Things to do in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: The Best Cultural Events

July 10, 2021 Janean Rudisill

North Rhine-Westphalia (German: Nordrhein-Westfalen, pronounced [ˈnɔʁtʁaɪ̯n vɛstˈfaːlən] ( listen), commonly shortened to NRW) is the most populous state of Germany, with a population of approximately 18 million, and the fourth largest by area. Its capital is Düsseldorf; the largest city is Cologne. Four of Germany's ten largest cities (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Essen) are located in this state, as well as the second largest metropolitan area on the European continent, Rhine-Ruhr.
Restaurants in North Rhine-Westphalia

1. Weihnachtsmarkt Oberkassel

Theo-Champion-Strasse Belsenpark entrance, 40549 Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany https://www.wir-in-oberkassel.de/2019/11/20/weihnachtsmarkt-2019/
Excellent
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Poor
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Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Weihnachtsmarkt Oberkassel

2. Bad Salzufler Weihnachtstraum

Ratsgasse 1, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany [email protected] http://www.badsalzufler-weihnachtstraum.de/
Excellent
100%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Bad Salzufler Weihnachtstraum

3. Bonner Weihnachtsmarkt

Munsterplatz, Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany http://www.bonn-region.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten-kultur/weihnachtsmaerkte.html
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Bonner Weihnachtsmarkt

Reviewed By JuanR1964 - Orlando, United States

Bonn Christmas Market slightly different than Dusseldorf and Colognes, more elegant feel surrounded by higher end residences, steps from Beethoven House which is also a must......

4. Carnival in Cologne

Old Market, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany http://www.koelnerkarneval.de/
Excellent
56%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Carnival in Cologne

For the people of Cologne, 11 is the lucky number. On November 11th at 11.11am the fifth season, aka carnival season, begins. While celebrations are mainly put on hold until after the holiday period, come the Thursday before Lent in February the parties truly kick off for a solid week of what’s known as ‘crazy days.' Locals raid their cupboards and tourists pack the costumes because Cologne’s Carnival means fancy dress and fiestas. Street parties and mini raves keep festival goers entertained all week long but it’s Rose Monday everyone waits for: the day of masks and marches as the town’s nominated Prince, Peasant, and Maiden lead a parade while watchers show their support by dressing in their wackiest wardrobes. It's tradition at the carnival to give a kiss, just a little peck, so don't be too alarmed should you arrive home with more than a few rouge stains!

Reviewed By VivaMexicoLiz - Mexico City, Mexico

We happened to be in Cologne for a business trip and discovered that our stay coincided with November 11, the official kick-off of the city's famous carnival. What a treat! The night before we started seeing people in traditional Kolnischer carnival outfits, as they gathered in advance of the next day's festivities. But on the morning of the 11th almost everyone we saw was in costume, some quite simple and others wonderfully elaborate. As in other cities with carnival, some folks drink too much and beer gets spilled, bottles broken, but the overall spirit is one of good fun. We noted a well-organized police presence; certain areas were physically blocked with city garbage trucks, but pedestrians could move fairly easily. The only real bottlenecks we found were around the concert area, where one needed a ticket to enter. No ticket, no problem: everything was televised live. We mingled with the crowds in the streets for several hours and had a wonderful time. While there are definitely some more formal organizations that dress up, we saw smaller groups of friends who tended to coordinate their costumes: animals, fairy tale characters, clowns, cowboys, friars, and even bunches of grapes. People were quite friendly, and everyone wanted a photo of their group in front of the cathedral. So if you're in Cologne for carnival but don't like big crowds, go to the cathedral and wait for everyone to pass by and you'll still get to see a lot.

