Christmas Markets

As the year draws to an end, an air of tranquillity envelops the city. In the last week of November (with the 1st Advent), the spirit of Christmas descends on Cologne with the opening of Cologne's four major Christmas markets: on the Cathedral square, the Old Market, the New Market and at Rudolfsplatz. Visitors from home and abroad flock to the markets of Cologne to buy the local handicrafts, toys, Christmas-tree decorations and sample sumptuous local delicacies. And pervading the city air is the seductive aroma of Glühwein, hot chestnuts and gingerbread cake.

The most Christmas markets are open from 23th November until 23rd December 2006 (closed on Nov. 26th, Christmas market on the Rhine until 21st December), daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Except the Medieval Christmas market is open from 1st December until 23rd December 2005: daily except Mondays, from 11.00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Christmas market on the Neumarkt Cologne's oldest Christmas market is held on the Neumarkt, the city centre market in the shopping district. There, several old stands still bear witness to the origins of the market back at the beginning of the 70s. A nostalgic flavour is provided by decorative plates with illustrations of the Christmas markets with their long traditions, which are sold there alongside many other artisans’ products. Open from November 23th until December 23rd 2006; daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Nov. 26th)

Christmas market on the Alter Markt Probably the most attractive christmas market is the one on the Alter Markt in front of Cologne´s town hall.
Children in particular, will find here their Christmas paradise. With a nostalgic children’s roundabout, puppet theatre, Santa Claus’ grotto and many toy stands, this Christmas market in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) has attracted young and old to Cologne for years.

Dom christmas market  Before the impressive backdrop of Cologne’s landmark, the Cathedral christmas market awaits visitors with its 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, you can choose from numerous sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work and enjoy the “Original Christmas mulled wine“ out of the festively decorated Christmas mugs.

Christmas market on the Rudolfplatz The Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz takes you to the world of fairy tales. Large fairy tale figures and festive illumination provide a special eye-catcher.´
Against the historic backdrop of the medieval Hahnentorburg, mulled wine, red wine punch or candy floss and decorated booths ensure a special Christmas snugness.

Medieval christmas market It is next to Cologne's Chocolate Museum sets an original tone. Located on the banks of the Rhine, this market invites visitors to the exciting world of the Middle Ages.
Clowns and musicians provide a spectacle that is far from present. Craftsmen offer their wares in picturesque scenery and many salesmen tell nice stories in medieval dialect.

and many more ....like X-mas Market on the rhine - A floating Christmas market is set up on board “MS Wappen von Mainz"