Events in North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne Christmas Markets

16 Nov – 23 Dec 2026

Köln· North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne's Christmas season includes several distinct markets, including those near the cathedral, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. This city-wide listing is an overview; individual markets have different dates and opening hours.

Cologne Carnival

4 – 9 Feb 2027

Köln· North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne's street carnival includes Weiberfastnacht, celebrations across the city and the Rose Monday parade. The listed season window does not mean every procession or venue runs on every day.

Düsseldorf Rose Monday Parade

8 Feb 2027

Düsseldorf· North Rhine-Westphalia

Düsseldorf's Rose Monday parade passes through the city centre with floats and carnival groups. This listing is for the parade day, not the entire carnival week. Check the organiser for the current route and access information.

Japan Day Düsseldorf/NRW

22 May 2027

Düsseldorf· North Rhine-Westphalia

Japan Day celebrates Japanese culture on Düsseldorf's Rhine waterfront. Exhibitions, performances and other activities follow a programme; check the published date and any specific access arrangements.

Cranger Kirmes

5 – 15 Aug 2027

Herne· North Rhine-Westphalia

Herne-Crange's summer fair combines rides, food stalls and festival activity. Check the current programme for the parade, special activities and the arrangements for arriving at the fairground.

gamescom

23 – 29 Aug 2027

Public visitor days: 26 – 29 Aug

Köln· North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne's games event combines public exhibitions with professional and developer activities. Public visitor days can cover only part of the wider gamescom week; use the published visitor window and ticket rules when planning your trip.

Cologne Christmas Markets

15 Nov – 23 Dec 2027

Köln· North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne's Christmas season includes several distinct markets, including those near the cathedral, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. This city-wide listing is an overview; individual markets have different dates and opening hours.

Cologne Carnival

24 – 29 Feb 2028

Köln· North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne's street carnival includes Weiberfastnacht, celebrations across the city and the Rose Monday parade. The listed season window does not mean every procession or venue runs on every day.

Düsseldorf Rose Monday Parade

28 Feb 2028

Düsseldorf· North Rhine-Westphalia

Düsseldorf's Rose Monday parade passes through the city centre with floats and carnival groups. This listing is for the parade day, not the entire carnival week. Check the organiser for the current route and access information.

gamescom

21 – 27 Aug 2028

Köln· North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne's games event combines public exhibitions with professional and developer activities. Public visitor days can cover only part of the wider gamescom week; use the published visitor window and ticket rules when planning your trip.