Marché de Noël

Shout out to all our Christmas Market loving friends. We now understand your love for the European Christmas Markets. It's like going to Disneyworld for adults who love Christmas. These markets are such a happy enchanting place full of joy and the atmosphere and décor are different at each one. The markets are lined with stalls of amazing local and international artisans offering crafts, unique gifts, traditional Christmas décor and traditional delicious food and vin chaud (hot wine). There are cruises specifically for the Christmas Market season and we are definitely going to book one in the coming years! We were fortunate to visit three markets and experience all the décor in Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital of Europe.     

Cologne (Koln), Germany was our first and favorite Christmas Market. Cologne was the first trip by train for the kids. They had a blast! The train is definitely more flexible than an airplane. They loved being able to move around and not be constrained by a seat belt. We arrived on a Thursday to avoid the weekend crowds. Our hotel was perfectly situated close to the train station and a five-minute walk from the main market, Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market. We checked in and immediately headed out to wonder. The Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe standing 157 meters tall. The market takes place in the plaza where you have a stunning view of the Cathedral and a massive Christmas tree from any view point. There were multiple stalls and a large stage in the middle with great performers signing all the best Christmas songs. 

From there we stumbled upon a mini market with delicious treats and a very tall Weihnachtspyramide and then headed to the Heinzels Wintermaerchen, aka The Gnome Market. We walked under lights, candles, lanterns, and greenery connecting the rows of stalls. The food and drink were delicious and the mini-Ferris wheel was the best we've rode so far. It is separated into two sections and we ended the night on a high after wondering through the first section. 

Friday morning, we ate a quick breakfast at a traditional German restaurant right across from the Gnome Market and then hopped on the Christmas Market Train. Our first stop was the Cologne's Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt also known as the Harbor Market. This market was pirate themed and had the BIG Ferris wheel. The kids had a blast playing in the mini pirate ships and getting a great view of the city from the Ferris wheel. Our next stop was the Markt der Engel, The Angel Market, lined with Christmas trees and white stalls decorated with angels, greenery, white lights, and stars hanging from the trees. We found a beautiful carousel and tasted our first German potato pancake. Leaving the Angel Market I spotted a TK Maxx (TJ Maxx) and it took every ounce of resistance to not go into the store. We ended up back at the Gnome Market to explore the second section. We found an oval ice-skating rink anchored by two beer houses with multiple games ice stock sport (think bocce ball on ice but also known as Bavarian curling) in between while Gnomes and polar bears decorated the rooftops of the stalls and beer houses. 

Saturday morning, we walked through the Cathedral in awe of its heights and all the stained glass and then proceeded to quickly walk to the Gnome Market and the Cathedral Market to purchase some artisan crafts and nutcracker. The Christmas mugs are a big deal in Cologne. We collected a pair from each market and probably our favorite souvenirs we are bringing home. Saturday morning was jammed packed with people and we are so glad we could experience the markets without the large crowds! 

Cologne was the perfect place to start our Christmas Market adventures. We fell in love with the people, food, and atmosphere. There was so much Christmas magic in the air for us and our children. Brian wants to create a German Christmas Market event when we come home! This trip has been our favorite adventures so far and holds so many core memories. 

Click here to read about Strasbourg & Colmar!