Today we were all feeling a lot healthier so we decided to drive 1.5 hours to Cologne to their famous German Christmas market. We got there in the late afternoon. We finally got in a parking garage and we head towards a German restaurant we ate at last time we were in Cologne visiting with Todd and Ken who were travelling Europe from Seattle. As we walked Jackie noticed a redhead pop out of a store doorway, low and behold it was Lindsay, our neighbor 2 houses down visiting the markets as well! Such a big place and we still run into each other. Too funny! We tried to cut through the market at Heumarkt which was a bad idea with the stroller. The market was packed with people since it was a Saturday. We decided to duck into a nearby hotel that has shops. We knew the toilets were free so we used the opportunity to nurse Brooklyn there in the warmth before heading back out to the market. We decided we’d rather eat the food from the stalls at the market than at the restaurant since we can come back to it to eat anytime.
When we returned to the market, it was dark and all the lights were on. Heumarkt, Wintermarchen Kolner Altstadt (Winter Fairy Tale Cologne Old Town)
Brooklyn seemed content as we explored the market
We got some meat in tube form because no trip to Germany is complete without it.
We loved all the special decorations on each market booth
We had to get some gluhwein (mulled wine) and fried potato fritters which their choice of dipping sauce: applesauce!
We watched some people play curling.
There was a long loop route through the market for the ice skaters and even a bridge overlook over it.
There was an active ski lift running from a rooftop with Santa’s riding in the chairs.
Now that’s a lot of meat hanging over the grill fire
Joe got some roasted chestnuts that remind him of his childhood since he would often get them at the market in Taiwan. It wasn’t until years later that he learned in English that they were chestnuts.
We continued on our way to a second market, Weihnachtsmarkt Kolner Altstadt, in Alter Markt
Cologne City Hall in Alter Markt
Brooklyn was much more alert at this market. I think she knew how good this one was comparatively and wanted to see it all.
Wood carvings of the Nativity: the 3 maji
Wood carvings of the Nativity: Joseph, baby Jesus and Mother Mary
Wood carvings of the Nativity: the ox and ass
Next we walked through Weihnachtsmarkt am Kolner Dom, the Christmas market next to the Cologne Cathedral.
I love that the booths here are so personalized to the Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral at night
Still looking for a lower sign at the right angle, but we are getting closer to getting the perfect photo of our favorite German exit sign
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