German Christmas Market in Cologne Part 1
I booked flights for us to fly with British Airways economy class to Dusseldorf on 08 December for 3 nights staying at Hotel Stadtpalais in Cologne. When we arrived in Dusseldorf we did find it complicated using the train ticket machine to buy train tickets to Cologne as neither of us speak German. We finally found a ticket office where we could purchase tickets and got helpful information including the next time train. The cost to Cologne was 12.00 euros per person but this depends on the train company. There is a regular train service between Dusseldorf and Cologne with a journey time under 1 hour.
When we arrived at the hotel our room wasn’t ready but this wasn’t a problem as we left our luggage at the hotel and went out into Cologne city centre to explore. We took the U Bahn which is equivalent to our underground system. The journey to city centre was about 10 minutes costing 2.00 euros per person based on up to 4 stops. You can purchase day passes or 2 days passes if planning on doing lots of travel.
When we arrived at Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz we got right into the Christmas spirit as the stalls were selling Christmas gifts, for example candles and nothing is more romantic than a Christmas candle, and each market has an abundance of sizes and scents from which to choose. Also, many stalls sell decorative candleholders and cases. There are bronzed metallic cylinders decorated with small perforations allowing light to seep through and illuminate a room gently or can be placed directly on a Christmas tree.
German Christmas Ornaments - where to start! The largest market, Weihnachtsmärkte at Roncalliplatz, in front of the Dom Kolner Cathedral have stalls selling a stunning array of decorations for the Christmas tree. There are the standard baubles glazed and glittered, but varieties also include real glass with exquisite patterning and some with snowmen or a Santa contained inside. Some decorations are true works of art with nativity or festive scenes painted on them. Pendants made of silver or glass can be purchased, adding something different to the tree. There are ranges and prices to suit everyone.
Another choice is wooden Christmas ornaments, many of the markets sell stars and religious decorations ready to hang on trees. Nativity scenes and angels exquisitely carved are beautiful. They can create a natural, warm atmosphere in a home and are very inexpensive for the quality! There are also more exotic gifts such as life-sized crows and gnomes for sale.
Christmas just isn’t complete without fairy lights, and mostly every market in the city has a stall that sells different types of lights. There are standard LED lights on wires, but for something unusual, try hanging globes made of ceramics and paper, decorated with stars and snow. Many come in varying lengths and sizes, so do ask the vendor before purchasing. Lanterns can also be bought patterned with different types of glass and reminiscent of the stained glass in the magnificent Dom Cathedral. Puppets are not usually the first gift that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas, but they are plentiful. Rudolfplatz, one of the larger markets, has marionettes in the form of dolls and soldiers dangling on strings and ready to come to life by a puppeteer. Some are in traditional German dress while others are in festive costumes, but each one has a unique, cheeky, expression on its face. A whimsical gift, a puppet would entertain all year-round, and it’s no surprise that Cologne has its own theatre dedicated to puppetry; The Hanneschen-Theater has been in operation since 1802!
Sweet Gifts are another choice, from the markets by the cathedral to the Neumarkt and beyond, confectionery is sold in abundance. There are fudges, candies, jellybeans and biscuits (the almond flavoured varieties are delicious) that would make a sweet treat for anyone. Handmade chocolates in every possible flavour, size, and cocoa percentage are available. Some chocolates are sold in tins with Cologne images that will make for a good souvenir. However, if in a decadent mood, try a foot-long slab of chocolate to nibble on while wondering through the merriment of the markets. plus food and drink.
We tried the lovely hot chocolate and glühwein which is mulled wine together with Bratwurst (German sausage)in a roll. If you return your glass or cup empty, after your drink you get a refund for your glass or cup. I thought this was a great way to help with the environment.
We also ventured to the other Christmas market including The Angels’ Market at Neumarkt, Old Town Christmas Market which is great for the whole family. Huts and stalls sell the best of German Christmas foods and drinks, gifts, handmade products and more. The market’s highlight is the ice rink that’s open all day for the season. You can rent skates right there and cruise around the market or participate in a round of curling.
Christmas Market at the Dom Cologne’s largest and most popular Christmas market certainly has the most imposing setting, having the giant gothic Cologne Cathedral as a backdrop. Vendors sell typical trinkets, crafts, food and drink at their red-roofed wooden huts. Under a roof of fairy lights, the stage at the centre hosts musical performances that make for the Christmassy atmosphere.
We then headed back to the hotel by U Bahn, where our room was ready at the hotel. We were amazed at the size of the room for a city hotel, big and spacious. We booked on bed and breakfast basis. It has a good location as It’s only 5 minutes to U Bahn or you walk to the city centre in 20-30 minutes.
Breakfast was good with a choice of hot and cold dishes buffet style. The hotel we stayed in was a four star with friendly and polite staff. A tip? If I went back to this hotel I would ask for a higher floor room to avoid the noise of U Bahn trains. Every evening whilst in Cologne we went out to the Christmas markets where we would eat at the markets. There was a great choice of food. My favourite dish was garlic mushrooms and the prices were reasonable.
We visited the cathedral which was amazing inside with its impressive architecture.