Explore Cologne's December Delights: Attractions And Activities

Cologne in December is a magical place, with plenty of festive cheer and unique attractions to explore. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your winter visit to this captivating city.

Cologne's Winter Landscape

The chilly air and gentle snowfall set a picturesque backdrop, with the Cologne Cathedral's majestic silhouette and the serene Rhine River creating a mesmerizing cityscape.

Winter Traditions and Cultural Gems

Cologne comes alive with various events, such as the vibrant St. Martin's Day parade and the jubilant New Year's Eve festivities. These traditions offer a blend of historical reverence and modern festivity.

Cologne's Attractions

The Festive Heart of Cologne – Christmas Markets

Cologne boasts several Christmas markets, each with its unique charm:

- Cologne Cathedral Market: This market dazzles with a starlit sky design, featuring stalls brimming with handicrafts and gastronomic delights.

- Old Town Market – ‘Heimat der Heinzel’: Nestled in the quaint Old Town, this market is themed around local folklore and fairy-tale creatures, perfect for families.

- Neumarkt Market – ‘Market of Angels’: Adorned with twinkling stars and angelic figures, this market exudes elegance and grace.

Historical and Cultural Exploration

Beyond the markets, Cologne offers a rich tapestry of history and culture:

- Cologne Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Gothic masterpiece towers at 157 meters, housing the Shrine of the Three Kings.

- Museum Ludwig: Located near the cathedral, it showcases modern art, including works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein.

- The Romano-Germanic Museum: Built on the site of a Roman town villa, it displays a stunning third-century mosaic floor and a collection of Roman artifacts, reflecting Cologne's Roman past.

Winter Activities and Local Delights

Cologne's winter charm extends to various activities and culinary delights:

- Ice Skating at Heumarkt: Skate over the ice with the city's lights providing a magical backdrop.

- Rhine River Cruise: Enjoy stunning views of Cologne's winter landscape from a different perspective.

- Culinary Exploration: Indulge in traditional German fare like 'Reibekuchen' (potato pancakes) and 'Glühwein' (mulled wine) at local restaurants and market stalls.

Discover Cologne with Explorial's Tourgame

Enhance your Cologne experience with an interactive adventure – the Explorial Tourgame. This fun game takes you on a journey through the city, allowing you to explore hidden corners, learn about its history, and engage with Cologne in a new and exciting way.

Cologne Cathedral

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, spanning over six centuries. It is one of the tallest cathedrals in the world, towering at 157 meters. The cathedral holds the Shrine of the Three Kings, containing the remains of the Wise Men.

A guided tour of the cathedral at night is highly recommended to appreciate its Gothic splendour and learn about its history. The Cologne Cathedral Market, set against the backdrop of the cathedral, is a festive treat with handicrafts, ornaments, and gastronomic delights.

Christmas Markets

Cologne is famous for its Christmas markets, and in December, they come alive with festive lights, decorations, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. The city's main market is located in front of the Cologne Cathedral, but there are several others scattered throughout the city. Each market offers unique gifts, crafts, and delicious holiday treats, making it a must-visit experience. Here is a list of some of the best Christmas markets in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral Market: Set against the majestic backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, this market dazzles with its spectacular starlit sky design. Stalls brimming with handicrafts, ornaments, and gastronomic delights make it a festive treat.
• Old Town Market – ‘Heimat der Heinzel’: Nestled in the quaint Old Town, this market takes its theme from local folklore. It’s a wonderland where fairy-tale creatures bring joy and mischief, perfect for families and those who cherish whimsy.
• Neumarkt Market – ‘Market of Angels’: Radiating elegance and grace, this market is adorned with twinkling stars and angelic figures, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
• Heinzelmännchen Market at Alter Markt: This market has a unique theme and vibe, with a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
• Cathedral Market at the Kölner Dom: This market is located right in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, offering a stunning backdrop for your Christmas shopping.
• Angel’s Christmas Market at Neumarkt: With its elegant and graceful ambiance, this market is adorned with twinkling stars and angelic figures, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

Cologne's Winter Landscape

Cologne's winter season offers a delightful mix of traditions and cultural experiences. The city celebrates events like the vibrant St. Martin's Day parade and the lively New Year's Eve festivities, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.

Cologne Cathedral:

Take a guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece. Adorned with festive decorations and a majestic Christmas tree, the cathedral's interior is truly magical during the holiday season.

Christmas Markets:

Cologne is famous for its Christmas markets, and in December, they come alive with festive cheer. The Cologne Cathedral Market, set against the stunning backdrop of the cathedral, features a spectacular starlit sky design. The Old Town Market, inspired by local folklore, brings fairy-tale creatures to life. The Neumarkt Market, adorned with angels and twinkling stars, offers a serene and enchanting experience.

