Cologne Carnival

  • Cologne, Germany

Your Essential Guide to the Cologne Carnival 2025

The Cologne Carnival is one of the oldest, largest, and most exciting festivals in Europe. Every year, millions of people flock to Cologne to celebrate six days of madness.

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LOCATION

Cologne, Germany

DATE

February 27 - March 5, 2025

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When is the Cologne Carnival?

The Cologne Carnival 2025 will take place from Thursday, February 27, to Wednesday, March 5. The carnival season, which locals refer to as «the fifth season of the year,» officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 AM and ends on Ash Wednesday. The main events, known as the «crazy days,» start on Weiberfastnacht, the Thursday before Shrove Tuesday.

What is the Cologne Carnival?

The Cologne Carnival is Germany’s wildest party—so wild, in fact, that it makes Oktoberfest seem tame! Each year, during the six days leading up to Lent, carnival fever takes over the entire city of Cologne, erupting into festive chaos.

Carnival is the time of year when Cologne lets loose, with people dressing up in costumes, singing their hearts out, dancing all night, and drinking enormous amounts of beer and liquor. Anyone who has seen Cologne outside of carnival season wouldn’t recognize the city during this transformative time.

The History of the Cologne Carnival

The Cologne Carnival is nearly as old as the city itself, with celebrations dating back to the Middle Ages. In its current form, the carnival has been celebrated for about 190 years.

The origins of the Cologne Carnival trace back to the Germanic tribes, who celebrated the winter solstice to worship their gods and scare away the evil winter spirits. These traditions were later adopted by Christians, who gave them new religious meanings.

The motto of the Cologne Carnival is «Kölle Alaaf,» which translates to «Cologne above all.» This toast dates back to 1550 and is a traditional way to cheer during the festivities.

The "Crazy Days" of Cologne Carnival

Cologne is undoubtedly the king of carnival in Germany, with the highlight of the season being the six days before Lent, known as the «Crazy Days.» During this time, carnival fever grips the entire city, filling Cologne with parties, parades, and dancing.

During the «Crazy Days,» millions of lively Germans flood the streets of Cologne in the most extravagant costumes, while beer flows freely. Parties happen everywhere—in the streets, public squares, restaurants, and pubs, all of which stay open throughout the carnival.

It’s said that the world turns upside down during the Cologne Carnival, with bad behavior not just tolerated but celebrated. You can party day and night, act like a drunken fool, or mock the elites with no consequences. Men can dress as women, and the working class can parade through the streets like royalty.

Costumes Are Essential!

If you want to join the fun, costumes are a must! The good news is that anything goes, and the more extravagant and outrageous your carnival costume, the better! Costumes at the Cologne Carnival are more about having fun than being fashionable.

Locals love getting into the carnival spirit, and everyone dresses up! They go all out when it comes to carnival costumes, transforming themselves with wild outfits, wigs, makeup, masks, or body paint. Cologne Carnival costumes rival those seen at Comic-Con.

You’ll stand out if you show up to the carnival in regular clothes. We recommend wearing a costume every time you leave the house during these days. The entire city will be dressed up, regardless of age. You’ll see all sorts of costumes—Star Wars characters, fairies, nuns, politicians, ghosts, animals, pirates, celebrities, anime characters, movie characters, and much more.

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Cologne Carnival 2025 Event Schedule

The Cologne Carnival spans six days, known as the «Crazy Days.» With 1.5 million attendees, it’s packed with parties, costumes, singing, and drinking. You’ll hear the carnival motto shouted across the city: «Kölle Alaaf,» which translates to «Long live Cologne!»

Cologne Carnival 2025 Program:

