Cologne Christmas Markets

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Photo by flickr user ILoveMyPiccolo

With the cathedral towering behind it this market gets bonus points for setting and atmosphere. The Christmas market essentials are all taken care of as well though, the mulled wine in themed, collectable mugs, a new one each year, around 150 stalls set up in red roofed wooden pavilions underneath a huge Christmas tree – supposedly each year they try and have the largest on in the Rhineland – and the kind of items you can only find in a proper German Christmas Market, nativity figures, carved toys traditional candles and shoes made of lambskin. These aren’t just Christmas gifts – they’re handmade Christmas gifts, many of them made in a traditional style and from original designs with local materials. You can buy less revered articles as well – how about a candle in the shape of the cathedral to remember your evening of warm lights, warming gluhwein and Christmas shopping against a fairytale backdrop?

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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Cologne Christmas Markets

During the run up to Christmas, Cologne is one of Germany's most popular destinations. Annually, the city's 6 markets boast over 1 million visitors. The city is fully decorated for the occasion. The top market in Cologne is the Cathedral Market with the largest Christmas tree in Germany right next to the magnificent Gothic Dom. The Neumarkt market is Germany's oldest, just a few hundred yards away - both are in the center of the shopping district. The most child-oriented market is the Alter Markt Christmas market. Kids can enjoy a puppet theater, a children's roundabout and a multitude of toy shops. These three are the most well known, but are only half of the Christmas markets you can find in Cologne. 23 November – 23 December

 Tony Owusu - posted 26th October 2007