Back at the Cologne Christmas Market

Tomorrow it's that time of year again. The Cologne Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) opens up in full swing for new visitors. It made me feel nostalgic of our time spent there last Christmas, and I went back into my archives to search for unreleased images, and indeed I found some images that I hadn't posted previously. In honor of this festive tradition, let me take you back to this magical place...

click on the images for a bigger view

This is the central place of the market, filled with immense glow from the lights, decorations and the big tree in the middle. But let's back up a moment.

Of course, the Weihnachtsmarkt is best visited by night, but there are sights to be seen during the day. Before arriving to the market, we stopped by the Cologne Cathedral.

With about four million visitors a year, the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany. Apart from the selected artisans, culinary highlights and a free entertainment program of more than 100 Christmas events, the market is especially impressive thanks to its unique lighting concept.

Cologne has seven Christmas Markets during this time of year. Every market has his name and entrance gate. I loved discovering the various locations, spread out over the city, and also seeing what each had to offer.

After walking around the city for the day, we decided to go back to the main market at night. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. I used to live in Germany as a kid, and I visited this place when I was 7 or 8, and I being back was like a dream. There are a lot of people here at night, but it was never crowded or loud. In fact, the calm spirit of the season took over and transformed every corner into a fairy tale location.

At an impressive 25 metres high, the 80-year-old Norway spruce is highest natural Christmas tree at a Christmas market in this part of Germany. The majestic tree and the unique Starlights tent shine festively with over 70,000 LEDs and power LEDs.

The famous Glühwein (Mulled Wine) kept us happy and warm during the night.

And every corner offered something delicious to eat. From savory dishes (like the Bratwurst), to sweets.

I love the way this tree is lit. The blue light really brings out the red hearts hung all over the tree. A unique way to decorate the city.

Closing time is around 10 at night. You can see the various stalls closed for the night, as we departed back to our apartment, waiting for another day to begin.

I was really glad, that I found previously unreleased images to share with you now, and mark yet another year of this wonderful tradition. If you would like to see more of our Cologne trip I'll list the links to all the posts from the stay, down below.

The Cologne Series includes:

Part One: A stroll down the Weihnachtsmarkt (1)

Part Two: A stroll down the Weihnachtsmarkt (2)

Part Three: Cologne Cathedral

Part Four: Modern Cologne (1)

Part Six: Modern Cologne (2)

Part Seven: Phantasialand - Theme Park (1)

Part Eight: Phantasialand - Theme Park (2)

Part Nine: Phantasialand - Theme Park (3)