
H E I M A T D E R H E I N Z E L
Starting with my absolute favourite, Heimat der Heinzel. It's probably the most polished of Cologne's markets, with incredible craftsmanship going throughout the entire run of the market (just look at that entrance!). I'll admit it hasn't long been my favourite, however this year it truly took my breath away. The ice rink is the main attraction here, with a bridge looping over halfway, allowing you to watch ice skaters glide their way up and down while you sip on your glühwein. There's also a ferris wheel with adorable little red carriages and a huge amount of stalls.
W H E N ?
27th November - 23rd December
11am - 10pm




N I K O L A U S D O R F
( V I L L A G E O F S T . N I C H O L A S )
W H E N ?
27th November - 23rd December
11am - 9pm

A couple of standout features at Nikolausdorf include unusual craft stalls (I bought a couple of quartz coasters with rims I plan to paint gold - hello Anthropologie) and hard-to-find foods such as backfisch (fried fish in a bun) and chocolate-covered fruit. This market in particular seems calmer than most, and so it's perhaps one to visit earlier in the day to help you to acclimatise. Plus, if you're coming in the direction from Cologne Cathedral, you'll inevitably pass the dreamy streets of luxurious boutiques along the way - perfect!


.
W E I H N A C H T S M A R K T
(D O M M A R K E T)
(D O M M A R K E T)
Surprise, surprise. Weihnachtsmarkt is included in my guide to Cologne's best Christmas markets! Heimat der Heinzel may well be my personal favourite, however I can totally understand why Cologne Cathedral's market is most likely the most famous of the bunch. The backdrop of the twin-spired medieval cathedral is breathtakingly beautiful and even more so by night. You find yourself torn between looking ahead at the markets and above at the architecture! The open space means lighting during the day is brilliant (for any photographers reading this), although by night you get the added bonus of listening to live music within the Nordmann fir towering 25m at the heart of the market, illuminated by 50,000 LED lights. Yeah. It's just as spectacular as it sounds!
WHEN?
27th November - 23rd December
11am - 9pm (Sun-Wed)
11am - 10pm (Thurs-Sat)
- Opens 10am on Saturdays -


M A R K T D E R E N G E L
W H E R E ?
27th November - 23rd December
11am - 9pm (Sun-Thurs)
11am - 10pm (Fri-Sat)


