Cologne Christmas Markets - A Beginner's Guide

One of my favorite things about Europe at Christmas is the Christmas Markets, and here I think we have to give credit to the Germans for having the best Christmas Markets. Food, Gluhwein, more Gluhwein. You can't go wrong.

 

For me, visiting a Christmas Market is usually a day trip, so living in Belgium we usually stick to the markets that are close to the border. Normally Aachen and Cologne. Aachen is also a great little market, but definitely smaller than Cologne. If you just have an afternoon though it's worth a visit.

Cologne though is my favorite. They have several markets spread over the city, each with their own unique twist. This year, for the first time, I visited nearly all of them in one day. Be prepared for an exhausting day to do this, otherwise I suggest spreading it over two days.

General Tips:

• Try the Gluhwein. Try the hot chocolate with amaretto. Eat the Bratwurst. Eat the Käsekrainer. Basically just eat and drink all day.
• Bring a plastic bag to save your mugs once you're done drinking your Gluhwein, otherwise you'll end up with sticky mugs in your purse or backpack which can be very unfortunate
• Take a small backpack with you to carry what you buy, otherwise you're stuck carrying around awkward bags in a super crowded are. Just no valuables in the backpack!
• Check out AirBnB for a place to stay if you want to stay over night - the hotels can be rather expensive
• The weather in Cologne is rarely cooporative - dress in layers, bring an umbrella, hat, gloves, earmuffs, whatever you need to stay warm. It's a long day outside at the markets if it is cold
• If you want to save money on parking and avoid driving into the city, try a Park + Ride: http://www.car-parking.eu/germany/cologne/pr

Now, before you decide you want to go to a Christmas Market, especially in Cologne, you should probably gauge your crowd tolerance. I was there with my husband and our best friends - another married couple. I think the two husbands were slowly losing it trying to navigate through the crowds. And by navigate I mean push, squeeze, or simply just wait until you can find a way through. So something to consider if you're going on a weekend, and especially in the more popular markets.

The Markets

The Old Town Market

This was conclusively our favorite market. My husband and I usually try to visit this one, and this year as we introduced our friends to the Cologne markets, they seemed to be in agreement. It is an incredibly charming market.

                 
Why I like it:

• Absolutely charming, gnomes, details, wood carved stands.
• Beautiful crafts. One of my favorite stands is right when you enter the market, it's a huge end stand with mostly candle related objects. I almost always end up buying the handmade glass candle holders. There is also a stand with handcrafted wood items which are absolutely beautiful.
• Great food. Try the potato cake with sour cream dipping sauce. Sinful. 
• The mugs - So every market has their own mugs. Some markets have new mugs each year, or at least new variations on the mugs. At the Old Town market there are always cute little red mugs with gnomes on them. There are 10 variations of the mug, so you can collect different ones each year. 

Cathedral Market

This is without a doubt the biggest market. There are so many stands. Some have beautiful craft work, some have more normal or cheesy items. If you want a singing Santa hat, this is the market you want to visit in Cologne. But there were so many people it limited our visit.


What I like:

• There are so many stands you can certainly find something here for everyone on your list, or just something for yourself
• Also great food here. We had a bowl of mushrooms in garlic sauce, absolutely amazing. Also sausages again. 
• This is right near the shopping center of the street, and close to the Old Town Market. 

Harbour Market

This is the first year we visited the Habour market. It was definitely a bit of a walk from the other markets, but a nice experience. 

Reasons to check it out:

• There is a pirate ship serving drinks
• There was a stand near the chocolate museum with the best socks ever. 
• Indoor craft tent with what seemed to be local handmade crafts
• The mugs were cute and nautical

Gay and Lesbian Christmas Market

This was also the first year we made it to Christmas Avenue, the Gay and Lesbian Christmas Market. By the time we got there we were all a bit cold and tired, but it seemed like a fun time. There were performers singing and lots of groups drinking. Much more a party feel than the other markets. So if you're not frozen I recommend visiting this one at the end of the night.


Why you should go:

• The stands are all decorated in purple in a very fun, non-traditional Christmas style
• Penis waffles
• Tasty burgers
• The music and atmosphere

Angels in the City Market - Neumarket

We didn't visit this year because we really wanted to make it to the habour, but this is another nice market to visit. It also has more solid, charming stands. Nice crafts, good food and drink.

Check out all of the official details, addresses, etc here: Cologne's Tourism Site - Christmas Markets

Have a favorite Christmas market? Share your thoughts in the comments.