  • Carnival Friday – February 28, 2025: As the weekend approaches, the festive atmosphere intensifies. Numerous parties, balls, concerts, and private events are held on Friday night.
  • Carnival Saturday – March 1, 2025: Saturday features a carnival brunch where revelers drink Kölsch beer while enjoying a performance at the Neumarkt tent. Various Cologne Carnival societies, many with military traditions, organize the show. In the evening, a ghost parade takes place, and the streets fill with market stalls and cafes.
  • Carnival Sunday – March 2, 2025: On Carnival Sunday, local community groups and schools march in parades through the city center. The parades are full of school groups in costumes and original masquerades. Spectators often bring small gifts to give to the children.
  • Rose Monday Parade – March 3, 2025: The Rose Monday Parade, known as Rosenmontagszug, is the highlight of the Cologne Carnival. Around 1.5 million people take to the streets from 10:30 AM to watch the parade. It’s a colorful spectacle with costumed performers, marching bands, and the distribution of sweets, flowers, and kisses.
  • Shrove Tuesday (Weiberfastnacht) – March 4, 2025: A traditional day with more parades, while costumed people crowd the old town. All nightclubs and bars in the city center are packed with revelers.
  • The Burning of Nubbel – March 5, 2025 Midnight: This event marks the official and symbolic end of the carnival. The carnival mascot, a large straw figure called Nubbel, is burned at midnight. This figure is used as a scapegoat for all the sins of the past year.

Main Events of Cologne Carnival:

  • Carnival Thursday – The Start of the «Crazy Days»: The Thursday before Rose Monday marks the official start of the «Crazy Days.» Carnival-goers rise early and head to the city center. At 11:11 AM, the whole city of Cologne turns into a festive frenzy.
    German music blares in every bar, pub, and restaurant as people celebrate, inside and out, dancing and drinking schnapps and beer. Cologne’s old town, packed with breweries, attracts thousands, while the younger crowd heads to the student districts. The party continues all day and into the next morning for those who can handle it.
  • Women’s Carnival Day: Additionally, Carnival Thursday in Cologne is Women’s Carnival Day. From early morning, the streets fill with women dressed in costumes as they go about their daily routines. You’ll see women in costumes heading to work, the office, or shops, continuing a long-standing carnival tradition.
  • Cologne Carnival Friday – Recovery Day: Carnival Friday in Cologne is considered a day of recovery, dedicated to curing the hangover from the previous day’s excessive drinking. However, some make an effort to attend traditional carnival events such as comedy, dance, or music performances.
    In the evening, several thousand people gather in Alter Markt square, lighting flares and singing carnival songs.
  • Cologne Carnival Weekend: Saturday and Sunday are relatively calm carnival days. A widespread tradition during this carnival is the «Frühschoppen,» an early morning drink at 10:30 AM in Neumarkt. Saturday night sees the «Geisterzug» or ghost parade, some masked balls, and many parties.
    On Carnival Sunday, most Cologne neighborhoods will witness parades in their area. Some school and neighborhood parades will take place in the city center, while parties and masked balls continue into the night.
  • The Ghost Parade: The Ghost Parade, known as Geisterzug, takes place on Carnival Saturday and marches through Cologne’s city center. Anyone with a spooky costume can participate in this parade.
    The Ghost Parade began in 1991 when the Rose Monday Parade was canceled due to the Gulf War. Protesters against the war marched along the parade route, preventing its celebration. They were joined by carnival groups and revelers, all expressing their outrage. The protesters dressed as grim reapers, ghosts, vampires, monsters, and other equally spooky costumes. The tradition continued and became what it is today.
  • Rose Monday Parade – The Peak of Cologne Carnival: Rose Monday traditionally brings locals together early in the city center for a full day of festivities. Monday marks the most important event of the Cologne Carnival, with the entire city celebrating, even closing businesses.
    More than 1.5 million people attend the Rose Monday Parade, the largest in Germany. The colorful spectacle begins at 10:30 AM. The parade features around 11,000 participants, 100 music groups, and numerous giant and elaborately designed floats, distributing flowers and sweets to the crowd.
    After the Rose Monday Parade ends, celebrations continue well into the night in the city’s many halls, restaurants, breweries, and pubs.
  • Tuesday – The Burning of Nubbel: Tuesday is the last day of the Cologne Carnival, so it slowly winds down. There will be a few smaller parades in the neighborhoods, but the main event is the ceremonial burning of the Nubbels, the famous life-sized straw men.
    Throughout the Cologne Carnival, you’ll see these dolls hanging in pubs and shops, only to be taken down at the end of the season and burned. Locals use Nubbels as scapegoats, blaming them for all the wrongdoings during the carnival.
    The Nubbels are then symbolically burned, which absolves everyone of their carnival sins. While the Nubbels burn, the crowd sings carnival songs. The Nubbel Burning ceremony officially closes the Cologne Carnival.

