I have been dealing with my depression, and physical sickness for a couple of months so when I saw the budget-friendly offer for Ukrainians to go to Germany, I instantly took the offer without thinking twice. I also asked Blind-spot (not mentioning him) to join me and he happily agreed because I didn't want to feel like a leftover foreigner among all the Ukrainians. The trip was a day trip, and the main focus was to explore the beautiful Cologne city in Germany and the gorgeous Christmas markets. Yes, Christmas markets and I am not talking about just 1-2 markets, I am talking about several markets. After coming to the Netherlands, I always heard that, in Belgium and Germany, beautiful and famous Christmas markets are located. People from all over the world even from the Netherlands, go to see these markets.
Cologne is a city located in West Germany on the magnificent Rhine River (northern part). Ranking on the list as the 4th largest city in Germany, this city has so much to offer to tourists. Astounding medieval cathedral, Ludwig Museum, Lindt Chocolate Museum, and many more this city has offered. Of course variety of Christmas markets makes this city attractive to tourists from around the world.
Every year around 4 million tourists come to see the markets, stroll around, and enjoy the holiday season. And that makes these Christmas markets the largest and most visited markets in Germany. Initially, these markets used to sell toys, and sweets following the advent calendar in 1820 at Nicolaimarkt, Cologne's name introduced later.
Our main attraction was to stroll around the city and feel the warm Christmas spirit. So, one of our key locations was the "Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral" (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom). source
Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
Not only this Christmas market is huge and crowded but also it is famous for the cathedral as well. So, without any further thought, we went to this Christmas market first. I have never seen such a kind of Xmas market before. In Kharkiv, Ukraine, we had one large Christmas market but every year it was almost the same and not so big as the one I was experiencing in Cologne. From far away, not only you smell the gingery, cinnamon-warm fragrance but also, you will feel the warmth of winter and the spirit of the holiday season. From far away, the cathedral (Dom) was inviting us but the closer we went, the warmth and celebration of the holiday season we felt. In this post, I will share both day and night views/photos because I was there to experience both moments.
From the Netherlands, it's very easy to go to Cologne, by car it takes around 3 hours and by train also 3-4 hours. The weather was not harsh at all when we reached Cologne; in fact, we were happy to see such winter weather; especially I was happy.
When we were there, it was already crowded, people were strolling around, checking out traditional handicraft shops and trying to taste organic culinary delicacies. From any angle, the beautiful cathedral can be seen from the market. The red sparkling shaded shops seemed like starlights at night, they look so glowy and beautiful.
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To make it understandable, I am going to share both day and night view but trust me, the experience was completely different even though the location and market was the same. Daytime feels warm and beautiful because of the cathedral but nighttime is more of a vivid, vibrant, and festive look. Obviously, nighttime was way more crowded than the daytime.
I had begun my exploration by strolling around, looking at different foods and handicrafts. Of course, my phone was busy taking all the photos even though many people didn't like that much. Many thought I was taking their photos, well no, I was capturing the moment I was experiencing. Anyway, it was easy to feel hungry because of the delicious smell that was coming from different shops.
Many started their day having famous Mulled Wine but I avoided it even though I was craving to taste it. Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink made with various spices and red wine during Christmas time. In Kharkiv, it was very popular and people used to drink it almost every evening after work during the holiday season.
It was not early morning but you can already see how crowded it was when I was there.
As I said, every minute was special and memorable. The entire atmosphere of the market was different.
This is the main stage area where the concert happens. Mainly it stays crowded at night, I will show you the nighttime atmosphere as well. This is also the center of the market.
During the daytime, people normally stroll around and buy goodies and handicrafts. But in the evening, when the concert starts, people gather in front of the main stage and enjoy the music.
I couldn't recognize what they were singing because it was in German language but soon they also started performing English songs as well. People were dancing, enjoying the moment with drinks. Some were having food while enjoying the music. I barely found a spot to stand there because it was heavily crowded as it was the center of attraction during the night.
Obviously, you won't be able to see the cathedral but little rays of warm light showed that the cathedral was still there. Evening means festival time, I think daytime means shopping even though I saw the crowd in front of every shop.
Can you spot the beautiful Cathedral and the large Christmas tree??
The entrance of "Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom", during the daytime, it's not so visible.
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My initial plan was to see this Christmas market and after that to explore the city and other locations in Cologne. Because I didn't know whether I would be able to come back here during evening time. I was lucky enough to experience both day and evening time because we only had a few hours before we went back. Day trips are always hectic but fun though. I planned to see as many as locations possible before going back. Our group also agreed with me and we followed each other often whenever we went to new locations. We didn't take a sightseeing trip through a guide; instead, we had decided to explore everything on our own.
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I personally liked wooden handicrafts, very neat and nicely done. The handwork was very detailed and really beautifully crafted. I saw many people like mechanical models made with plywood without glue. They are normally expensive. I also saw many unique goodies to decorate Christmas trees, even you can even make your own small winter village at home. Obviously, the price was a little expensive but it's the holiday season and you are getting very unique handmade decors.
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Decor shops were overcrowded, people were buying their desired decor according to their theme for this year's Christmas trees. I barely found a spot to look at what they were selling because shopkeepers were busy and they didn't have time for curious people like me who were not going to buy anything from them. Well, I wanted to buy but I don't have any space in my room and I knew eventually the decor would become my dog's toy.
The best discovery was finding these "Kupfer licht" which means copper lights. They were beautifully crafted. But yes, unique things cost money nowadays. These lights are made of acrylic glass with copper, very nicely and uniquely designed. These were tealight and glass holders, price depended on the sizes.
I tried different kinds of food but unfortunately, I didn't take photos. I tasted momos, bread with sausage, cinnamon rolls, some chocolates, chicken steaks, and Crêpe.
I took Nutella Crêpe because I couldn't eat other Crêpe because of the ingredients. I faced a food crisis and couldn't try everything because I don't eat ham or pork so I had to avoid many tasty traditional delicacies. I could have gone to a restaurant but I rather preferred tasting something different this time of the season.
This crepe was nice, the shopkeeper made it fresh in front of me. It cost me 3 euros which was very cheap in my opinion.
I should have taken more photos but anyway, already I had taken enormous photos.
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I personally loved this diverse center of the market and the big Christmas tree. It was really a moment when I was under that lighted roof.
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I was a little bit tired for walking a long time so I was trying to find a place to sit. I discovered a beautiful spot in front of the Cathedral fountain from where a part of the market and the large tree can be seen.
A shop full of sweets...
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Daytime atmosphere of the famous Christmas market.
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Time flew so quickly and I was kinda sad when I was leaving the market. But yes, I was grateful that I had an amazing time there strolling such an attractive market and having some amazing food. Good time passes quickly but puts remarkable memories in life. My time was short but in this short time, I made memories and had an enjoyable moment.
The market location is very easy to find, the cathedral is located near the train and tram station. The location is called Roncalliplatz, cathedral, and markets are located nearby.
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Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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All images used are captured by the author...