Cologne Christmas Markets

Since there’s no Halloween or Thanksgiving standing in the way, Christmas decorations began popping up in department stores around late-October. We marched full-speed ahead toward Christmas and during the last weekend in November (first Sunday of Advent), the famed Cologne Christmas markets opened. There are seven markets spread out around the city, each different in its own way. More information can be found here: http://www.cologne.de/events/christmas-markets

Simply put, the markets are just plain cool. It’s impossible not to get into the spirit of things as you walk through the lit-up booths and see all the holiday trinkets for sale. One of the markets has a public skating rink set up and I’m hoping that we’ll be able to go this week. One of the less commercial and more social aspects of the Christmas markets is the food. This weekend I tried Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and Reibekuchen (fried potato pancakes). Both were delicious! The markets are a really fun way to celebrate the season and a great new holiday tradition to look forward to each year.

Heumarkt Christmas Market

Glühwein