(Editor’s note: The Cologne Christmas Market is vast, extending to several sections of the city. Here’s a link to the official city tourism map listing them along with directions.)
Cologne is one of the most renowned destinations for Christmas markets. The vibrant colours, bustling crowds, and the irresistible aroma of Glühwein (mulled wine) and German sausage (bratwurst) are just a few things that come to mind when the Weihnachtsmarkt is mentioned. For me, it is synonymous with chilly weather, festive Germany and countless unforgettable memories.
Not too long ago, I planned a trip to Cologne to immerse myself in the German Christmas spirit and experience its famous markets firsthand. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.
Everything exceeded my expectations — I saw everything I wanted to, enjoyed delicious food and drinks and crossed another city off my bucket list.
I chose Cologne for this festive experience because of its accessibility from my home base in Brussels. It is about a 90-minute train ride (if train schedules cooperate), making it an easy and convenient trip. Being close to Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Cologne attracts many visitors from these neighbouring countries, and I frequently heard Dutch and French during my visit.
But this piece is not about where I want to go. It is about the dos and don’ts of visiting Cologne’s Christmas markets, what to be aware of during your overall trip and what you should absolutely make
time for.
So, let us dive in directly:
Dos
• Visit as many Christmas markets as you can manage.
My first piece of advice is to visit as many as you can. They are spread all over Cologne and I can happily say I went to four. The first stop is of course the market at Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral is right next to the Cologne Central Train Station and so is the market, making it an extremely easy destination once you arrive in town.
Another market I attended and particularly enjoyed was Heinzels Winter Fairytale at Heymarkt and Alter Markt. As the name hints, the market resembles something that has come out of the Grimm brothers’ fairytales. It is absolutely adorable with little dwarves painted everywhere. The little wooden booths are the finishing touch to bring you into a different world. I also visited the Angels Market which is totally gorgeous at night and the Christmas market at the harbour.
Every location has its charm and there is a chance you might like something different than me. However, I thought that the Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral was the most impressive as it is located right under the cathedral, and everything is quite grand. Explore as many as possible – you might find your personal favourite!
• Drink mulled wine and try hot chocolate with amaretto
One of the reasons why we go to the markets is the glühwein, but I discovered another delightful drink: hot chocolate with amaretto. It has a mild, comforting taste and warms you up from the inside. I also tried hot chocolate with rum, but the amaretto version was far superior.
• Explore artisan Christmas decoration stores
I think one of my favourite things about the Christmas markets was the artisan shops selling Christmas decorations. The craftsmanship was outstanding with items from wood and glass, looking beyond stunning. I remember at one of the markets, we could even see a man working on the glass Christmas decorations which was something really interesting to observe. As a Christmas lover, I enjoy buying decorations for my tree from various locations and definitely couldn’t stop myself from all the pretty shiny little items exhibited.
• Keep your souvenir mug or return it
Drinks are served in charming mugs that require a small deposit. You can either keep the mug as a souvenir or return it for a refund. I always keep mine as a cherished memento. This is a wonderful initiative because it is good for the environment but also unconsciously makes people be more responsible about just ditching cups and mugs everywhere.
• Buy a day pass for public transport (9 euros)
If you are moving around Cologne, a day pass is a better deal than individual tickets. A single ticket costs 3.50 euros, while a 24-hour day pass is just 9 euros – letting you save money for more festive treats.
• Visit the Hohenzollern Bridge
If you go to the Cologne cathedral and market, make sure to visit the Hohenzollern Bridge. The historic bridge is one of the most important railway bridges in Germany and one of the hallmarks of Cologne. In addition, thanks to its illumination in the evening and Cologne Cathedral in the background, the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is one of the city’s best-known photo motifs. If you take a stroll on the bridge, you will pass by thousands of love locks for which this bridge is very popular today.
Don’ts
• Do not bring a backpack
Crowds can be overwhelming and navigating them with a heavy bag is not pleasant. Leave your backpack at your hotel or Airbnb to avoid discomfort, as people tend to push and jostle you in busy areas.
• Do not book accommodation far from the city centre
Cologne is larger than you might expect, so staying far from the centre can lead to unnecessary commuting time. On my trip, our hotel was 40 minutes away, costing us two hours on the first day just traveling to and from the city centre. I would recommend paying a bit more for a central location to maximize your time exploring. But I see this as a trial-and- error kind of experience. I will surely know for next time!
• Do not forget to reserve a spot for dinner
If you go to Cologne for the Christmas markets on the weekend, make sure to reserve a restaurant for dinner. You want to avoid wandering around town hungry while all the places are packed, and you have to wait an hour in the cold for food. We tried several restaurants that were already packed upon our arrival. Even when we tried to call a few others, they were really busy. I would suggest you plan a bit in advance and book something for dinner.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will have a magical and stress-free experience at Cologne’s Christmas markets. Enjoy the festive spirit, delicious food, and drinks, and all the charm that Cologne has to offer!
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See more Christmas market posts here in Dispatches’ archives.
Polya Pencheva
Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.