Where to Watch the Cologne Carnival Parades

If you want to get a good spot along the parade route, arrive early. The most popular and crowded spots are around Cologne Cathedral Square, Hohestraße, and Severinsstraße. The less chaotic areas are between Friesenplatz, Appellhofplatz, and Löwengasse and Mühlenbach.

Unfortunately, some of the best spots along the parade route are occupied by hotels and businesses that set up stands. You can purchase tickets for these stands, which can cost between €50 and €150. The more expensive tickets usually include food, drinks, and access to a restroom.

Cologne Carnival Parade Route
The Best Places to Party During Cologne Carnival

Where to party during the Cologne Carnival? Germans know how to have fun, and the Cologne Carnival is one of their wildest celebrations. You’ll find hundreds of thousands of people, in costumes, partying for six straight days. If you’re coming to Cologne Carnival, you’re here for the party! The party is also diverse for all ages! You’ll find everyone partying together, whether they’re 90 or 20 years old.

Finding where the parties are during the carnival is easy. All you have to do is head to the city center, and you’ll see parties everywhere. The parties last all night and into the next morning. There’s plenty of drinking, dancing, and singing. Even if you go out alone, you’ll make friends in no time because everyone is in a great mood.

The best place to start is simply heading to the old town or the nearby breweries. This area is the center of the party, and you’ll find what you’re looking for on nearly every corner. Tens of thousands of people gather here, especially around Heumarkt and Alter Markt. The younger crowd usually parties around Zülpicherstraße or Chlodwigplatz, which is a student area. Parties take place in shops, bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and even in the street.

Cologne already has a reputation for having an incredible nightlife, with over 80 clubs and party venues, all of which fill up during the carnival. You don’t need to book tickets for balls or private parties this week, as most celebrations take place in the streets. You can literally choose from the endless pubs in the city.

One of the most photographed spots in Cologne is Fischmarkt. This is a very busy party area during the carnival. While it’s a bustling and chaotic place to have fun, it’s also filled with street vendors selling food and alcohol, as well as bathrooms you can use for a small fee.

One of the main party streets is Mauthgasse, which gets especially busy at night. But this area has plenty of restaurants and bars where the parties spill out into the street. Another party area in the old town is Salzgasse. This tiny alley is packed with clubs and bars. It’s a super chaotic and crazy area during the carnival, so head there if you’re looking for something lively. If you want something a bit less wild, head to some of the neighborhood bars located further from the city center.

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Where's Wally?

Those unfamiliar with the city’s football team might think Cologne locals love to dress up as the «Where’s Wally?» character. This is because one of the most popular outfits you’ll see during the carnival is that of Cologne F.C. fans, proudly wearing the team’s red and white striped football jersey.

Cologne locals are deeply patriotic, and this extends to their Koln F.C. football team. Everywhere you look, you’ll see variations of the jerseys, the typical team scarf, and other red and white accessories, sometimes glittery.

You’ll see red and white Koln F.C. decorations hung all over the city. One of the highlights of the parade is the eagerly anticipated appearance of the beloved team. They throw sweets and flowers from atop a bus, much to the crowd’s delight.

Sing Your Heart Out

Music is an integral part of the Cologne Carnival, with bands playing hit after hit. You know you’re in Cologne when you can hear the joyful melodies of German carnival songs blaring from speakers all over the city. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the songs are incredibly catchy.

Many carnival bands write and produce their own songs each year, all sung in the local accent, Kölsch. The main theme of these tunes is love for the city of Cologne and its people. Be prepared to link arms with strangers as you sway to the music and sing at the top of your lungs.

To enrich the singing sessions in bars and restaurants throughout the city, lyrics are distributed to the public before the carnival begins, encouraging them to learn the new songs. This is one of the features that makes the Cologne Carnival so unique.

Cologne Carnival Season Begins at 11:11 AM on 11/11!

Each year, the Cologne Carnival season officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 AM. At that time, around 70,000 attendees fill Heumarkt Square to celebrate the opening of the Cologne Carnival season.

The carnival is inaugurated by the three main figures of the carnival, collectively known as the Dreigestirn. They consist of a Prince, a Peasant, and a Virgin. All of them embody the spirit of the Cologne Carnival. They are joined by traditional bands, and the city square erupts into perfect carnival chaos.

