Carnival 2026 - the best parties & events in Cologne

From February 12, 2026, the 2026 carnival season in Cologne will enter its final round. Thinking about Carnival 2026 now? It's never too early to prepare for the carnival season in Cologne! Real revellers know that the most sought-after carnival tickets sell out very quickly. 🤝

That's why we've already done the research for you and will show you where you can sway, party and celebrate Carnival 2026. Here you'll find the perfect carnival party in Cologne for you - from Weiberfastnacht to Rosenmontag and the Nubbelverbrennung. 🔥

👉 Here you can find everything about carnival sessions in Cologne

Parties on Weiberfastnacht 2026 in Cologne

Parties on Carnival Friday 2026 in Cologne

Parties on Carnival Saturday 2026 in Cologne

Parties on Carnival Sunday 2026 in Cologne

Events on Rose Monday 2026 in Cologne

Nubbel burnings on Veilchendienstag 2026 in Cologne

Frequently asked questions about Cologne Carnival 2026

1. when will Carnival 2026 take place in Cologne?

Cologne Carnival 2026 officially begins on November 11, 2025 with the opening of the session. The street carnival starts on Weiberfastnacht, February 12, 2025, at 11:11 am.

The highlights of the street carnival are:

• Weiberfastnacht (12. Februar 2026): Auftakt des Straßenkarnevals mit zahlreichen Feiern und Veranstaltungen in der Stadt. 
• Karnevalssamstag (14. Februar 2026): Veedelszüge in verschiedenen Stadtteilen und das traditionelle Funkenbiwak der Roten Funken auf dem Neumarkt. 
• Rosenmontag (16. Februar 2026): Der Höhepunkt des Kölner Karnevals mit dem großen Rosenmontagszug, der ab 10:00 Uhr durch die Innenstadt zieht. 
• Veilchendienstag (17. Februar 2026): Abschluss des Straßenkarnevals mit weiteren Umzügen und Feiern in den Veedeln.

Please note that there are numerous carnival sessions and parties in the run-up to the event, which start as early as January 2026. You can find an overview of the current carnival sessions here .

2. what are the best costumes for Carnival 2026?

The current carnival season brings with it a variety of costume trends. Here are some of the most popular costumes for the coming session:

• Glitzer & Disko-Kugel  Kostüme
• Stars & VIP's wie z.B. Taylor Swift, Ski Aggu, Bill Kaulitz & Harry Styles 
• "Red Flag" Kostüme 
• Klassisch in Köln: rut un wiess 

3. what is the Nubbelverbrennung in Cologne?

The burning of the "Nubbel" is a traditional part of the Cologne Carnival and takes place on the night of Shrove Tuesday to Ash Wednesday. The "Nubbel" is symbolically burned - a straw doll that serves as a scapegoat for the "misdeeds" committed during the carnival days.

Procedure for burning the Nubbel:

1. Der Nubbel: Während der Karnevalstage hängt die Strohpuppe, der Nubbel, meist über Kneipen, an Fassaden oder Laternen. Er steht sinnbildlich für alles, was während des Karnevals zu wild oder ungebührlich war – von übermäßigem Feiern bis zu kleinen Sünden.
2. Die "Anklage": Am Veilchendienstag wird der Nubbel in einem feierlichen und oft humorvollen Ritual „angeklagt“. Die Jecken versammeln sich, oft begleitet von einem „Priester“ oder „Schuldführer“, der den Nubbel verurteilt.
3. Die Verbrennung: Anschließend wird die Strohpuppe unter lautem Wehklagen und Gesängen verbrannt. Dabei rufen die Menschen oft den Satz: „Wer ist schuld?“ – „Der Nubbel ist schuld!“ Damit endet symbolisch die Karnevalszeit, und die Jecken nehmen Abschied vom ausgelassenen Treiben.

4 What should visitors to Cologne Carnival bear in mind?

You may be asking yourself: "What do I have to consider as a carnival newcomer in Cologne?" The right preparation is everything! It's important to be prepared for the crowds. But don't worry, with a little planning you can do it. Think about your costume - it's almost compulsory to dress up in Cologne. Be creative, let off steam - special costumes are always welcome. Find out about the events in advance, take a look at the parade route in your neighborhood and check out the hottest party locations. And most importantly: stay respectful and kind, enjoy the exuberant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the sea of color and cheerfulness. Whether you immerse yourself in the world of fools for just one day or party from Weiberfastnacht to Ash Wednesday - you're guaranteed to find your carnival moment in Cologne! So pack your five senses and let yourself be enchanted by the Cologne carnival. Alaaf!

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