Christmas in Cologne is a special time when city streets begin to “drown” in festive lights, Christmas melodies, the aroma of pancakes, fried chestnuts and cinnamon are heard everywhere …
Features of the celebration of Christmas in Cologne
On the first day of Advent, the Germans set up a mistletoe wreath in the place of honor, lighting 1 candle on it every week (on Sundays) before the holiday. During the Christmas holidays in Cologne, not Santa Claus is in charge, but Weihnachtsmann, and the Germans decorate the Christmas tree with candles, nuts and candy canes.
On the holiday itself, the housewives treat their family with potato salad with sausages, fried carp or goose in apples, as well as gingerbread with glaze.
Entertainment and celebrations in Cologne
Ice skating is possible on the Eiszauber artificial ice rink on the Heumarkt square (while skating on rented skates, you can admire the Old Town at the same time).
If you wish, you can go for a walk along the Rhine, for example, on the ship-saloon "MS Stolzenfels" - travelers will be treated to a Christmas meal, festive pastries and other culinary delights. A show program will await them on the boat trip, and Christmas itself can be seen on the water as part of a festive party.
Travelers who set off on the "Manger Road" tourist route during the holidays will be able to visit the city sites - there will be installed a Christmas nursery (all of them reflect different historical eras and cultures).
From November 11 until Christmas, the Weihnachtsfest is worth a visit.
Christmas markets in Cologne
Cologne Christmas markets are open from 24 November to 23 December.
The Christmas market next to Cologne Cathedral deserves special attention. Here you can not only acquire the necessary things and trifles, but also enjoy a variety of treats, and listen to a variety of music every evening (jazz, rock, traditional German church carols, church chants).
If you decide to visit the floating fair, welcome to the ship "MS Wappen von Mainz" - they sell exclusive souvenirs and Christmas tree decorations, aromatic oils, tea, leather goods and collectible coins.
With children, you should go to the Christmas market on the Alter Markt square - here they will be delighted with the presence of a large carousel and a puppet theater. In addition, they will be able to meet with Nikolaus and receive a toy from him as a gift.
Christmas markets open on city squares and are distinguished by their own flavor, design of shopping pavilions and even ceramic mugs in which mulled wine is sold (they take a deposit for them, and if you decide to keep one for yourself, just do not return the mug).
It is worth noting that you can get from one Christmas market to another by a small train that runs around Cologne on a special route (from one shopping place to another).
