Christmas is all joy, fun and festivities for Cologne as the city basks in the magic of the festivities organized in the seven Christmas markets which start on the last Monday before Advent. The main Christmas markets in Cologne are Alter Markt, Cathedral X-Mas Market, Harbour Christmas market, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and X-mas Market on the rhine.
The celebrations attract millions of tourists during this time who come lured by the items sold at the quaintly designed huts (or “Buden”), christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, mesmerizing decorations and the mouth watering Christmas bakeries.
The Christmas markets charm the kids with the performances of pewter pourers, wreath binders and glassblowers. The aroma of various delicacies like mulled wine, hot chestnuts and gingerbread, cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds fill your nose. Santa’s visit and the sight of nostalgic roundabouts are a major attraction for children who are also lured by the magic acts, jugglery, medieval musicians, Christmas cribs and intricately decorated trees.
More than 160 stalls offer a large scale of traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Besides shopping at the Christmas markets, the city also offers an extensive programme including exhibitions, shows, musicals, operas or concerts.
The markets are a great opportunity for indulgence into the typical German culinary delights like the famous “Christstollen” yeast cakes, “Lebkuchen” soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections, not to forget the mandatory “Glühwein” a hot spiced wine in mugs to warm chilly hands.
It is advisable to book the Cologne hotels in advance as they get packed during this season of the year. Just in time for Advent, the Cologne Tourist Board publishes a leaflet providing information on all the Christmas markets and their opening times. You can also look for packages including overnight accommodation.