What's happening in January 2026? - Events in Cologne
New year, new events! Once again this year, we're kicking off January 2026 with some absolute Cologne event highlights ✨
From a slow start to the New Year with a wiggle walk, a cozy winter market and a kinky party for indie mice to exhibitions and concerts you won't want to miss.
We're kicking off January 2026 in Cologne with big plans and good vibes and are looking forward to another year full of jam jar moments, swaying together, turning night into day and getting out and about with you!
So, get your diary out and let Friends know: here's your plan for the first month of the year.
Are you in? 💜🤝
👉 The highlights in Cologne in 2026
The best events in Cologne in January 2025
Charity Neujahrsbaden 2.0 am Blackfoot Beach
Charity New Year's swim: Into the cold water, out with goosebumps and feelings of happiness! For €10, you get an adrenaline rush, a certificate, hot tea and you even make a donation - the perfect start to the year, right?
WIGGLE WALK COLOGNE - Neujahrswalk
Lachende Kölnarena 2026
KleiderTausch - Motto des Tages: Tauschen statt kaufen!
Monachopsis präsentiert: FLINTA* Only Mosh
Apache 207
Winterjazz Köln 2026
Letzter Ausstellungstag: Fünf Freunde. John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly
Don't miss the last day of the "Five Friends" exhibition. Come to the Museum Ludwig and let yourself be captivated by the works of art one last time 🎨💜
tanz.tausch – tanz- und performance-festival
Social Reading Party
Kunstspäti: Unverblümt – Die Sprache der Blumen in der Kunst
Kinky Indie Party • Helios37 • Köln
RADIO SABOR | JANUAR
Disco Bingo im ST. LOUIS Breakfast – Das Original in Köln!
fünf minuten stille
FLIEDER X Lukas Mondlicht
anaïs /// wünsch dir was Tour 2026
From university project to label deal in record time, the newcomer mixes French charm with German wit and international pop appeal. After support shows for Cro and Nina Chuba as well as features with MAJAN, anaïs will start her own tour in 2026. Her songs skillfully navigate between the stress of studying and summer flirtations, homesickness and new beginnings. Multilingual and irresistibly catchy.
fi = altshift5 w/ DJ Hell & Das Ist Das Ja
Benjamin Amaru /// NOSTALGIA 9052 Tour
Swiss multi-instrumentalist with a nostalgic flair. The MTV EMA-nominated artist brings emotional stories and musical diversity to the stage on his NOSTALGIA 9052 Tour. With over 100 released songs and 22 million annual Spotify streams, Amaru has played his way from the hills of Eastern Switzerland into the international indie scene.
Poetica 11 - »Soft Magic« - Auftaktveranstaltung mit den Autor:innen der Poetica
DIJON
Pavelo & Schnell - SOHN-Tour
DIVAS + DEMONS • DRAG • LIVE MUSIC
KINOTAG - Deine Lieblingsfilme, live improvisiert
Kurzfilmprogramm NRW | Stranger Than Fiction | mit Filmgespräch
You can find all events on our website and in our app! Have a great start to the new year! 🫶
Frequently asked questions about events in January 2026 in Cologne
1. what is the weather like in Cologne in January and what should you bear in mind?
In January, the weather in Cologne is often cool and damp, with average temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. Occasionally there may be frost or light snowfall. It is advisable to bring warm and weatherproof clothing as well as an umbrella or water-repellent jackets, especially if you are planning outdoor events.
2. will there already be a Cologne Carnival in January 2026?
Although the street carnival doesn't start until later, carnival sessions, balls and smaller events often take place in January. These are part of the "jecken" carnival season, which traditionally begins on November 11. Tickets for carnival events are in high demand and should be booked early. Click here for the 2026 carnival parties in Cologne.
3. what special events are taking place in Cologne in January?
There are a variety of events in Cologne in January, including concerts, theater performances and exhibitions. 👉 the highlights in Cologne in 2026
