Dusseldorf Carnival 2024

Dusseldorf Carnival 2024

Along with Cologne, Düsseldorf puts on one of the largest Carnival celebrations in Germany, involving colourful costumes, parades and a series of Carnival parties and costume balls.

• Are you visiting for Carnival? Stay in the Old town. Treat yourself to The Wellem, a 5-star property with spacious rooms and a perfect location. The Living Hotel De Medici is another excellent option. The 4-star hotel has beautifully appointed rooms in a unique heritage-listed building.

The Rose Monday Parade

• Monday, Feb 12th 2024 – More than 30 music ensembles and 5,000 participants join the procession through the city. Elaborately built and decorated floats address cultural and political issues and can be satirical, hilarious and even controversial. The Carnival kicks off in Düsseldorf’s Old Town then makes its way through the entire city.
• Dressed in costumes, revelers throw sweets (Kamelle) and trinkets at the one million spectators lining the streets. There is dancing, singing, and food everywhere. Every few minutes, the war cry – Helau! – is shouted in chorus.

Other Dusseldorf Carnival Traditional Events

• The carnival kicks off on with the Altweiberfastnacht on the Thursday of the Carnival Celebrations. Known as the Women’s Carnival, the occasion sees revelers traditionally ‘storm’ the city hall. A street carnival then follows in the Old Town.
• Other popular events include the Children’s and Youth Procession, Kö-Treiben (Carnival Sunday).

Gay Dusseldorf

Carnival is a significant event in Dusseldorf, with the city’s gay bars and clubs hosting memorable parties and themed events throughout the celebrations. The gay bars in Dusseldorf are mainly in the city centre with a couple in the old Town Altstadt. Admittedly, the gay scene in Düsseldorf isn’t that large – but, on the other hand, the community is colourful and lively, especially during the Carnival celebrations, which attracts over 1 million visitors.

The city centre is relatively small and can be explored easily on foot. Many major roads will be closed during the Carnival celebrations, so it is recommended to walk or take public transport to and from the festivities. The following bars host popular Carnival events:

• Bar Studio 1 – Intimate cocktail bar with a classy, vintage atmosphere featuring a vaulted ceiling.
• K1-Club – Leading nightclub for gays, lesbians and friends. Hosts popular 80s, 90s and Europop parties.
• Ludwigs Bier und Brot – Long-running gay bar and cafe with breakfast and lunch options.
• Nähkörbchen – Cosy gay bar with an outside terrace. Regular theme nights and events.
• Queenz – Weekend bar with pop music and cocktails.

Recommended Hotels in Dusseldorf

The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the gay bars and the Carnival festivities:

Breidenbacher Hof,  Max Brown Hotel,  Hotel Lindenhof,  Motel One