Costumed revelers dance and sing all day, with the program not ending until the afternoon. But the party doesn’t stop there; it continues in many pubs and restaurants across the city. Cologne also hosts some carnival theater performances and masked balls.

Where to Stay During Cologne Carnival?

Wondering where to stay during the Cologne Carnival? Rest assured, there’s no shortage of options. Cologne has over 250 hotels to suit all budgets. If you want to enjoy local hospitality, you’ll find plenty of quaint family-run hotels in Cologne.

Altstadt – The Best Place to Stay Near the Carnival Action

If you want to be close to the carnival action, there’s no better place to stay in Cologne than the old town, known as Altstadt in German. It’s not only near the main tourist attractions but also within walking distance of all the street parties, pubs, and parades.

Budget and Backpacker Hostels in the Old Town

  • Station Hostel for Backpackers
  • Pathpoint Cologne Backpacker Hostel
  • Rhein Hotel St. Martin

Mid-Range Accommodation in the Old Town

  • Stern am Rathaus
  • Statthaus – Hotel Statt
  • Hotel Ludwig Superior

Luxury Hotels in the Old Town

  • Cologne Marriott Hotel
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Hyatt Regency Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Neustadt – Close to the Carnival Celebrations but Quieter Than Altstadt

If you really want to get some sleep but still want to be near the action, we recommend staying in the new town or Neustadt. Around 1880, Cologne «expanded» outward in a semicircle around the old town, creating the new town. This is a great place to stay because it’s still very close to all the carnival action, without the potential disturbances of being in the epicenter. Additionally, the area has more modern accommodation options.

Budget and Backpacker Hostels in Neustadt

  • a&o Köln Hauptbahnhof
  • Hotel Eigelstein
  • Hotel Garni Emir

Mid-Range Accommodation in Neustadt

  • Hotel Harmonie Classic
  • Boutique 003 Köln-City
  • Lindner Hotel Dom Residence

Luxury Hotels in Neustadt

  • Hotel Savoy
  • Hotel Im Wasserturm
  • Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne

Belgian Quarter – Trendy Area with Incredible Nightlife

The Belgian Quarter is one of the trendiest and coolest areas in Cologne. This area is where all the Gen Z’ers and millennials hang out. There’s a high concentration of trendy bars and chic restaurants. It’s also one of the best places to stay for foodies and has excellent shops and boutiques. Moreover, it’s within walking distance of all the central party areas of the Cologne Carnival.

Deutz – The Most Family-Friendly Neighborhood

Deutz is located across the Rhine River from Cologne’s city center. It’s still a short train ride away from the main attractions and carnival celebrations, but because it’s away from the nightlife, it’s a more family-friendly area. It offers stunning views of the river, the old town, and Cologne Cathedral.

Friesenplatz – The Best Place to Stay on a Budget

This is another trendy area with incredible nightlife located between the city center and the Belgian Quarter. This area is home to many popular student bars and restaurants, making it a more budget-friendly destination.

We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance because the city gets extremely busy. Hotels book up quickly, and it can be hard to find a good place to stay.

What to Do and See During the Cologne Carnival?

Cologne is a cultural and historical city with over 2,000 years of history. It’s filled with incredible medieval Romanesque churches. Its main attraction is Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the most visited attraction in Germany. The Cathedral is an international pilgrimage site and has housed the Shrine of the Three Kings since 1164.

If you like getting lost in a great museum, you’ll love Cologne. One of the most popular museums to visit is the Chocolate Museum. Other incredible museums to visit include the Romano-Germanic Museum, Museum Ludwig, Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln, the Fragrance Museum, the Schnütgen Museum, or the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Among all of them, you have enough history, culture, and art to keep you busy for days.

You can also visit Cologne’s old town, which will give you a sense of what Cologne was like before the war. It’s worth remembering that three-quarters of Cologne was destroyed in the conflict. Climb the tower of Groß St. Martin, a key part of Cologne’s skyline since the 12th century.

It’s important to note that Cologne has the highest number of pubs per capita in Germany. There are also plenty of cool neighborhoods. We recommend visiting the Belgian Quarter, which is perhaps the trendiest area. It’s full of excellent bars, shops, and restaurants. Or visit the new Rheinauhafen district by the Rhine.

