Each month of December , the cold air that emanates from the waters of the Rhine, warms up as it enters the historic cobbled streets of the center of Cologne , and carries shouts of joy and fragrances typical of German Christmas. Are the scents of spiced wine, crepes, candied almonds, grilled sausages, hot chocolate... The scents of Christmas.
Cologne, located on the banks of the Rhine for almost two millennia, is the fourth most populous city in Germany and one of the most visited in the country. Blame for this can be spread among several of the usual suspects, including **its spectacular Gothic cathedral, its crucial importance as University Center or the fact that there is celebrated the most important and massive carnival in central Europe.
Christmas at the foot of the Cathedral
In Cologne, despite his serious Teutonic rictus, they give themselves body and soul to their celebrations and if every February the city is assaulted by hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its crazy carnival, the party totally opposed to carnival paganism, Christmas brings together an even greater number of people.
At the end of November, the streets of Cologne are already full of Christmas lights and in them the joyful hubbub of the people is intermingled with the music of Christmas carols. Although this atmosphere seems to spread throughout the city, the truth is that it reaches its climax in the Christmas markets scattered throughout the center of the city.
In a country where this tradition, which takes shape in the form of enclosures populated with wooden huts in which all kinds of products related to Christmas are sold, Cologne is one of the most important representatives. These are some of the best Christmas markets in Cologne, which will be open between November 25 and December 23, 2019:
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE CATHEDRAL
Beneath the imposing silhouette of the Cologne Cathedral is the largest and most important Christmas market in the city . The huge enclosure is completely covered by thousands of spirals of Christmas lights and Christmas carols and other popular songs continue to be sung by folk groups that take turns on the central stage of the market.
Old Town Christmas Market
Imbued with this festive atmosphere, tens of thousands of visitors walk among the endless rows of wooden huts, buying crafts, trinkets, food and drinks. In short, feeding the dreams of Christmas.
OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS MARKET
It is one of the best Christmas markets in Cologne for the entire family. In addition to having the typical wooden cabins where you can buy nativity scenes carved in wood or warm up with a good glühwein – red wine, mixed with orange slices, cinnamon, cardamom and Chinese anise, and served hot -, this market in the old part of Cologne also offers an ice rink where you can skate or why not try a game of curling.
THE VILLAGE OF SANTA CLAUS
How could it be otherwise, Santa Claus – or Father Christmas – also has his own Christmas market in Cologne. In Rudolf Square _(Rudolfplatz) _, some 60 cabins witness how parents make their last Christmas purchases while their children have fun in arts and crafts classes or whisper in the ears of Santa Claus what are your dream gifts that year.
STADTGARTEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
The small Christmas market located in the Stadtgarten park is one of the best in Cologne for those who want get away from the crowds and have a local Christmas experience.
During the rest of the year, Stadtgarten is a must for lovers of art and culture, as a multitude of concerts and alternative cultural activities are organized there. In Christmas, a couple of dozen cabins spread out under the illuminated tops of the tall chestnut trees that populate the park. Local artisans sell here – at a mostly local audience - Christmas balls, wooden toys, lights and many other Christmas objects.
Stadtgarten Christmas Market
PORT CHRISTMAS MARKET
Facing the cold waters of the Rhine, just next to the port of Cologne, rises this peculiar Christmas market in which everything revolves around the maritime theme . White tents, which simulate to be boat sails, shelter vendors and workers who serve the staff dressed in sailor clothes. In its nearly 70 stalls, they sell craft products related to Christmas, maritime life and the city of Cologne.
In addition to the Christmas carols, the festive atmosphere and the tasty food, this market offers three exclusive and unique things: an illuminated boat 15 meters long, in whose hull hot wine is served; a fun show, for children and adults, starring 'The Pirates of the Rhine' ; and something that no one in this world can resist, the Cologne Chocolate Museum, which is located next to the market.
In the museum you can learn all about the history of chocolate and, of course, try different varieties of this irresistible delicacy.
Port Christmas Market
HEAVENUE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Being the self-proclaimed gay capital of Germany, Cologne could not miss a gay Christmas market. This is the case of Heavenue, a name derived from the English words for 'sky' _(heaven) _ and 'avenue' _(avenue) _.
Colorful stalls in pop art style, decorated with romantic elements and white garlands Like snow, they characterize the appearance of the market. Heavenue is a celebration of special and unusual attractions, starting with the exclusive mulled wine, created specifically for this Christmas market with red and white wines.
It also has culinary delights to choose from - some of which you won't find in the other Christmas markets in Cologne - as well as an excellent theater program and burlesque dances with well-known artists and stars.
A sophisticated lighting design, consisting of LEDs, light strings and special effects, it will transform the place into a colorful and dazzling sea at night, leaving visitors in awe. This market is the perfect place for those who are looking for an alternative and different Christmas experience in Cologne.