LGBTQ Christmas Markets in Berlin, Frankfurt & Cologne 2025: Hours, Maps, Food and Festive Highlights
Planning a holiday trip to Europe and want to experience something a little different? The Christmas season is magical everywhere, but a few cities in Germany stand out for celebrating the season with a proud LGBTQ twist. From Berlin’s vibrant Christmas Avenue to Frankfurt’s cozy Pink Christmas Market and Cologne’s high-energy Heavenue, each city brings together holiday traditions with queer culture, creating spaces that feel festive, safe, and inclusive. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, where to find each LGBTQ Christmas Market, plus maps to help you get from the main markets to these queer-friendly highlights. Whether you’re there for the mulled wine, handmade gifts, or just the chance to celebrate openly with community, these markets deserve a spot on your 2025 holiday itinerary.
Berlin- LGBTQIA Winterdays & Christmas Avenue (Nollendorfplatz, Schöneberg)
What to Expect
When I was in Berlin last year, I made it a point to check out the queer Christmas market in Schöneberg. It actually runs in two parts — first LGBTQIA Winterdays, and then Christmas Avenue, both set up right at Nollendorfplatz. The whole vibe was fun and exciting, and honestly it felt really safe the whole time I was there.
Picture it, Sicily 1912.
. But instead a street or almost lot under a bridge, full of glowing lights, drag bingo happening on this day and a DJs spinning holiday remixes on another, and rows of festive stalls in between. I wandered from stand to stand, sipping on mulled wine (and yes, they had some fun twists like spiced cocktails and fruity hot wines). The food was exactly what you want in chilly December weather: sweet roasted nuts, gingerbread, and plenty of warm treats that had me going back for seconds.
Location & Map Info
The LGBTQIA Winterdays / Christmas Avenue is at Nollendorfplatz (10777 Berlin). Transport lines: U1, U2, U3, U4; buses M19, 106, 187, N2, N26 stop there. And can be picked up from most other major Markets Such as Rothes Rathaus, Alexanderplatz Christmas Markets to name a few.
2025 Hours & Dates
- Dates: Winterdays from 4 November to 22 November 2025, then Christmas Avenue from 24 November to 23 December 2025.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 pm – 10 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Admission Age: 16+ for Winterdays / Christmas Avenue.
Food & Stalls
You’ll see usual German market food: mulled wine (Glühwein), hot cocktails, sweet treats, candied nuts, roasted chestnuts. But stop by the Glow Hut for your LGBTQ Festive Pink Gluhwein after making your impulse buys at Pop-Ups depending on when you are there, or the regular stalls such as Paul Middleton Woof Merch to name a few; check the website if you plan on attending for the pop up vendor schedule!
Cologne Heavenue: The Gay Christmas Market
What to Expect
Heavenue in Cologne is recognized as one of the largest LGBTQ Christmas markets in Europe. Set in the city’s gay district at Friesenplatz, the market is known for its bold design and colorful atmosphere. Visitors will find pastel-themed stalls offering holiday gifts such as ornaments, handmade crafts, toys, and heart-shaped cookies. A highlight is the impressive XXL Glühwein Palace, where guests can enjoy mulled wine and festive drinks in a lively indoor and outdoor setting. The market also features a dramatic ten-meter fountain and a rotating Christmas tree that serve as central photo spots. Weekends bring stage shows and live music, adding to the entertainment alongside food vendors serving both traditional Christmas specialties and sweet treats. The overall feel combines the cozy traditions of a holiday market with the inclusive, celebratory spirit of Cologne’s LGBTQ community; this is why its officially on my MUST list for this trip.
Location Info
Friesenplatz is served by tram & U-bahn. If you are at the Cathedral (Dom), it’s a walk or short public transport. Public transit lines: trams 3,4,5,12 & 15 and buses 172 & 173.
2025 Hours & Dates
- Dates: 17 November to 23 December 2025 for Heavenue.
- Hours
- Monday-Thursday from 16:00 to 22:00
- Friday-Sunday from 14:00 to 22:00.
- Admission: free.
Food & Stalls
Stalls at Heavenue include typical Christmas market food: glühwein, sweets like gingerbread, cakes, cookies, roasted nuts; also non-food stalls (decorations, ornaments, Christmas mugs, festive gifts). There are weekend shows, musical acts, light installations. One special decoration or selfie spot is a fountain with water jets. For food lovers, there are local Cologne treats as well as more touristy snack booths.
As I haven’t yet had the chance to go yet; please follow me on Social Media if you are interested in my Experience in Cologne!
Frankfurt Pink Christmas Market (“Rosa Weihnacht”) at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz
What to Expect
I haven’t been to Frankfurt’s Pink Christmas Market yet, but it’s high on my list this year. Rosa Weihnacht sets up in Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, right near Hauptwache, and it’s known as a cozy community spot with a fun, festive edge. The whole square glows with pink lights and a sparkling Christmas tree, and you can expect rustic wooden huts selling warm food, sweet snacks, and plenty of glühwein. One thing I’m excited to try is their famous Feuerzangenbowle, a hot drink made with rum, wine, spices, and sugar that sounds perfect for a cold December night. The market runs 24 November to 22 December 2025, open daily, and it feels like the kind of place to slow down and enjoy holiday evenings with friends.
Location Info
If you’re at Römerberg, it’s about 5–10 minutes on foot or a tram/U-bahn ride. Use public transport U4/U5 or lines to Dom/Römer or Hauptwache
.
2025 Hours & Dates
- Dates: Frankfurt’s main Christmas market runs 24 November to 22 December 2025.
- Hours: Typically Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-9:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am-9:00 pm. For the Pink Christmas Market, the same or similar hours are expected
- Admission: free; no ticketing needed. (QLIST)
Food & Stalls
At Rosa Weihnacht you’ll find stalls offering traditional Christmas food: mulled wine, sausages, baked sweets, local handcrafted items, Christmas ornaments. The food tends to lean comfort: soups, local snacks, sweet treats. Some vegan/vegetarian options show up. Decorations are warm pink, lights catching the evening, good ambiance. Also small entertainment (light music, local performers) so evenings are nice.
