Cologne Weihnachtsmarkt | Cologne Christmas Market

Christmas markets in Cologne (Weihnachtsmarkt):

Cologne Christmas Market

When it comes to Christmas markets in Germany, the city of Cologne puts on quite a show. There are actually six Christmas markets in this town and we were fortunate to have visited the biggest of them all, the Cologne Cathedral Weihnachtsmarkt.

Each year, on the last Monday before Advent, the six Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates to locals and visitors alike. The Cologne Christmas market was my first real German Christmas market experience and needless to say, it was a magical experience.

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral (Nov 27 – Dec 23, 2017)

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas market is the largest and most impressive of Cologne’s Christmas markets. There are about 150 beautiful wooden pavilions selling all kinds of Christmas goodies, so knowing where to begin can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. For us, we thought that a good place to start was at the stall selling glühwein. This hot, spiced wine drink is delicious and has the added benefit of giving your body a warm inner glow as well as keeping your hands warm. You can buy the glühwein drink alone but we paid for the Christmas mug as well which made for a nice souvenir of our Cologne Cathedral Weihnachtsmarkt visit.

Tony’s happy with his Gluhwein

In the cold wintry air, the aroma of hot food, roasted almonds and gingerbread can trigger hunger pangs quite quickly. We followed our nose and found the hot food stalls, all of which were doing a good trade – the fresh crepes seemed to be especially popular with the teenage group.

Apart from the hot food, there was plenty of traditional Christmas foods, cakes, chocolates and several stalls selling Lebkuchen which the Germans believe is a good cure for winter depression. These heart-shaped gingerbread cookies carry all kinds of love messages which are sure to lift the spirit of the receiver.

Armed with our mug of glühwein, we wandered around to the other stalls where we watched craftsmen demonstrating their art, checked out the stalls selling lovely hand-painted Christmas tinsels and decorations, hand-made candles and lots of other handicrafts.

Cologne Christmas Market

In the fairground, children lined up to go on their favourite rides and there was plenty of entertainment to keep them happy, including a visit by Santa.

The Cologne Christmas markets are well attended by locals who come to meet up with friends for a drink, pick up little Christmas presents as well as to stock up on traditional Christmas foods. There are also more than 100 stage appearances to keep the event lively. The atmosphere is enchanting and it is a great place for visitors like us to join in the local festivities.

Cologne Christmas Market 2017

The Christmas markets run for a whole month up to before Christmas Eve and if you’re one of the lucky people spending Christmas in Germany and have more time in Cologne you’ll be able to explore the city’s other Christmas markets. Most of these markets operate daily from 11:00 to 21:00 and run from November 27 to around December 23, 2017.

Cologne Christmas Markets

Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt – This modern and stylish Cologne Harbour Christmas Market enjoys a picturesque backdrop, being on the Rhine River. Here you’ll find quality handicrafts, fine foods and a great atmosphere (this market starts on November 24th).
Angels Christmas Market at Neumarkt Square
Kölner Altstadt Christmas Market (Heimat der Heinzel – Home of the Elves) in the heart of the Old Town. Hundreds of elves turn Cologne’s Old Town into a fairytale world.
Fairytale Christmas Market at Rudolfplatz Square takes visitors to the world of the Brothers Grimm (ten minutes walk from Neumarkt)
Stadtgarten Christmas Market (this market is located on the edge of Cologne’s oldest park and starts on November 29th)

See Travel Signposts Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market Photo Gallery HERE.

For more Cologne Info, see HERE.

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