In Cologne, Christmas begins with Advent and ends with a citywide party. Advent concerts, China Lights at the zoo, and the Christmas Circus are the festivities that the city puts on during Christmas. Among the Christmas markets, the most notable are those centered on themes and hosted by local Heinzelmännchen, angels, fairytale characters, or sailors. Other notable markets include the Market of Hearts and the market around the Cathedral. The markets began selling mulled wine and waffles on November 20. The city also has a Ferris wheel dedicated to Christmas near the Chocolate Museum and various Nativity scenes.
-> See also: Christmas in Germany: Traditions and Celebrations
Christmas Traditions in Cologne
- Waffles Shaped Like the Cologne Cathedral: The Kölner Dom or Cologne Cathedral is a source of pride for the inhabitants of Cologne, and around Christmastime, you may partake in waffles that emulate the shape of this renowned landmark.
- Christmas Market Express: This Christmas Express is an entertaining way to tour the city’s Christmas markets and streets. It is a festive motorized train that travels a circle between the Cathedral Market, Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale, Harbor Market, and Angels’ Market.
- Glühwein: Glühwein, also known as mulled wine, is a popular seasonal drink sold at the city’s many Christmas markets. It’s a must-try for any visitor looking to embrace the Christmas spirit.
- China Lights at the Zoo: These are animal light sculptures displayed at night during the winter season in Cologne. This spectacular event spans over 50 acres of zoo grounds and features 75 light ensembles with atmospherically illuminated animal and fantasy figures in an Asian style.
- Christmas Circus: Also known as the “Cologne Christmas Circus,” it is an event that fuses ballet, live opera, stunts, and top-notch comedy with sophisticated choreography.
- The Market of Hearts: Situated around the Cathedral, this bustling Christmas market is also a must-see. It offers a variety of Christmas wares, festive treats, and traditional Christmas decorations, making for a captivating holiday adventure.
- Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral: This market is one of the oldest and most picturesque in the city, and it’s the ideal spot to get into the holiday mood while shopping for a broad variety of ornaments, decorations, and tasty treats in Cologne.
-> See also: 48 Countries That Celebrate Christmas Widely
Christmas Foods in Cologne
The traditional cuisine of Cologne contributes to the Christmas ambiance, and if you’re looking for some traditional Christmas fare in Cologne, you may get:
Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes, often sold with or without apple sauce, are a staple at German Christmas markets in Cologne. In classic Cologne restaurants, they go well with fish and dark rye bread.
Slow-Grilled Salmon
Flammlachs, or slow-grilled salmon, made by Alfred Lemoine, can be found at the Rhineside Harbour Christmas market, next to the Chocolate Museum. Cooking whole salmon fillets over a beechwood fire is a traditional Finnish method. Juicy and slightly smoked, the fish is a delight to the senses.
South Tyrolian Ham
The Südtiroler Speckhütte, also known as the South Tyrolian ham hut, is located in the Cathedral Christmas Market, next to the Romano-Germanic Museum. From steamed pastries to dumplings, the cuisine features regional specialties.
Chestnuts
Organic chestnuts from Portugal are roasted to perfection at the Liebe almond roastery’s stall at the Nicholas Village Christmas market in Cologne.
Strudel
At the Cathedral Christmas Market once again, you may find cabbage and bacon strudel strudels, which are served with melted butter, grated cheese, and fresh chives. A spinach and feta cheese version is available for vegetarians.
Others
There are more Christmas foods that are also found at Christmas markets, such as churros (fried dough), roasted sugared almonds, grilled sausages, fried mushrooms, mulled wine waffles, poffertjes (Dutch batter treat), flammkuchen, and raclette (a Swiss national dish). Also unique to Cologne are spekulatius (Dutch biscuit), domliqueur, and wimmeltasse.
