The magical lights of this city’s stalls have made famous places like Strasbourg, Brussels and even Monaco look pale!
The British daily newspaper “Times” has chosen the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024 and created a ranking with 29 city names. And Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia secured first place!
Cologne Christmas market enchants with lights
The Times raves about the many markets in the city, especially the square at the famous Cologne Cathedral: “The Market of Angels offers some of the most magical moments, with hundreds of twinkling lights hanging like stars from the ceiling and angels between ornate gables scurrying back and forth.”
The Cologne market looks so wonderful from the air
St. Nicholas Village, dwarf magic and ice skating rink make Cologne the top excursion destination in Europe. The market at Cologne Cathedral is open Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., otherwise until 10 p.m. – until December 23rd.
These are the other nine Christmas market-Places in the top ten ranking:
2. Salzburg (Austria) with traditional stalls, crafts and free concerts.
3. Berlin (Germany) with over 80 markets, even one specifically for dogs (December 7th/8th, Hüttenweg 60).
4. Monaco as a market for luxury gifts.
Really pompous: The Christmas market in Monaco
5. Rovinj (Croatia) in the picturesque old town atmosphere with local specialties.
Romantic flair at the Christmas market in Rovinj on the Adriatic coast
6. Marbella (Spain) – the coziest Christmas market is on the Costa del Sol (around 325 sunny days a year).
Read also
Budapest (Hungary, 7th place), Prague (Czech Republic, 8th place), Strasbourg (France, 9th place) and Gothenburg (Sweden, 10th place) also made it into the top ten of the “Times” ranking.
1. Introduction and Overview of the Article:
Guest 1: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your experience in the Christmas market industry?
Guest 2: Absolutely! My name is Maria, and I am the head of marketing at the Cologne Christmas Market. We are thrilled to be named the best Christmas market in Europe by The Times.
Guest 1: How does this recognition feel for you and your team?
Guest 2: This is a tremendous honor for us. Our team has worked incredibly hard to create a unique and magical experience for our visitors every year, and it’s great to see our efforts paying off.
2. Features of the Cologne Christmas Market:
Guest 1: Can you tell us more about the features of the Cologne Christmas Market that made it stand out?
Guest 2: Certainly! We have a very diverse selection of stalls, with everything from traditional German food and drink to unique handcrafted gifts. The Market of Angels in front of the Cologne Cathedral is especially stunning, with its beautiful lights and cozy atmosphere.
Guest 1: What sets the Cologne Christmas Market apart from other markets in Europe?
Guest 2: Cologne offers something for everyone, from ice skating rinks to live music performances and even a visit from Saint Nicholas himself. We also have a strong focus on sustainability, using biodegradable materials and reducing waste.
3. Notable Rankings from The Times:
Guest 1: How does it feel to be ranked number one on The Times’ list?
Guest 2: It’s very humbling! We knew we had a great market, but it’s always nice to receive recognition from such a respected publication.
Guest 1: Do you think the list accurately reflects the top Christmas markets in Europe?
Guest 2: I think it’s subjective, of course, but it’s a great way to highlight some of the amazing markets across the continent. There are so many wonderful markets to visit during the holiday season.
Guest 1: Which markets on the list would you recommend visitors check out?
Guest 2: I think all of the top ten markets are definitely worth a visit. Each one has
