Frosty air, the sweet aroma of mulled wine, bustling crowds swarming over baked treats and gorgeous gifts… there’s nothing quite like a Christmas market for getting in the festive spirit. After thoroughly enjoying outings to Bruges and Cologne in years gone by, I nipped over to Switzerland with friends to see how the Swiss market experience matched up! [Read more…]
This weekend I visited Cologne in Germany for my last dose of festive cheer before the big day! We flew in late on Friday night and were instantly drawn in by the beautiful lights and decorations everywhere. Cologne has Christmas markets scattered all through its central streets, each with its own character and theme from the Heinzelmännchen in the Alter Markt and Heumarkt to the Angels in the Neumarkt. It felt like we stumbled on a new market around each corner and I loved how fully the town had entered into the Christmas spirit!
Looking down on the Christmas Markets from the top of the Cathedral!
The busiest market by far was by the Cologne Cathedral, with over 160 stalls and a huge Christmas tree in the middle. We didn’t spend as much time here although the stalls had a huge variety, just because at some points it was difficult to move!
Mmm Brezel
The biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland
Such an amazing setting below the Cathedral!
Early morning in the Alter Markt
The Alter Markt was one of two of the markets populated by the Heinzelmännchen, little gnome-like figures whom legend has it are responsible for all the Christmas goodness on display in the markets. It had lots of craft stalls and delicious food options, and was handily located between the Cathedral market and the Heumarkt.
Now that is an outfit
Beautiful chandeliers
The Angel Market was possibly my favourite – I loved the eponymous angels scattered everywhere, the stalls were full of goodies I wanted, and it wasn’t quite as crowded as it was a little further out from the centre. It also looked like it would be great at night, with a few different bars to choose from and lights festooning the trees. Funnily enough, although it’s the “Neu” market, this is Cologne’s oldest Christmas market!
Delicious glühwein with slightly creepy clown angels!
Delicious deep-fried Mutzen
Wrapped up warm – prost!
The Harbour Market was a short stroll along the Rhine from the centre of Cologne and had a fabulous location on the river’s edge. I loved the nautical decorations everywhere and the gorgeous glühwein mugs!
Kate, Anita and I enjoying a warming glühwein with amaretto
Also handily located by the Chocolate Museum!
The busy market at the Heumarkt with its massive skating rink and gorgeous lights is another home of the Heinzelmännchen and we loved how they were keeping an eye on the proceedings, from the tops of the stalls, bars and even ski-lift!
Busy times around the bar!
We met up with the lovely Sara of Big World, Small Me and Amy of Amy and the Great World, and their charming partners, and had a fabulous evening at the Buble Alpe, even if we were slightly concerned about the aged nature of the ice-skates suspended above us!
I highly recommend a visit to Cologne for its quirky Christmas markets – for more information click here. As this is my last post before the big day, I’d like to wish all who celebrate it a very Merry Christmas – I hope you have a lovely day!
The gorgeous little town of Brugge (or Bruges in English) is the perfect setting for Christmas markets. Lights twinkle from the rooftops, the central square hums with stalls and ice-skaters, and your walk home along the canals feels positively magical.
The Provincial Court – straight out of a fairytale
We took the Eurostar from London on a Friday night, which was my first time travelling to another country by train – amazing! I loved the whole journey, From the convenience of leaving from Central London to the mind-blowing moment of stepping off the train into Belgium, not to mention the smooth ride. After overnighting in Brussels, we arrived in Brugge, checked into Philip’s fantastic Air BnB apartment, and set out to explore the town.
The Belfort
I was completely charmed by Brugge. No amount of ‘In Bruges’ viewings or travel-blog lusting could have prepared me for exactly how picturesque and beautiful it was. Being small and flat it was a dream to wander about, and I loved soaking in the Christmassy atmosphere – I could have simply strolled for hours.
The Brugge Christmas markets are mainly staged in the Markt, the central square, with more stalls located in the nearby and aptly named Saint Niklaass Street. With the Belfort overlooking proceedings, revellers can ice-skate, sip gluhwein or ‘special’ coffees, and shop for anything from cosy hats to Christmas ornaments.
Kate, Stacey and I keeping our hands warm
If you’re as lucky as us, you might even end up chatting to Olivier, one of the contenders for Mr Personality Belgium – quite the charmer!
Some of the stalls lining St Niklaass Street
I loved the Brugge Christmas Markets – adding to my list of experiences that make a European Christmas so completely different to one in New Zealand! While they were pretty busy, the crowds were never too much, and the festive buzz simply added to the magical experience.
Have you visited a European Christmas Market? I ‘d love recommendations for next year!