OTHER THINGS TO DO
... And there we have it! Although, what if you've never visited Cologne before and you want to see what the city has to offer? In between Christmas markets, it can be a great idea to check out some of Cologne's other points of interest as it prevents becoming desensitised by the markets' beauty. Trust me, it's a thing - and a thing you (obviously) want to avoid. It's free to enter Cologne Cathedral and it will probably be the most peaceful twenty minutes or so you'll experience that festive season. The architecture is incredible, something that dawns on you when you realise the historic building was built by hand - no machines involved! Check out the crib, light a candle, take a seat and then head back into the excitement of the festive stalls.
Okay, so you can't predict snow - but wow, did it make this year's trip all the more special. I was sipping on the most indulgent hot chocolate I've ever had while travelling, when my brother pointed out the sudden heavy snowfall outside. Hot chocolate, festive jumpers, Christmas markets, snowfall - it's my idea of heaven! Speaking of which, visiting boutiques in between roaming from market-to-market can be a really fun thing to do, especially with so many fashion and home stores lining the sidewalks. There are plenty of cafés to dip into for warm drinks and biscuits. Oh, and while we're on the topic of drinks, don't forget to pick up a festive mug (bonus point if it's boot-shaped) from one of the Christmas markets. You leave a deposit each time you order a drink (try the gluhwein or hot chocolate with amaretto) and so then it's your choice whether you return the mugs or not. I mean, as far as collections go, boot-shaped festive mugs are pretty fun, right?!
W H E R E T O S T A Y ?
Your options for when it comes to accommodation are endless, as is the case with most cities. In recent years, I've always stayed with family at Hilton Cologne Hotel. The decor is modern, it's always incredibly clean and the staff have always been consistently friendly. I have a really lovely memory created this year, of heading back to the bar late at night for warm drinks while watching live golf on a huge screen. Am I a fan of golf? Can't say it's ever really occurred to me. But it was the environment that made it all the more cosy.
Hilton Cologne
Marzellensraße 13-17
50668 Köln
Germany
Having said that, a friend of mind recently stayed at the privately-owned Excelsior Hotel and oh my gosh, what a fabulous hotel! The interior design is beautifully luxurious and the hotel rooms look directly out at Cologne Cathedral. What a view. Sure, there's a chance I'm sat here daydreaming about listening to live piano music from their extravagant bar...
Excelsior Hotel Köln
Trankgasse 1-5
50667 Köln
Germany
Psst! The benefit of choosing accommodation located close to Cologne Cathedral is not only for ease of access to nearby Christmas markets, but also being able to navigate your way back (especially if your German is limited!)
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Christmas tree in foyer of Hotel Hilton Cologne |
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With love,
Gabrielle x
These markets look amazing. This will be such a handy guide for anyone visiting them Gabrielle! Fabulous photos too x
ReplyDeleteJenny | LuxeStyle
Wow looks like you had the most amazing time!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Christmas
Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Cologne looks like an incredible place to visit, what a stunning place and how incredible is that black and white shot of the cathedral, so gorgeous! I'm really taken with these shots. Christmas markets are so wonderful to visit, I haven't been to one this year sadly.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas Markets in Berlin were rather magical, even though it was freezing when we visited. Stunning pictures, you look quite at home there Gabrielle!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year! Let's catch up in 2018!
Lots of love,
Laura xoxo
www.shehearts.net
This looks perfect, so beautiful x
ReplyDeleteLove those pictures! You look amazing as always!
ReplyDeleteDaniel x
The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
I dream about visiting some Christmas markets, they look so magical and beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great guide Gabrielle!!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
I'd love to visit some German Christmas markets one day, they just look the best and so festive! Sounds like you had an amazing time.
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
www.callmeamy.co.uk
Everything is so festive and lovely! Great for getting in that holiday spirit!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I know you visit every year and I honestly look forward to your Christmas market posts! You capture the place so beautifully in pictures and writing and it almost makes me feel like I'm there with you.
ReplyDeleteShireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
What an absolutely exquisite display of Christmas cheer! There's nothing better than an enchanting trip to a Christmas market to get into the holiday spirit!
ReplyDeleteLuci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
You have totally convinced me that Cologne is the place to be around Christmastime Gabrielle. The markets there look so marvelously festive that they are sure to bring out the holiday spirit in no time. I really need to make a point to visit during the holidays and thanks to you I'll know exactly where to stay and what to see/do :D
