Heidelberg Christmas Markets
German Christmas Market
Heidelberg Christmas Markets 2011 dates: November 23, 2011 to December 22, 2011. Open every day from 11:00 to 21:00.
The German Christmas markets in Heidelberg are some of the most beautiful in the whole country. If you are visiting Germany at Christmastime, they are the perfect place to get into the seasonal spirit.
The main Heidelberg Christmas markets are located in the city’s old town. They are spread across Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitatsplatz, Anatomiegarten, and Bismarckplatz, making for a large market area in the heart of the city.
In addition to all of the traditional market stalls selling handicrafts and food, the Heidelberg markets feature the famous Art-Advent Calendar at Heidelberg Castle from December 1 to 24, 2011.
Christmas on Ice in Karlsplatz is another unique feature of the Heidelberg Christmas markets. It is an open-air skating rink where visitors can ice skate in a festive atmosphere at the base of Castle Hill. It is open every day between 10:00 and 21:30 all the way up until January 8, 2012.
Top 5 Things to Do in Cologne, Germany
Cologne
With its beautiful cathedral and festive winter Christmas markets, Cologne is one of the most famous cities in Germany. Below is my list of the top 5 things to do in Cologne:
1. Visit Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Europe, and it is an impressive feat of Gothic architecture.
2. Take a river cruise. Cologne is located right on the Rhine river in Germany, and taking a day cruise or dinner cruise is a great way to spend your time while visiting.
3. Walk around the old town. Cologne’s old town is home to beautiful historic buildings, churches, and towers. The narrow cobbled streets offer great shopping opportunities, and strolling through them is one of the top 5 things to do in Cologne.
4. Visit a traditional German beer house in Cologne. Two of the best are Malzmuhle on Heumarkt 6 and Bei Oma Kleinmann on Zulpicher Strasse 9. The traditional interiors, great German food, and copious amounts of German beer will make you want to stay all day.
5. Visit the Cologne Christmas markets. If you are lucky enough to be in Cologne in November or December, don’t miss the city’s Christmas Markets. The seven excellent markets are most definitely in the top 5 things to do in Cologne.
Cologne Christmas Market Map
Below is a Cologne Christmas market map that you can interact with to see the various locations of the markets throughout the city.
There are seven stunning Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany. Spread out across the city center, the markets are famous throughout Europe.
The Christmas markets vary in theme from fairytale to nautical, but they all share the common traditions of mulled wine, crafts, and seasonal decorations. Use the interactive Cologne Christmas Market map to explore the location of each one.