Welcome to Christmassy Düsseldorf!

We can't predict whether the snow will fall quietly at the Düsseldorf Christmas market. Instead, we have six great tips for you, such as the new Glühgin at the Glühtürmchen, delicious roasted almonds and a spectacular view of the city. But the Advent season is also about charity. How good that WDR 2 is making a guest appearance with its Christmas miracle. A charity forest is also waiting for you.

The Dome of Lights

Since 2016, the Dome of Lights on the Kö Bridge on Steinstraße has been shining every year during Advent. 3,500 lights spread across the 40-metre-long and 15-metre-high double arch construction illuminate Königsallee and create a festive atmosphere. What many people don't know: It is a historical replica. In 1953, three domes of light were installed on the Kö. Back then, the three arches stood for hope and a better future. The people of Düsseldorf did not only rely on atmospheric Christmas illumination on the Kö, but oversized candles, stars and Christmas trees were also installed on Schadow- and Graf-Adolf-Strasse and over 30,000 lights are said to have been lit.

The charity forest

Christmas is also the time for donations. If you can no longer see the wood for the trees with all the appeals for charity, we recommend a visit to the charity forest in the Galeria an der Kö. For years, there has traditionally been a charity tree in the department store's in-house Christmas market. This year, however, there are three gift trees and seven donation trees. And this is how it works: Wishes from children who are in a difficult life situation hang on the gift trees. Customers can choose a wish list, get the gift they want and leave it on site. The children receive their presents on Christmas Eve. You can participate in the gift trees until December 13, 2023. The newly initiated donation trees are assigned to different sponsors, such as the children's hospice. The campaign runs until December 24.
galeria.de

The WDR 2 Christmas miracle

The WDR 2 Christmas miracle raised 7.4 million euros in 2022 and contributed a large part to the cross-media charity campaign "Der Westen hilft. Together against hunger in the world". In total, a record sum of 10.6 million euros was raised. A miracle is set to happen again in Düsseldorf in 2023. From December 16 to 20, the WDR 2 Glashaus will be located on Gustav-Gründgens-Platz at the Schauspielhaus, in the immediate vicinity of the Christmas market. The presenters Sabine Heinrich, Steffi Neu, Jan Malte Andresen and Thomas Bug will welcome prominent guests there. But the main aim is to collect donations. A donation box is located directly in front of the Glashaus, where music requests can be posted in combination with donations. Alternatively, listeners can wish for a song on various digital channels and donate, for example directly to "Aktion Deutschland hilft".
aktion-deutschland-hilft.de

The Gagliardi almond distillery

"The best roasted almonds in the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia", rave people on social media, praising Gagliardi's roasted almonds to the skies. Theoretically, you can buy roasted almonds at "Sweet and Eat" on Kapuzinergasse all year round, but the Christmas market in the old town is the best. Mario Gagliardi is the third generation to run the family business, which is completely dedicated to almonds. It's hard to say why these almonds taste so much better, as the Gagliardis guard the family recipe like the holy grail. In fact, the recipe is said to be kept in a safe. One thing is certain, the almonds come from Andalusia and less sugar is added and more emphasis is placed on the roasting and aromas.
Altstadtmarkt, stand number 204

Glühbier & Glühgin

Mulled wine is a thing of the past! Oliver Wilmering has created a mulled gin together with his winegrowers. As if that wasn't enough, Wilmering has added mulled beer to his range for the first time. The chairman of the Düsseldorf Showmen's Association is known not least for his Glühtürmchen, which opened in 2021 and has been a regular meeting place for many at the Christmas market ever since. It gets cozy on the second floor of the little tower, where around 20 people can find a seat. And don't panic: There's mulled wine too, of course. For those who like it less traditional and more clubby, we recommend Thursday at the Kasematten. The motto there is: Glüh dich glücklich! Electro beats included. The events run until January 25, 2024.

The Ferris wheel

Wheel of Vision - Spectacular is the only way to describe the view from a height of 55 meters. The city is literally at your feet with the colorful lights of the Christmas markets, the hustle and bustle in the alleyways of the old town and the Rhine with its bridges and the Rhine Tower. The view is particularly atmospheric when darkness falls and the Ferris wheel is brightly lit up. You can take a cup of mulled wine into the heated gondolas and enjoy Düsseldorf's Winter Wonderland. If you plan in advance, you can also book one of the exclusive rides and, for example, have breakfast or dinner in the gondola or reserve the "Wheel & Wine" package.
duesseldorf.riesenrad.info

You can find all the information you need for a wonderful Christmas time in Düsseldorf here.

Lead photo: Visit Düsseldorf

Tip: "Hey Ho! Let it snow" is our Christmas playlist for you. From Bing Cosby to Run-D.M.C. to Broilers. 24 songs for the Advent season.