ReplyDeletevery beautifu market!
ReplyDeleteNew review on my blog <<< By Terry Preciosity Holiday Collection 2017 >>>
a big kiss
Reading this post I want to visit this beautiful and amazing city! ^-^
ReplyDeleteI would like walking through the markets eating traditional sweats!
Lovely pics dear!
www.milleunrossetto.blogspot.it
OMG this looks so amazing !! Beautiful pics babe xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
Oh love this looks SO magical!! I've always wanted to visit a Christmas market in Germany but haven't gotten around to going yet, I've really struggled feeling festive this year as life has just got in the way but next year I'm determined to make it a SUPER festive one, starting with a German market! <3
ReplyDeleteHayley xo
www.frockmeimfamous.com
German Christmas markets are so so beautiful! Lovely guide to Cologne's Christmas markets - would love to visit one day! Have a wonderful Christmas and a great start to the New Year, Gabrielle!
ReplyDeleteMiriam x
Great post, I like it :)
ReplyDeletenew post
http://mensfashionobsession.com/
It looks so festive there. I love all the decor.
ReplyDeletehttps://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
I love Christmas markets ❤❤❤
ReplyDeleteYour photography always blows me out of the park but daaamn, this has some of the best photos!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Gabrielle xx
tipscapsule.blogspot.com
Wow the markets look amazing and super festive! Wish I lived near, I would definitely go and visit Cologne christmas markets! Wishing you a very merry christmas Gabrielle :) x
ReplyDeleteAdventures in May | Miss Nev
It looks so so lovely! The cozy and Christmassy vibes, how amazing :) Wish I could tele-transport myself there haha
ReplyDeletewww.desiringsme.com/7-thing-leaving-2017/
I love all of your photos! This place looks beyond fabulous and really makes me want to visit. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Amber | www.loveambervictoria.com
If only I had Cologne (or Europe) at my doorstep this time of year! It is just magical. It's magical period but during Christmas time and with that snow, it feels like stepping into a old Hollywood movie. Just beautiful. Enjoy Cologne Gabrielle and have the most amazing Christmas and New Year.
ReplyDeleteSxx
daringcoco.com
Oh wow, these photos are breathtaking! We don't really have markets like that here, but it is a completely different season. It looks so festive and romantic although you did mention the cold a few times, haha!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great weekend! With all of the gifts bought and wrapped I'm enjoying a last quiet day before all the Christmas festivities begin, I'm so looking forward to it! Have a merry Christmas :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Such gorgeous photos! It looks amazing there—I wish I could be there now! (:
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you!
Narhee | Made in Mauve
Nice pics... i love those Christmas markets..
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas 🎁🎁🎁
marisascloset.blogspot.com
Awww so Christmassy and cosy!!!!! <3
ReplyDeleteCaterina | caterinasosso.com
I haven't visited any Christmas markets this year, but I would love to visit some in Germany someday!
ReplyDeleteTheNormcoreRebel
Omg it's so beautiful at all the markets! The first one looks amazingggggg.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Great! I love it!
ReplyDelete♡ MARY MARÍA STYLE ♡
Those christmas markets look absolutely magical! Great post!
ReplyDeleteMarije | thegfguide.com
I super love the Christmas vibes I'm seeing from the pictures! How I wish I was there!!! <3
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Gab!
xoxo,
SHAIRA
www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
absolutely beautiful pictures!!! I wish it is snowing too in Tokyo! so jealous!
ReplyDeleteVVEEKEND 101
I always love living vicariously through you with this tradition. These photos are beautiful Gabrielle. I've got to get myself over there one year! I hope your Christmas was wonderful lady!
ReplyDeleteamberelb.com
Wow, you look awesome! Popping by to wish you a Merry X'mas & Happy 2018! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh I love love love Christmas Markets and I am a lucky girl because Vienna has very charming ones. My faves are at Schönbrunn and at Rathausplatz. I have also been to Cologne with my BFF ones in winter and we have visited the Christmas Market nearby the Cathedrale. Wishing you a great New Years Eve Weekend Gabrielle! xoxo
ReplyDeletewww.naomella.com
Pretty blog and great post x
ReplyDeleteI truly miss winter Xmas markets xnd living in Dubai it never feels enough to get overly festive X
Have a happy new year
Hugs
Hayley
Wow, I didn't know there were several Christmas markets in Cologne! This makes me want to go even more... They all seem different and worth a visit. And of course, the cathedral is a wonder in itself. Thanks for sharing this really useful guide!
ReplyDeleteJulia x
Last Post: The Most Festive Spots in Paris | http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.fr/2017/12/lifestyle-my-favourite-festive-spots-in.html
It is absolutely breathtaking! Oh, how I would love to go. Gabrielle, you are so lucky. I'm fixated on that hot chocolate and the decorations on the buildings. I love your outfit. That jacket and those boots rock.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
This sort of trip has never appealed to me, but looking at the photo's and your description it looks wonderful. Will have to give this a go! :)
ReplyDelete