The Pützchens Markt is a huge fair that runs for just 5 days beginning on the Friday before the 2nd…read moreweekend in September. It brings together hundreds of stalls where you can play carnival games, enjoy varieties of food (German classics such as Bratwurst and Currywurst, crépes, noodles, waffles and the usual delicious sweets). You'll even find a Bavarian beer hall to help you prep for Oktoberfest. There's a tonne of fun to be had with the many rides as well, ranging from several "house of horrors" to dodgem cars to spinning rides, shooting rides, roller coasters and the carnival classic strap-people-in-then-throw-them-around-and-spin-up-in-the-air craziness. All-in-all a great time for everyone! Weekends are typically crowded, as is the final evening with the fireworks show at 10pm. If you come for the final day (Tuesday), you'll enjoy some great bargains at the dutch-style plant auctions (pick up a bunch of house plants for your entire apartment for just a handful of Euro!). Entrance is free - just pay per ride (typically €2 - €7,50).

I hesitate to write this review, because the Christmas Markets in Bonn are one of the best-kept…read moresecrets in Germany! I absolutely adored my day trip here, especially because the markets haven't been co-opted by tons of foreign tour buses. Enjoy it while it lasts, because I'm sure hordes of tourists will eventually ruin the magic. Bonn has several different markets sprinkled across the city, and all are absolutely charming. There are tons of food booths and terrific drinks, including one of the most fun things I've ever had at a Christmas market: the Schneeball! It's a hot white chocolate with spirits, served in the cutest snowman mug you've ever seen! They also served warm and cold beer, which was even more fun. The mulled wine is excellent as always (red AND white varieties, I'd never seen warm white wine before), and the food had larger portions than some of the more touristy town Christmas markets. The decorations are lovely, and I especially liked the booth that had three talking reindeer animatronincs. They'd yell at you in German to come and buy more beer and wine, LOL. There are also a few festive rides scattered around town. The drinks are good here, affordable, and the attendees are a friendly and chatty bunch! We had so much fun in Bonn.

We loved the Christmas Markets in Bonn. Cute and small, not overwhelming like the very beautiful…read moreand fun, but massive and busy, markets in nearby Cologne. Overall, prices were were significantly better than in Cologne - we found ourselves paying 1/3 to 1/4 less for drinks, foods, and any of the other items for sale too. People are kind and patient here (and at all German Christmas markets) even though things can get crowded. A highlight here was the "eierlikor" (eggnog liquor) stand... everything coming out of this place was utterly delicious. Coming back in 2026!