Christmas Markets in Cologne

Tuesday morning we boarded a train in Brussels for a 90 minute ride to Cologne, Germany. Cologne is a BEAUTIFUL city, at least the parts we saw. But since this trip had a Christmas Market theme, I will share photos from the Christmas Markets we visited and supported during our 7 hours.

The thing about Christmas markets is the experience of local food and drink. Fortunately, OFD is willing and eager to try both. (I will do a food post at another time.) I think all 3 of us would agree: the food from the little food stands was better than what we chose from a restaurant. There is also all the handcrafted items pertaining to that part of the country. Gee...does this sound like a state fair or other fair in the US?????

There were 3 Christmas Markets happening in Cologne. We found 2 of them, sampling food and drink and watching the people.

the first was next to the cathedral

traditional German Christmas table decor

except this one was huge and meant for outside display

with nativity scenes around the base

cute little individual stalls

back side of the stalls

even the tables were Christmas themed

this one is star-shaped

AND each market has its own Christmas mug that 

can be purchased with or without drink or returned for a deposit

different mugs each year, too

Troll theme to the second market

swinging on a street light

different stalls, different products, different tables

this one had more 'kid' options to help pass time

including an ice skating rink & carousel

their mugs had trolls on them

cute street light decor

a shuttle service ran between the 3 markets

large trees along the streets were dressed for Christmas

a nativity display in the plaza in front of the cathedral

another dressed tree

You can't help but be in the Christmas spirit after browsing and wandering through markets like the ones in Cologne. We are over the half-way point in our trip. We travel to Paris by train on Wednesday. The adventure continues...