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Cologne / Koln Christmas Market

Monday, November 24, 2014


This post is coming to you much later in the day than I anticipated. I'm having some technical difficulties over here and I do appreciate your patience. I had planned 2 posts for today, but we'll have to see what else I can finish up. No promises! But, hey, there's always tomorrow!

BTW, technical difficulties = user error in this house. I'm usually convinced the computers are trying to rise up against me. Today is no exception.

But enough of that, let's talk CHRISTMAS!!! Specifically, Christmas Markets and even more specifically, one of the largest Christmas Markets in Germany.

That's right - the one in Cologne. Or Koln, if you prefer.

I've always wondered how to say it.... Do you say cologne, like the smelly good stuff men wear? Or koln like how it looks? I have no idea which is correct, but I would guess the latter. I keep meaning to ask my neighbors, but it's never come up in conversation. Weird, huh?

Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Best Christmas Market, Cologne Germany

Koln Best Christmas Markets

That, above, is a very tiny portion of the Cologne (I'm going to stick with the American spelling; it's an arbitrary decision, though) Cathedral. I don't know words big enough to give you any sort of inkling how HUGE this cathedral is.

Gigantic. Monumental. Enormous. Grand. Mammoth. Tremendous. Colossal. Gargantuan.


We're not even scratching the surface, so I'm going to move on. Just know that it is really, really big and if you like really tall overwhelming structures, you're going to love this place.

The third picture above is actually of a side entrance that opens into an alcove. The other two pictures were taken from several blocks away. I kid you not. The cathedral alone is reason enough to visit Cologne. Add in the other churches, museums, bridges and just basic city life and you've got a really fantastic weekend break.

Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Cologne Christmas Market

Cologne Christmas Market

Cologne Christmas Market


Those are pretty much all of the pictures I have of these markets because it was so packed with people, most of my pictures are of stranger's heads. Just as I can't adequately convey to you how immense the cathedral is, neither can I sufficiently warn you of the crowds.

I feel like this should be one of the most spectacular markets. All over Cologne, there are 7 markets total and they are easily linked by an inner city tram that costs only a couple of euros to ride. I guess, if you can only pick one to go to, this is the biggest and the best. Each market has it's own niche and they are each decorated differently and they each have their own unique ornaments and gifts. You'd get a good sampling of everything in one city.

I don't want to mislead anyone, this was my least favorite market out of all of the ones we've been to. There were so many things I wanted to see and I just couldn't get to them because at times there was no where to move. We would end up in a stream of moving people and just get caught in the current. It was shoulder to shoulder and most of the time I was wedged in between my husband and whoever happened to be either in front of or behind me. Also, I'm not short - I'm 5'7" and I could barely see over the crowds and at times I couldn't see at all. At one point, I walked almost 2 blocks thinking I was right behind Mike until I snuggled in for a hug (it was really cold) and it so was not my husband I was following. And hugging. {{true story, bro}} Some people would get so tired of walking or standing, they would just lean on you. I like my personal space bubble and this was just not the market for that.

However, with all of that said, I think maybe visiting during the week would be better; we went the first weekend of Advent. I would absolutely not take children or dogs during the weekends. If you've been when it was less busy and you enjoyed it, I would love to hear about it! And maybe see some of the pretty things you bought. And, hey, maybe you love crowds. If so, this is your spot! 

Here's A Link to a really great website that will give you all of the information for these 7 markets and if you surf around on the site, you'll find more great info for all over Germany and a few other countries.

Let me know in the comments if you liked this Christmas Market or if you think you'll go! I love to hear other people's experiences! 

2 Responses to “Cologne / Koln Christmas Market”

  1. I've never been out of the states, but LONG to see other great parts of the world. For no, I will live vicariously thought my blogging family!! Thanks so much for sharing your breath taking photos!!

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    1. You are so sweet, Robyn! Thank you for the compliment. I am grateful every single day for this adventurous life God has chosen to give me. It's nothing I ever thought to seek for myself.

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