Museum Ludwig:

Located near the Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig is a haven for modern art enthusiasts. It houses an extensive collection of 20th and 21st-century art, including a significant array of works by Pablo Picasso, making it one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe.

The Romano-Germanic Museum:

This museum, built on the site of a Roman town villa, showcases Cologne's rich ancient history. The centerpiece is a stunningly preserved third-century mosaic floor. It also houses a vast collection of Roman artifacts, providing a glimpse into the lives of the city's ancient Roman inhabitants.

Claudius Therme:

On rainy winter days, head to Claudius Therme, a thermal bath and sauna complex in Cologne's Rheinpark. Spend the day relaxing in the thermal pools and saunas, or enjoy a meal at one of the on-site cafes and restaurants.

Brauhaus:

Indulge in the local tradition of drinking Kölsch beer in a traditional Brauhaus. Some recommended Brauhäuser include Lommerzheim in Deutz, Früh am Dom in the Innenstadt, and Die Hausbraurei Päffgen near Friesenplatz.

Keupstraße in Mülheim District:

Explore this vibrant, commercial street brimming with Turkish and Kurdish-owned businesses. Indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine and treat yourself to fresh pastries, baklava, and kebabs. Büyük Harran Doy Doy is a highly recommended restaurant for authentic Adana kebab.

Rhine River Cruise:

Take a cruise on the Rhine River to admire Cologne's winter landscape from a different perspective. Enjoy stunning views of the city's illuminated landmarks and the serene river as you glide along.

Heumarkt Ice Skating:

Glide over the ice at the Heumarkt rink, with the city's twinkling lights providing a magical backdrop. It's a fun winter activity for all ages.

Culinary Delights:

Warm up with traditional German treats like 'Reibekuchen' (potato pancakes) and 'Glühwein' (mulled wine). Sample the local delicacies at market stalls or cosy up in a local restaurant to savour the flavours of Cologne.

The Romano-Germanic Museum

Location and History:

• The Romano-Germanic Museum is located near the Cologne Cathedral, in the heart of the city.
• The museum is built on the original site of a Roman town villa, with a stunningly preserved third-century mosaic floor from the villa as its centerpiece.
• It opened in 1974 to preserve and showcase the Roman cultural heritage of Cologne.

Exhibits and Collections:

• The museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artifacts, including glassware, jewelry, coins, toys, and everyday objects.
• One of the highlights is the world-renowned Dionysus mosaic, which dates back to around AD 220/230 and was discovered in the basement of the Roman villa.
• The museum also boasts the largest collection of Roman glass in the world, as well as outstanding collections of early medieval jewelry.
• Visitors can explore architectural elements, inscriptions, portraits, pottery, and other relics that provide a glimpse into daily life in Roman Cologne.
• Prehistoric artifacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, found in Cologne, the Rhineland, and other European sites, are also on display.

Research and Archives:

• In addition to its exhibits, the museum serves as a research center with a specialized library containing over 30,000 volumes.
• It also houses archives related to the archaeology of the city and extensive documentation on historical monuments.

Admission and Accessibility:

• The Romano-Germanic Museum is currently closed for renovation, and its collections have been moved to the Belgian House (Cäcilienstraße 46).
• The exhibition at the Belgian House is open daily, and admission prices are €6 for adults and €3 for reduced tickets.
• The museum is easily accessible, with a two-minute walk from the Neumarkt tram stop to the Belgian House location.

Ice Skating at Heumarkt

The ice rink at Heumarkt is not just any ordinary skating venue. It is built and operated by the Cologne elves, or "Heinzelmännchen," who ensure maximum skating enjoyment for all. The rink is Germany's finest open-air ice rink, providing a spacious and well-maintained surface for skaters to glide and show off their moves. The magical backdrop of the city's lights and the festive cheer of the surrounding Christmas market add to the unique charm of this skating experience.

The ice rink is conveniently located in the heart of Cologne's old town, spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with the Rathaus and Heumarkt stops being the closest.

The hours of operation are typically from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, although the hours may vary slightly during the holiday season. On Mondays, there is a special program for children, with discounted entry fees and activities like ice skating school, making it a perfect family outing.

The ice rink also offers a unique opportunity for teams to try their hand at ice stock sport, a popular activity at the 'Heinzels Wintermärchen' Christmas market. This sport involves sliding stocks, or bats, on a sheet of ice to score points by getting as close to a target as possible. It's an exciting and social winter sport that adds to the thrill of the ice rink.

Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the ice rink at Heumarkt is a must-visit during the winter season in Cologne. It provides a delightful blend of festive cheer, physical activity, and a chance to immerse yourself in the city's enchanting winter landscape. So, put on your skates and glide into a magical winter wonderland!

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