Fun Tours to Do in Cologne

Cologne: Guided Highlights Tour with a Local

Cologne: 1.5-Hour Comedy Bus Tour

Cologne Brewery Walking Tour

Small Group Cologne Bike Tour with Guide

Top Cologne Carnival Tips and Essential Things to Know

  • Family Fun: While the Cologne Carnival features many intense parties, if you’re attending with kids and only want family-friendly fun, stay away from the Cathedral and Zülpicherstraße, which is near the university. These areas have lots of partying and excessive beer consumption.
  • Kissing: Just so you know, kissing is a German custom during carnival celebrations, particularly on Thursdays when women take control of the carnival. This kiss is known as a «Bützchen» and is just a quick peck on the cheek. However, there are plenty of high-energy kisses that symbolize the fun and good spirit of the carnival.
  • Bring a Bag: In addition to kisses, there are also many roses and sweets handed out during the parades. Like the locals, bring a bag so you can take all the candy home.
  • Carnival is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Remember, the Cologne Carnival is six days of non-stop partying, so pace yourself. Try to get some sleep and moderate your drinking.
  • Music: During the Crazy Days, only carnival music is played. This isn’t the type of carnival music you associate with Brazil or Trinidad. Cologne has its own type of music and distinctly German carnival bands.
  • Good Vibes: This is a happy time of year for the locals, and everyone is in a friendly, cheerful, and positive mood. Even if you’re alone in Cologne, you’ll have made new friends within minutes.
  • Dress Up: Trust us, you’ll feel more out of place wearing plain clothes than if you wear a costume. This event is like Halloween in the U.S., everyone is dressed up. At the very least, wear a funny hat or some kind of accessory.
  • Wear Good Shoes: You’ll be on your feet all day, so wear comfortable shoes and leave the high heels at home, even if they match your costume.
  • Kölsch: The traditional carnival drink is Kölsch, a beer that originates from Cologne. It follows a strict brewing process. The Kölsch Rule is this: if you’re seen with an empty glass, it will be refilled immediately.
  • The Dreigestirn (Trio): This is the name of the three people who become the carnival royalty each year and lead the parades.

How to Get to the Cologne Carnival?

  • By Plane: You can fly into Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), which has many domestic and international flights and is just 15 minutes by train from the city center. Another option is to fly into Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), which is about 40 minutes away, or Frankfurt Rhein Main International Airport, Germany’s largest airport, which has a direct high-speed train link to Cologne from the airport in less than an hour.
  • By Train: Cologne has two main train stations: Köln-Deutz and Köln Hauptbahnhof. The city is connected by train throughout Germany, as well as to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Luxembourg.
  • By Bus: Cologne has an international bus station located in Breslauer Platz, offering daily direct services to Denmark or Serbia. There are also buses connecting with nearly all major cities in Germany.
  • By Car: Many highways lead to Cologne, including the A1, A4, A3, A57, and A555 motorways.

How to Get Around Cologne?

Cologne has an excellent network of metro, tram, and bus services that can easily transport you around the city. Of course, you can always take a taxi or an Uber.

Cologne Carnival Dictionary

  • Kölle Alaaf! – You’ll hear this shouted a lot during the carnival as it’s the official carnival motto. It translates to «Cologne above all!» Some people will shorten it and shout «Alaaf,» and you can respond by saying «Alaaf» back.
  • Crazy Days – The name given to the six days of carnival.
  • Bützchen – The name for all the kisses given during the carnival, which are numerous and fun.
  • Kamelle: This means candy, and if you shout it during the parade, you might get some thrown your way.
  • Strüsjer: This means flowers, and if you shout this out loud during the parade, you’ll get free flowers.
  • Jeck – This means you’re a fool. Everyone who celebrates carnival is considered a Jeck, so embrace it.
  • Glasverbot: You’ll see these signs everywhere, and they refer to the prohibition of glass containers in the city.
  • Nubbel: This is a straw-filled puppet used as a scapegoat for all the revelers’ misdeeds during the carnival.
  • Polonaise: This is the word used for a German-style conga line that will break out several times during the celebrations. It’s a lot of fun to join in as people sing and party.

 

Enjoy the carnival to the fullest, and make sure to soak in all the fun, culture, and excitement that Cologne has to offer!

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