Cologne Christmas Markets 2011

Dates: 21st November – 23rd December 2011



Cologne Hotels

Cologne is dominated by its famous Cathedral and is Germany’s fourth largest city. In Cologne, the historic and modern combine to give a unique style and an ideal location for a city break. And as Christmas approaches there are plenty of things to do, with attractions throughout Cologne, including many Christmas Concerts, Nativity Scenes and a huge temporary ice rink on the Heumarkt.

Although most Christmas Markets in Cologne begin on the 21st November 2011, there are a couple of exceptions. The Floating Christmas Market and the Christmas Market am Stadtgarten begin on 24th November 2011. Meantime, Cologne Medieval Christmas Market and the new Cologne Harbour Christmas Market begin on 25th November 2011.

Eight Christmas Markets are on offer in Cologne. The four largest are at the Cologne Cathedral, on the Alter Markt, on the Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz. Between them each year, these four Christmas Markets see nearly 2 million visitors.

Naturally, most people find the Christmas Market at the Cologne Cathedral the most spectacular and impressive, due to the imposing presence of the Cathedral and beneath it, one of the largest Christmas trees in the Rhineland. Each year there are usually around 160 festively designed wooden booths or pavilions. Everything you expect from the best of German Christmas markets is here, from local artisans at work, original “Christmas Mulled Wine” from decorated Christmas mugs and a huge choice of sweets and local delicacies.

Meantime, the Neumarkt Christmas Market is Cologne's oldest Christmas Market and is located by St. Aposteln’s Church and Cologne’s main shopping area. Here again, traditional, high-quality goods are exhibited in festively - designed chalets with a unique “stars at night” theme.

The Altstadt (Old Town) Christmas Market is in front of the Old Cologne Town Hall just 200 yards of so away from the Cathedral. Here the watchword is true tradition in the fine setting of beautiful narrow-gabled houses and half-timbered stalls. The Christmas Market on the Alter Markt has a romantic feel. For children, there is plenty to keep them amused: a nostalgic children’s roundabout, a puppet theatre, a Santa Claus’ grotto and many toy stands. Tradition has it the the famous “Heinzelmännchen” gnomes are in charge of all this Christmas fun, making sure all Christmas traditions are preserved intact, including the avoidance of mass-market goods in any of the stands.

Or why not visit the Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz. This is by the historic Hahnentorburg, one of Cologne's three mediaeval gate houses. Here you will find a world of brothers Grimm fairy tale - with festive icons of fairy-tale characters a special delight for young children.

Besides the four big Christmas markets there is also a Medieval Christmas Market and a new Cologne Harbour Christmas Market, both are located at the Chocolate Museum. And indeed a Floating Christmas Market, housed on board of “MS Wappen von Mainz”, a KD Riverboat. Worth seeing also, is the Stadtgarten Christmas Market. This one is at the edge of Cologne's oldest park. The Stadtgarten Christmas Market has a relaxed, village-like atmosphere and is another good choice for children's entertainment.



See also: Cologne Christmas Market Website

Cologne Christmas Markets by Rail

Journey times from London to Cologne, via Brussels with Eurostar are only just over 4 hours

Cologne Christmas Hotel Bookings

To help you plan your German Christmas Markets trip, we have teamed up with international hotel group Hotels.com, to offer a huge range of de-luxe and tourist class hotels in Germany. Click here for Germany Hotel Reservations

Flights to Germany

Getting to Cologne is very easy by air. There are plenty of airlines with flights to Cologne/Bonn airport.We have teamed up with flight specialist eBookers, to provide a one-stop source of flights to Germany, flying from the UK or from airports throughout the world. You are sure to get the right price for your trip here. Click here for Online flight bookings



Click here: Cologne rail information and bookings
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