5. Cranger Kirmes

Herne Cranger Kirmesplatz, An der Cranger Kirche, 44653 Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany +49 2323 9190514 http://www.cranger-kirmes.de/home.html
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 67 reviews

Cranger Kirmes

Germany's second-biggest funfair after Oktoberfest, Cranger Kirmes in Hernes stands out its focus on carnival attractions rather than beer consumption. The festival does provide a giant beer tent, but the main draw remains the 500-odd showmen and their roller coasters, ghost trains, games, and curios spread out over an 111,000-square-meter space. Originally founded in the 15th century as a horse market, Cranger Kirmes soon evolved into an entertainment event replete with jugglers and magicians. Today, the colorful funfair welcomes about 4 million visitors over 10 days starting the first Friday of August. 

6. Dusseldorfer Rheinkirmes

Dusseldorf City Centre, 40545 Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany +49 4921 1172020 http://rheinkirmes.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
12%
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4.5 based on 51 reviews

Dusseldorfer Rheinkirmes

The "Largest Fair on the Rhine", Düsseldorfer Rheinkirmes celebrates St. Apollinaris, the patron saint of Dusseldorf, with a massive 10-day funfair starting the third Sunday of each July. About 4 million people make their way to the neon-lit fairgrounds every year to enjoy a wide variety of rides and games. Event highlights include the "Historic Procession" of marching bands, uniformed shooters, and horse-led carriages, the spectacular fair-closing fireworks, and a target shooting competition. This competition lies at the heart of the Rheinkirmes -- taking place since the event's inception in 1435, its winner holds the title of "Schützenkönig" for a year.

7. Dortmund Christmas Market

Hansplatz, 44137 Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany http://www.dortmunderweihnachtsmarkt.de
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 126 reviews

Dortmund Christmas Market

At Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt, the largest Christmas tree in the world towers over a collection of 300 traditional wooden stands selling toys, decorations, and holiday-season delicacies. At a height of 45 meters (147 feet), the tree illuminates the night sky with 48,000 lights, providing a festive contrast against the modest surrounding church steeples. Glühwein, or mulled wine, serves as the adult beverage of choice, with the market's collectible glühwein cup featuring a new design each year. While adults warm themselves with wine, children in the Christmas Village sing, bake, and build crafts. Market-goers of all ages gather to dance and sing along with performers at the annual WDR 4 Christmas concert.

Reviewed By lethers1

As always Dortmund provides a fantastic place to enjoy all the delights of a 300+ stall Christmas market stretched across the city centre with a wide range of arts, crafts, food and drinks. Great pubs serving local food and with DAB, Their, Brinkhoffs and Kronen (my favirite) beers, all brewed in Dortmund, a great place for a drink. On top of that, Borrussia Dortmund at home in Signal Iduna Park is something any football fan should experience. Love the city, lived here in the 80's and its even better now. Recommend a trip any time of year, but Xmas is special.

8. Cranger Weihnachtszauber

An der Cranger Kirche, 44653 Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany +49 1514 4354569 [email protected] http://cranger-weihnachtszauber.de
Excellent
54%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

Cranger Weihnachtszauber

9. Gamescom

Messepl. 1, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany +49 180 6 089999 http://www.gamescom-cologne.com/gamescom/index-9.php
Excellent
28%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
14%
Terrible
27%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 57 reviews

Gamescom

Held in Cologne each year, Gamescom is the world’s largest gaming event so naturally every Mario Kart master, Nintendo wizard and console ninja comes to Cologne. Currently in its 6th year, Gamescom takes place at the end of August and is where the latest and greatest in gaming technology from the world’s biggest gaming companies can be found. Think special reveals, exclusive info, and computer game premieres. While parts of the event are only intended for business heads, the music acts and gaming platforms on offer are very appealing to the general public. Also, rumour has it that once the conference is wrapped up for the day, there’s some cheeky gambling to be done.

10. Christmas Garden

Sentruper Str. 315 Allwetterzoo Munster, 48161 Muenster, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany +49 2303 254640 http://www.christmas-garden.de/muenster/
Excellent
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Poor
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2.0 based on 1 reviews

Christmas Garden

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