 1, Dusseldorf

Christmas markets

Market

It’s pretty obvious, but taking a stroll past the decorated wooden huts of Dusseldorf’s Christmas markets will surely put you in festive mood. While thousands of vendors entice you to go on an extensive shopping spree for handcrafted souvenirs, home decor and accessories, the smell of warm waffles, roast chestnuts and sausages will have you stop at one of the food stalls in no time. Wash it all down with a mug of Glühwein or hot chocolate for a true German Christmas market experience.

Have a Swedish dinner

The Swedes take dining around the Christmas time seriously and their traditional Julbord takes buffets to the next level. Luckily, those in Dusseldorf don’t need to travel to the Nordics for the experience. The Swedish café Kanelbullen hosts several Julbord evenings every year. Groups can book their own sumptuous feast of herring, potatoes, sausages, cranberries, köttbullar and lots of Glögg.

Order a goose taxi

If you like food, but would rather taste some German than Swedish specialities, you and your friends are in luck. In November and December, the Fröhlich catering service delivers a ready-made meal to your doorstep. The German all-time favourite Christmas dish is composed of a roast goose stuffed with apples alongside mulled-wine sauce and potato dumplings. An order is about 180€ and serves 5-6 people. Pre-orders are required!

Go window shopping

Store

Düsseldorf’s city centre is ablaze with light in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The whole town is decorated with evergreen garlands and ornaments while shops and boutiques put in a lot effort into dressing their windows for the season. A highlight for kids is the display of animated stuffed animals at the Kaufhof department store.

Bake some cookies

Christmas cookies are an integral part of German Christmas celebration, Dusseldorf is no exception. Most households make them at home during the Advent season, and their creativity knows no bounds. Star-shaped cinnamon biscuits, fluffy coconut macaroons, vanilla-infused crescents, gingerbread, jam-filled rings… we could go on.

Go ice skating

Take your friends for a spin on the Winterwelt open-air ice rink in Dusseldorf Bilk or challenge them to a round of curling. If you grow tired of all these sporty activities, you can seek refuge by the wooden huts on the plaza which provide delicious snacks and hot drinks.