Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Cologne, Germany
Cologne Christmas Markets
Take a tour to the festively decorated and beautifully themed Cologne Christmas markets, inviting you to stroll, shop and explore to your heart’s desire.
Cologne’s Christmas markets are a veritable Mecca for Christmas market lovers and one of the most popular destinations in Germany. With at least eight separate markets, there is the perfect blend of the traditional, creative and fun.
Read moreCologne: Big City, Old-World Charm
After near-obliteration in during WWII, Cologne’s old town was painstakingly rebuilt to it’s former glory. Now, despite being Germany’s fourth largest city, the old town has retained Cologne’s cosy old-world charm with narrow, cobbled streets and alleys.
The city’s most famous landmark, the Cathedral, stands proud with an ornate façade and filigree spires. The cathedral, a preotected UNESCO site, is just one element of this city’s unique architectural heritage and one of Germany’s most popular attractions.
Christmas markets line the streets in front of the cathedral are among the most spectacular places to get your Christmas shopping done. The historic backdrop of the giant black cathedral looms over the stalls and elaborately decorated Christmas tree.
A Special Something from the Christmas Markets
Not far away, located on the squares Alter Markt and Heumarkt, ‘Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale‘ has a spectacular ice rink. While, in the centre of the larger shopping areas, the ‘Market of Angels‘ stands amid the Neumarkt square.
Under a magnificently shining star-spattered sky, Rudolfplatz, young and old enjoy the spirit of the ‘Village of St. Nicholas.’ Here is a great place to pick up unusual Christmas presents, buy hand-crafted wooden decorations for your tree back home and warm up with some mulled wine.
The Cologne Christmas markets are world-renowned for their unique festivity, however they truly have to be seen to be believed.
Dates
November & December 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Germany
Make your way to your hotel in Cologne. Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring this wonderfully festive city.
Day 2
Cologne Christmas Markets
Explore the city’s amazing markets, at the heart of the city is the “Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral”. Not far away, located on the squares Alter Markt and Heumarkt, “Heinzels Winter Fairytale” attracts with a spectacular ice rink. Directly located on the Rhine, next to the Chocolate Museum, the “Harbour Christmas Market” exudes a maritime flair. In the centre of the larger shopping areas, the “Market of Angels” presents itself on the square Neumarkt under a magnificently shining star-spattered sky and quite near on Rudolfplatz, young and old enjoy the spirit of the “Village of St. Nicholas”. Nearby, between the streets Hahnen- and Schaafenstraße, the colorful and dazzling community Christmas market “Heavenue” opens its doors for the second time now. On the edge of the popular Belgian quarter, people meet on the cosy “Christmas Market at Stadtgarten” within Cologne’s oldest park.
Day 3
More Markets? Or explore Drachenfels and Königswinter
Spend today exploring more of the markets, or why not make an excursion to Königswinter, with its quaint Old Town and beautiful riverside promenade? Make the short journey from Cologne by road or along the river by boat. Against the beautiful backdrop of the Siebengebirge hills, perhaps take the cog railway to the top of the Drachenfels or ‘Dragon’s Rock’ where the legendary dragon was slain. Take in the breathtaking views over the Rhine. Stop off en-route to the summit at the striking Castle Drachenburg or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the train carriage.
Day 4
Departure
It’s time to leave Cologne behind. If time permits, enjoy a final stroll through the city before beginning your return journey to the UK.
Featured Hotels
Ibis Köln Messe ***
Less than 1 km from Koelnmesse exhibition center, this hotel is also a 14-minute walk from concerts at Lanxess Arena and 5 km from Cologne Cathedral where you will find some of the Christmas markets. The rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and work desks. Amenities include an international restaurant with a terrace, plus a 24-hour bar.
Ibis Köln Centrum ***
The Ibis Köln Centrum is set in the centre of Cologne, is a 3-minute walk from Barbarossaplatz train station and 3.6 km from the harbourfront Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum, which showcases the entire history of chocolate. The rooms contain desks, TVs and free Wi-Fi. The property has a 24-hour bar, business centre, 2 meeting rooms and bike storage.
H+ Hotel Köln Brühl ****
This hotel is located in Brühl, a picturesque town with a lot to offer. In addition, Cologne and Bonn are within easy reach. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a relaxation/ spa area. As well as this, the hotel has free coach parking.
You may also be interested in:
4 days / 3 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
---|---|---|
November & December 2024 | From £250.00 per person | Price on Request |