Christmas Market Season: Köln

Last weekend, Billy and I went for a much needed mini-getaway. We jumped on the train and set off for Köln, Germany. On the day of departure, we woke up to a weather forecast predicting 10 cm of snow! I’ve been missing snow and couldn’t think of anything better than big fluffy white flakes coming down at a Christmas Market to awaken my festive spirit.

Köln’s Christmas Market is listed as one of the best in Europe. From my experience, this is absolutely true – those Germans know how to throw a good Xmas party! There are a total of seven markets scattered throughout the centre of Köln, all within reasonable walking distance of each other. The market opened up November 23 and runs until December 23 from 11 am to 9 pm every day. And people start drinking Gluwein early – so don’t be shy!

Where to stay? We found a great little hotel called Classic Hotel Harmonie via Booking.com. It was a bit difficult to find a good place for a reasonable price so last minute but Booking.com made it a bit easier. Plus, they have a great mobile app so you don’t have to print out your reservation. The hotel itself was clean and had soft beds. With only 3 floors, it was also a bit homey. I forgot my glasses in the room the day we left and they have been good about mailing them back to me in Belgium. I’m still waiting for their arrival, but I have faith in the friendly staff.

Which markets to see? One of our favourites was the Old Market situated in the shadow of the famous & beautiful Kölner Dom, or in English, the High Cathedral of St. Peter. This market is covered in twinkle lights, delicious smells, and little shacks of homemade goodies. There was even a stage with a 12 person Big Band playing. Magical!

Angel Market is packed full of food and shopping. Homemade slippers, handcrafted journals, and friendly sales people with excellent English (and a N.American sales mentality…aka chatty).

Stadtgarten Market had a relaxed atmosphere for beer/gluwein drinking, sausage eating, and socializing with locals and tourists.

What to eat?
Reibekuchen with apple sauce are thick, deep-fried potato pancakes made with a bit onion for extra pizazz. Absolutely glorious! Add a bit of mustard to your applesauce to take your taste buds to greasy fair food heaven.

Meat sticks & Bratwurst Germans love meat and sausage. They don’t mess around with portion sizes; one meat stick was almost the length of my arm!

Feuerzangenbowle is a traditional German alcoholic drink for which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine. The name directly translates to ‘fire-tongs punch’ and after two of these it’s either time for more Reibekuchen or it’s bed-time.

Germknödel is a fluffy yeast dough dumpling that is steamed and then served warm. Often topped with vanilla-sauce and fruit jams/syrups or poppy seeds. We had our first one with vanilla and cherry sauce. It’s a big portion, best shared between two people.

Raclette Sandwich A fresh, crunchy bagette topped with creamy, steamy cheese that has been grilling under a steady flame all day. Need I say more?

Wheat Beer Delicious beer that packs some power. The name derives from the yellowish-white tinge that is imparted by the pale malted wheat from which the brew is made. Wheat beers have a very distinct flavour with hints of clove, banana-like, or even a bit of bubble-gum. My favourites are Erdinger and Schneider-Weiss.

What to buy? Mustard, handmade leather goods, vintage jewellery, and anything made with wool including slippers, sweaters, mitts, and toques.

Köln has a HUGE shopping district with cheaper prices than Belgium, perfect for those shopping spree weekends. With their friendly people, excellent food, and warm Christmas vibe, Köln made it on to my list of favourite European destinations.

Merry Christmas! From: Meredith & Billy