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GERMANY |
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Location:
Cologne
2012 dates to be confirmed - below gives a taste of what has happened last year
Here is a taste of what Cologne usually has to offer at Christmas time
Advent magic spreads throughout Cologne’s Old Town when seven idyllic Christmas markets open their brightly illuminated gates in late November.
More than 160 stalls offer a large scale of traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Each one has its own flair. Their sparkling lights and peaceful atmosphere attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
Traditional Handmade Christmas Gifts
Wonderful spicy aromas of cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds fill your nose. Soak in this good old festive ambiance and take a Christmas stroll past lovingly decorated stalls and enticing half-timbered huts. Rummage through charming gifts to find some rare treasure: pipe-smoking wooden “Räuchermännchen”, nutcrackers, nativity figures and other appealing Christmas decoration. Young and old can look pewter pourers, wreath binders glassblowers and a blacksmith over their shoulders when they demonstrate their art.
Children’s Delight
Children’s eyes light up at Santa’s visit and the sight of nostalgic roundabouts. And there is more – magic acts, jugglery, Medieval musicians, Christmas cribs and intricately decorated trees. Of course, they will try their luck at the countless toy stands or practise their pirouettes and “Rittbergers” on the large ice rink at Heumarkt square.
Typical German Christmas Treats
Don’t miss the chance to indulge yourself in typical German culinary delights: the famous “Christstollen” yeast cakes, “Lebkuchen” soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections. Also try the mandatory “Glühwein” a hot spiced wine in mugs to warm chilly hands.
Festive Cultural Christmas Programme
To round off your Christmas spirit, you can enjoy a festive cultural programme with exhibitions, musicals, operas or concerts.
T:+ 49 221 22 130400
Shuttle service for tourists traveling by coach
If you come by coach, we ask you to please note the following information: Due to the high number of visitors there have been longer waiting times for coaches at Komödienstraße in the past.
In order to make your visit to the Christmas markets as enjoyable as possible, the bus traffic concept is once again being employed for the four Advent Saturdays and the Sunday when shops are open for business .
As in previous years, visitors will exit their coach at Komödienstraße. This means that you lose no time visiting the Christmas markets.
For the return journey you will find free-of-charge shuttle buses at this stop to take you to the parking area at the Cologne Trade Fair premises (MesseParkplatz P22).Your coach will be waiting there for you.
TIP: regulated shuttle-bus access in the city centre and sorting of coaches by country at the Cologne Trade Fair parking site.
Subject to alterations
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How to say "Merry Christmas" in German
Froehliche Weihnachten
2012 dates to be confirmed - below gives a taste of what has happened last year
Christmas magic in Cologne 2011
The eight Cologne Christmas markets invite you and your clients to Christmas shopping.
During the pre-Christmas season, the beautiful Cathedral city shines in unique brightness. Angels and Saint Nicolases, elves and Father Christmases as well as twinkling stars and the aroma of roasted almonds and ‘Glühwein’ invite you to browse in the festively decorated centre of Cologne.
New Christmas Highlight -
Cologne Harbour Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum
25 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
Modern and elegant the new maritime Christmas Market presents itself in picturesque scenery directly on the Rhine with about 80 stalls in white pagoda tents with roofpeaks appearing like ship sails.
High-quality products and art craft, dishes and drinks from all over the world as well as a coloured programme with pirates, Shanty and Christmas performances invite for a stay with a tasty mulled wine.
The new market at the waterfront is impressing with christmassy harbour atmosphere lined with the medieval Malakoff-Tower, the historical harbour swing bridge, the popular chocolate museum and the river Rhine.
Times
Mon - Thu 12.00 - 21.00
Fri - Sun 11.00 - 22.00
Free entry
- Busstop directly in front of the market.
Venue: Schokoladenmuseum, Rheinauhafen Köln, Bushaltebucht vorhanden.
Contact: eventleute gmbh,
mail@eventleute.de
Tel. 0049.221.3101887
www.harbour-christmas-market.com
The Cathedral Christmas market
21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
In front of the impressive backdrop of Cologne’s landmark, awaits visitors with its 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions.
Times - 11.00 - 21.00
Free entry
The Fairytale Christmas market at Rudolfplatz.
21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
Takes you to the world of fairytales.
Times
Sun - Thu 11.00 - 21.00
Fri - Sat 11.00 - 22.00
Free entry
The Medieval Christmas market
25 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
Next to Cologne’s Chocolate Museum invites you to the exciting world of the Middle Ages.
Times - 11.00 - 21.00
Entry 3 Euro small children free
From Europe´s largest floating Christmas market
24 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
With over forty stalls, you get a truly dreamlike view of the Cologne Old Town and the Cathedral.
Times
Sun - Thu 11.00 - 21.00
Fri - Sat 11.00 - 22.00
Entry 2 Euro
Children under 12 years free
Discount groups over 10 persons
The Angel’s market
21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
Located between the most popular shopping streets in Cologne, carries you into the kingdom of angels.
Times
Sun - Thu 11.00 - 21.00
Fri - Sat 11.00 - 22.00
Free entry
At the ‘Home of the Heinzel’ Christmas market
21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
Located in the middle of the historic and idyllic Cologne Old Town, you can find a particularly large number of handcraft stalls, where goods are still produced in the traditional way.
Times - 11.00 - 22.00
Free entry
And finally the Christmas market at Stadtgarten
21 Nov to 23 Dec 2011
This market offers you the idyllic village atmosphere with traditional handicraft, modern creations and culinary specialties.
Times
Mon - Fri 16.00 - 21.30
Sat - Sun 12.00 - 21.30
Free entry
To round off your Christmas spirit, you can enjoy a festive cultural programme with exhibitions, musicals, operas or concerts. Let yourself be enticed by the Christmas magic and visit the festive holy activities in the Rhine metropolis.
For more information please visit
www.koelntourismus.de
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Panorama of Old Town Cologne with 'swimming Christmas market' aboard the 'MS Wappen of Cologne'
Cologne Harbour Christmas Market |
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Christmassy Cologne Package
Experience the advent season in Cologne with its festive illumination and visit one of the seven Christmas markets with their unique atmosphere. A great number of events will make your Christmas stay in Cologne perfect: Exhibitions, musicals, opera or concerts – Cologne makes dreams come true.
The package comprises:
Hotel accommodation and breakfast in a middle-class hotel
A Christmas gift for each person
A Cologne WelcomeCard for 24 hours
From 69.00€ per person in a double room
From 99.00€ per person in a single room
The package is bookable subject to the availability from 1st Oct 2011 for the period 22nd Nov - 23rd Dec 2011
For more information please visit
www.koelntourismus.de
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Additional services provided:
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The market by the cathedral was voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe |
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