From November 23, 2026, through January 6, 2027, the Cologne Nativity Scene Trail invites you—for the 31st time—on a special journey of discovery through the city of the cathedral. At numerous stops throughout the city, you’ll discover a wide variety of depictions of the Christmas story.
You’ll encounter traditional and historical nativity scenes as well as contemporary interpretations and nativity scenes from various countries and cultures. The stops can be found in churches, store windows, public facilities, cultural institutions, and other special locations throughout Cologne.
In this way, the Cologne Nativity Scene Trail combines nativity scene art, city history, and the pre-Christmas atmosphere into a cultural experience that you can tailor to your own preferences. You can visit the individual stops at your own pace and create your own walking tours through the city.
If you’d like to delve even deeper, you can take part in a nativity scene tour. During the tour, you’ll get to know selected nativity scenes up close and learn more about their stories, unique features, and artistic backgrounds.
You’ll encounter traditional and historical nativity scenes as well as contemporary interpretations and nativity scenes from various countries and cultures. The stops can be found in churches, store windows, public facilities, cultural institutions, and other special locations throughout Cologne.
In this way, the Cologne Nativity Scene Trail combines nativity scene art, city history, and the pre-Christmas atmosphere into a cultural experience that you can tailor to your own preferences. You can visit the individual stops at your own pace and create your own walking tours through the city.
If you’d like to delve even deeper, you can take part in a nativity scene tour. During the tour, you’ll get to know selected nativity scenes up close and learn more about their stories, unique features, and artistic backgrounds.
Price info
- Visiting the Nativity Trail on your own is free of charge.
Guided tours of the Nativity Trail: Adults €14 / Children €5 / Groups €210 Eligibility
Suitable for any Weather
Target Group Adult
Target Group Family
Target Group the Elderly
for familys
for individual guests
Parking facilities
- The nativity scenes are on display daily, Monday through Sunday, either during opening hours (depending on the exhibition location) or around the clock in store windows or outdoors.