German Christmas Markets - Aachen & Koln

Oct 2

Oct 2 German Christmas Markets - Aachen & Koln

I have, for many years, wanted to go to Europe during the Christmas Market season. Last November, I finally had that opportunity. After much research, Koln and Aachen were my top choices. They were conveniently located, as this trip also included Luxembourg and Belgium.

Our first stop was the main Christmas market next to the Koln Cathedral. It was a Sunday, so it was very crowded. We were hungry, so it was a good opportunity to sample the food.

Potato pancakes, were our first stop, they churned them out with an assembly line style fryer set-up. Next up, one of the many places for gluhwein and other hot beverages with alcohol. I don't think I love gluhwein, but I did like the souvenir mug (I came home with several of them...). And then some currywurst (bratwurst with curry sauce) and lastly, some strudel with warm sauce. Everything was hearty and yummy.

Koln was an easy train ride from Aachen, and we stayed in Aachen at the Aquis Grana Cityhotel. Superbly located, close to the Christmas Market, It was a relatively easy walk from the train station. It was a bit expensive, but ended up being the only place available at the time. Best of all, they had the most fabulous breakfast. German breakfast is one of my most favorite, and this was probably the best I've had.

The next day we explored the Aachen Christmas Market. It wound it's way through the central part of town near the cathedral and town hall. It had many similar stalls to the Koln Christmas Market, but as it was less crowded (Monday), it was easy to wander among the stalls. We sampled some more of the hot drinks, this time I had hot chocolate with rum, which was more to my taste.

Throughout the rest of the trip, we encountered Christmas Markets, in Luxembourg and Belgium, but they seemed more commercial (more ferris wheels and rides) and I can highly recommend the Germany Christmas Market experience.