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Carnival in Düsseldorf — what visitors should know
5 MIN READ
Düsseldorf carnival is not Cologne carnival. The differences, the dates that matter, and why you should be drinking Altbier in February as well.
Düsseldorf has a carnival of its own, and it is not the one in Cologne. Anyone who knows both will tell you that Düsseldorf is more elegant, less touristy and more of an insider affair. The essentials: it is “Helau” here, not Cologne's “Alaaf”, and Altbier, not Kölsch.
The dates that matter
Altweiber — the Thursday before Rose Monday, when from 11.11 am the women take the town hall.
Carnival Sunday — the Veedelszug neighbourhood parade in Niederkassel.
Rose Monday — the great parade through the city centre, from 12.30 pm starting at Lessingplatz.
Shrove Tuesday — the ceremonial burning on Burgplatz, from 7.30 pm.
Our advice: come for three nights (Sunday to Wednesday), reserve tables in the breweries in advance, wear a costume (something modest is quite enough) and use public transport.
Frequently asked questions
When is Düsseldorf carnival in 2026?
Altweiber falls on 12 February, Rose Monday on 16 February 2026. Rose Monday is the high point.
Should I wear a costume?
Yes, even if it is only a hat or a brightly coloured scarf. Otherwise you stand out, and not in a good way.
