Sunday shopping in Cologne: Musical autumn on October 12th!

Sunday shopping in Cologne: Musical autumn on October 12th!

The anticipation of an eventful weekend in Cologne is increasing! On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the city will once again be the setting for Sunday shopping. This special day takes place as part of the “Musical Autumn” in Porz-Mitte and not only brings attractive offers for shopping fans, but also musical highlights for all visitors. The whole family can look forward to a lot of activity when the shops open their doors between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - in keeping with the clear and sunny weather with temperatures of up to 18°C ​​forecast for this day. This is one of the maximum four Sundays open for shopping that are permitted in North Rhine-Westphalia per year, in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Law on Shop Closing, such as News.de reports.

The city of Cologne plays an important role in the coordination of such events. In order to ensure planning security for events and festivals until 2026, a corresponding regulation was passed on February 6, 2024. This also sets out the general conditions for the upcoming Sunday shopping days in Cologne. The next dates include, among others, the Braunsfelder Martinsmeile on November 9th, 2025 and the Advent market in Porz-Mitte on December 7th, 2025, as can be found on the City of Cologne website ( stadt-koeln.de ).

Regulations and historical background

The Shop Closing Act stipulates that sales outlets must be closed on Sundays and public holidays, with some regional exceptions. A historical review shows that until the end of the 19th century, shops were open seven days a week. In 1919, Sunday was established as a day of rest, and the current law came into force in 1956 to both strengthen worker protections and preserve Sunday rest.

Cologne also offers special opening hours that vary in different parts of the city, including the city center and numerous other districts. There, shops are allowed to open within defined boundaries, such as Dürener Straße in the Lindenthal district, where special opening times will apply on various holidays and events.

Comparative consideration

Compared to other countries, the German system of Sunday shopping is relatively restrictive. While Italy allows up to eight shopping Sundays per year, many Eastern European countries do not impose corresponding restrictions. In Austria too, there are only exceptions to this rule in special cases. This shows that the regulations in this country still have strong traditional roots.

Cologne residents and visitors to the city should definitely prepare themselves for a strolling, musical Sunday on October 12, 2025, where not only the shops will beckon, but also a cultural experience that appeals to all the senses. So Sunday shopping will be a great opportunity to experience the heart of the city and do a good deal!