Every year, the city centre of Cologne, Germany is touched by the magic of the festivities in the run-up to Christmas. When the Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates on the last Monday before Advent, millions of visitors from around the world delight at the goods on sale at the quaintly designed huts (or "Buden").
Christmas music, toys, arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and the scent of the Christmas bakeries create a wonderful atmosphere. It is not just children's eyes that light up when pewter pourers, wreath binders and glassblowers demonstrate their art, and the aroma of mulled wine, hot chestnuts and gingerbread fills the air.
In front of Cologne's landmark cathedral, the Christmas market has what you'd expect of a classic German spread: the Glühwein, the crafts, the twinkling lights. One thing that stands out, though, is its entertainment – more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music and gospel. The Christmas market in Cologne will be opened up to 23th December.
