The Best Christmas Markets of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

Cologne is one of the German cities that is known for the several Christmas markets, which are part of the Kölner Weihnachtsmärkte. Every year several squares are transformed in the most wonderful markets with plenty of food-, drinks-, and decoration stands. Some markets offer nice activities like ice-skating rinks or other winter games. Every year in November and December you can feel the magic of Christmas throughout the entire city. In this post I will share some handy tips for visiting the markets, a map with all the markets’ locations, and will describe Cologne’s best Christmas markets.

Try some local specialities! Typical German Christmas treats are glühwein (sweet, hot wine), bratapfeln (baked apples), bratwurst (sausages), Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), Maronen (hot chestnuts), and many, many more.

Every Christmas Market provide drinks in their own unique cup. It is nice to collect the cups from every market. When you order a drink, you must pay an extra € 2,50 as a deposit for the cup. When you return the cup you will get the deposit back and when you keep it you have a nice souvenir!

Within the weekends you will find more visitors on the markets. If you have the chance visit the markets on a weekday. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).