Living in Cologne, Toni Pham shared that Christmas markets in Germany typically open four weeks before the holiday and run until Dec. 25.
On Nov. 23, he visited the Rudolfplatz Christmas Market (pictured), located between Neumarkt Street and the Belgian Quarter.
Locals also refer to this market as Nikolausdorf, or Santa’s Village. It is one of Cologne's four major Christmas markets in the city center.
The market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with free entry. Cologne Tourism, the city's tourism council website, lists this market as one of the must-visit events in Cologne during the Christmas season.
Cologne is situated on the western bank of the Rhine River, about 35 kilometers southeast of Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, and 25 kilometers northwest of Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.
According to the tourism council, Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and offers visitors something new to explore year-round. Described as colorful and cozy, Cologne is a city where visitors often feel welcomed.
Pictured above is a corner of the Santa's Village Market, one of Cologne's highlights.
Cologne is also the most populous city in North Rhine-Westphalia, with over one million residents. Its nightlife sets it apart from other German cities. Many venues are close together, making it convenient for visitors to plan evening activities.
Cologne Tourism notes, "Cologne is a place where locals are happy to buy you a beer cocktail and chat about everything, including their city."
Toni's second stop was the Markt der Engel (Angel’s Market) at Neumarkt in the city center. This year, winter arrived late in Germany, with daytime temperatures around 6-7 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping to 2-3 degrees Celsius.
Toni considers Christmas markets an integral part of European culture, serving as an essential feature of the year-end holiday season.
One of his photos showcases grilled salmon cooked over an open flame, a popular Christmas market dish often served with bread. Prices for this dish range from €10 to €15 (US$10.56-15.84) per portion.
Roasted chestnuts are another crowd-favorite snack at these markets. Toni arrived early, so the markets were not yet crowded. However, they become busier closer to Christmas or during the evenings.
On Nov. 29, Toni visited the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral) in the city center.
The stalls at this market primarily sell Christmas decorations and food. A favorite activity among locals and tourists is enjoying warm drinks served in festive boot-shaped mugs reminiscent of Santa’s footwear.
"Twinkling lights, colorful stalls, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine with cinnamon are what make me fall in love with and feel cozy at European Christmas markets," Toni shared.
