The Best Christmas Market: Cologne Or Aachen?

Germany is known for its Christmas markets, and two of the best are in the small western cities of Cologne and Aachen. Both cities have impressive cathedrals and are easily accessible by train. Cologne has several markets spread across the city centre, with the stunning cathedral as a backdrop. Aachen's market is smaller, set in the beautiful surroundings of the cathedral and town hall, and is known for its gingerbread.

Cologne's Christmas markets offer unique gifts, decorations, food and drink

Cologne's Christmas markets are renowned for their unique gifts, decorations, food and drink. With a range of markets scattered throughout the city, Cologne offers a magical experience for visitors during the festive season. Here is a guide to some of the best markets the city has to offer:

Weihnachtmarkt am Dom

The Christmas Market at the Cathedral is one of the most popular and picturesque markets in Cologne. Located on Roncalliplatz, next to the iconic Cologne Cathedral, this market boasts live entertainment and a dazzling display of fairy lights. With a variety of food options and stalls, it's no wonder that this market is often featured in advertisements. A top tip for visitors is to enter from the south of Roncalliplatz to avoid the busy stalls near the train station.

Heinzels Wintermärchen am Neumarkt

This market, built around an elongated ice rink on Heumarkt, is another must-visit destination. While offering a range of stalls and food, the real highlight is the two-floor chalet, where you can enjoy a Feuerzangenbowle, a strong drink served on fire. Don't miss the wooden bridge over the ice, providing a perfect view of the skaters below.

Markt der Engel am Neumarkt

The Market of Angels on Neumarkt is a beautiful market located beneath a canopy of twinkling stars. This market is a popular spot for locals to meet and enjoy a drink, with several large bar areas. You can even find unique Christmas cocktails, such as a hot Aperol Spritz. This market also features teenage girls dressed as angels, spreading festive cheer by giving sweets to children.

Nikolausdorf am Rudolfplatz

Situated in front of the medieval Hahnentor city gate, this market stands out with its cute medieval village theme. Here, you'll find a delightful range of stalls, including one selling Prager Schinken, a mouth-watering roasted ham cob. The Glühwein mugs at this market are shaped like little boots, making them a cute souvenir to take home.

Stadtgarten Christmas Market

For those seeking unique gifts, the Stadtgarten market is the place to be. Located in the Stadtgarten park, this market showcases Cologne's independent businesses, offering a diverse range of items and delicious food options. It's the perfect spot for serious shoppers looking for something special and locally produced.

In addition to these markets, Cologne also offers a range of unique festive experiences, such as the LGBTQ+ Christmas Market, Glühweinwanderwege (Glühwein walking routes), and Veihnachtsmarkt, the city's entirely vegan Christmas market. With its variety of markets, delicious food and drink, and enchanting atmosphere, Cologne truly comes alive during the Christmas season.

Aachen's Christmas market has a festive wonderland feel

Aachens Christmas market has a festive wonderland feel. The market is set in the beautiful surroundings of Aachen Cathedral, with the perfect balance of being not too big, not too small. The market is spread out, but everything is within walking distance, with the stalls snaking around the cathedral.

The Aachen Christmas Market is often mentioned in 'top ten' and 'best of' lists, and it's easy to see why. It has a wonderful atmosphere, with a great selection of food and drink, and unique, locally-made gifts. It is also known for its excellent toilet facilities, which is a bonus!

The market is open daily from 22 November to 23 December, from 11 am to 9 pm. On Sundays, it opens from 6 pm to 9 pm, and there is a late-night shopping event on 14 December, where the market is open until 10 pm.

Aachen is known for its gingerbread, and you will find lots of 'Printen'—the local variety of gingerbread, sweetened with syrup from sugar beets grown in the region. There are also sweet rolls, waffles, and fruity muffins to enjoy.

For those looking to buy gifts, there are plenty of unique, handcrafted items from local artisans. You can find everything from ceramic houses to heavenly cinnamon-scented decorations and collapsible light-up stars.

The market also features two carousels, and a giant inflatable gingerbread man that is sure to delight children.

Aachen is easily accessible by train or car, and it is possible to visit both the Cologne and Aachen Christmas markets on the same day, as they are only an hour apart. However, as Cologne is much bigger, you may wish to plan for more time there.

Cologne's Old Town has colourful buildings and cafes

Cologne's Old Town is a vibrant neighbourhood full of colourful buildings, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and breweries. The area boasts winding alleys, cobblestones, romantic squares, and a medieval flair.

The Market Square Row of Coloured Houses in the centre of the Old Town is a must-see. The houses have been rebuilt over time, but they still retain their pastel colours, which stand out against grey skies and look even better against the bright blue summer sky. The restaurants in this area serve traditional German food, and the orange house has a detailed photo timeline of the history of the houses. The blue house is an ice cream parlour with a surprising number of flavours, and the pink house makes the most of its little side gate and outdoor seating.

The Rhine River Front is also worth visiting, with its colourful restaurants and hotels. While not as quaint as the Market Square houses, they still offer a charming sight with their timbered walls and patterned window shutters.

Delving deeper into the Old Town, you'll discover charming side streets and cobbled alleys, full of traditional bier houses and bold exteriors. The crowds spill out onto the streets in the evening, drinking Kolsch and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

The Old Town squares offer a different perspective at various times of the day. In the morning, it's quiet and peaceful, while at night, it's bustling and vibrant. Don't be afraid to explore the side alleys and stone arches, where you'll find gorgeous yellow buildings and a little pink square.

Cologne's Old Town also boasts Germany's oldest town hall, located just a stone's throw away from the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The town hall is a complex that includes the core building, a tower, a Renaissance arbour, and an administrative wing. It's a testament to the rich history of this charming neighbourhood.

Aachen has a UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral

The cathedral was founded by Emperor Charlemagne, who was buried there in 814. Charlemagne's dream was to create a 'new Rome', and the fascinating architecture of the cathedral reflects this, with classical, Byzantine, and Germanic-Franconian elements. The core of the cathedral at the time of its construction was the largest dome north of the Alps, and it was the first vaulted structure to be constructed north of the Alps since antiquity. The cathedral also features the highest Gothic windows of any cathedral in Europe, with its windows in the choir rising over 20 metres.

Aachen Cathedral was the coronation site of German kings for over 600 years, and even today it retains much of the glamour of its historic past. The cathedral's treasury is among the most important ecclesiastical treasuries in Europe, with items such as the cross of Lothar (about 1000 AD), made from gold and inlaid with precious stones, and a reliquary-bust of Charlemagne made from silver and gold.

In addition to its historical and architectural significance, Aachen Cathedral is also a popular pilgrimage site. Every seven years, the cathedral stages a special event for pilgrims, opening the golden Shrine of St. Mary (Marienschrein) and displaying the four reliquaries it holds, including Mary's dress, Jesus' swaddling clothes, the decapitation cloth of John the Baptist, and the loincloth of Christ.

Cologne has a medieval market

The Glühwein mugs at this market are in the shape of a boot, which is one of the cuter designs on offer if you want to take a mug home as a memento. The market is also in a great location if you fancy going for dinner or drinks afterwards, as it's situated opposite the trendy Belgian Quarter.

If you're looking for more medieval markets, Siegburg, a small town around 20-30 minutes from Cologne by train, has a Christmas market with a medieval theme in its town square. The smoked salmon, prepared over an open flame, is a particular highlight.

Cologne's Christmas markets are also generally open for the four Sundays of advent, which means they don't open until late November. And if you're travelling with children, it's worth noting that Cologne's markets involve a lot of walking and can get very crowded.

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