The Nikolausdorf Rudolfplatz Christmas market is smaller than some of the others in Koln and a bit further away from the cathedral and downtown. We visited on our first night because it was close to our hotel and we were tired from the flight and travel. When you visit the Christmas markets in Germany, you can get gluwhine or hot chocolate to drink and pay a deposit for the mug. This markets mug is the cutest because it's boot shaped, and there are boot sculptures you can strike a picture pose with. Of course, I opted to keep the boot shaped mug. The only reason for four stars instead of five is that this market doesn't have as much selection for items to purchase/crafts/gifts as some of the others. It's still a great market and the only one with a boot shaped mug. read more

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Although very pretty, there isnt much there. its a nice place to meet and eat and drink with friends though. read more

Nikolausdorf - Christmas Markets Near Me - Cologne, NW

A bit smaller than the other markets, but still Rudolfplatz is still a must-visit. I mean, Santa lives here... The focus here is more on the crafty side of things, with some amazing toy stalls and decorations. If you're struggling to find someone the perfect gift, I'd definitely stop by here. Also has the coolest Glühwein mugs, shaped like little boots. I wonder if this makes the wine tastier? read more

'Weinachtmärkte' or Christmas markets are a very big tradition in Germany, and offer an amazing atmosphere during the rush for presents. It's a kind of a 'pit stop' on your way for point A to point B, a trip to a magic world built around the incredible holiday of Christmas. 'Glühwein', ' Reibekuchen' or waffle are only some of the most important components that make you revisit them again and again and again.... The one on Rudolfplatz is in my opinion one of the most magical Christmas markets from Cologne. Even if not the most popular, or most beautiful, this one offers you a different approach, by taking you directly in the middle of the market, making you a part of it. The parallel distribution of corridors offers a gut decongestion and distribution of the visitors, and so walking through the small houses becomes more comfortable than on other of it's kind. The only thing that I would mention as a negativ part, is the lack of place to buy, and then enjoy your 'Glühwein'. Trying to collect all of the visitors at only one selling point can transform the magical dream location, into a nightmare, where you could easily get burn your hand with some hot drinks, by trying to get out of the crowd waiting for the same thing. My TIP: if you are in for a magical place to visit, start with the 'Weinachtsmarkt' on Rudolfplatz. It might not be the most beautifull in Cologne, but it is there, and it is different! read more