Markets and mulled wine make this German gem on the Rhine the perfect Christmas getaway
Try the local Kölsch beer and treat yourself to a sausage or a pretzel
HUNTING for Christmas presents can be stressful.
Especially if, like me, you are yet to embrace online shopping because you would rather see and touch the gifts being bought.
But the thought of getting squashed along Oxford Circus with thousands of tourists this month doesn’t exactly appeal either.
So why not combine all that retail opportunity with a short break?
And where better to visit than Germany? Like us, the locals love their shopping. And their drinking. And their food.
Christmas markets have been luring eager shoppers for centuries.
Of all the major German cities, the market in Cologne is one of the most celebrated.
Running along the Rhine River, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and more than six million visitors make the festive journey each year.
Flights from London take 90 minutes, then it’s only a 20-minute train journey to the centre.
There are seven major markets spread across the city.
You can climb aboard the Christmas Market Express, a decorated road train that tootles between four of them.
Hop on and off with a round-trip from ten euros for adults and five euros for children aged up to ten.
The larger markets are held in downtown Cologne and the 160 wooden stalls near the cathedral are arranged around a huge Christmas tree, next to a stage where live bands play daily.
Don’t miss the chance to climb the south tower of the cathedral for a fabulous view of the city skyline and all those gorgeous lights.
At the Heimat der Heinzel on Heumarkt, stalls are clustered around a spectacular ice rink.
And for added festive sparkle, head to The Markt der Engel (Angel Market), where glowing stars light up the frost-dusted trees at the city’s oldest market.
For young families, the Nikolausdorf — St Nick’s Village — on Rudolfplatz is a child’s paradise.
The kids will love the traditional puppet shows and you can pick up a wooden puppet of your own from the stalls.
Make sure you leave time for some of the smaller, specialist draws too.
Situated between Rudolfplatz and Schaafenstrasse is the gay and lesbian Christmas Avenue market, where visitors can enjoy a party atmosphere and stage performances.
Down by the river, the Harbour Christmas Market has a maritime theme, with white pagoda tents that look like ships’ sails. It is also within walking distance of the Chocolate Museum.
You can pick up fish specialities as well as traditional crafts alongside a three-mast ship where mulled wine is served from its hull.
For unusual handicrafts, head to the Stadtgarten in the hip Belgian quarter. Here, you can pick up gifts while fire-eaters and storytellers keep the crowds entertained.
A short walk along any market will lead you to a stall selling delicious German food.
My partner Sarah and I tried some of the many sausages, smashed potato cake called reibeküchen, sweets, pretzels, waffles, chocolates and crepes.
If the shopping works up a thirst or the chill starts to soak into your bones, you are never far from a mulled wine or warming hot chocolate.
“Booze is reasonably priced and there are more than 20 traditional German beer houses to visit. Most have beer gardens warmed by heaters and cosy throws.
Head away from the traditional tourist areas to find the tipples loved by the locals.
We really enjoyed the Hellers Brauhaus in the student quarter, with its organic brews and beautiful garden.
Also not to be missed is the local Kölsch, a light beer served in delicate, slim glasses.
We obviously had to sample enough to make sure of its quality.
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Because of the ingenious German purity laws, which mean beer must contain basic ingredients and no additional chemicals, we didn’t wake up with headaches the next day.
Christmas markets tend to open mid to late November until Christmas Eve.
My advice would be to visit on weekdays. If you have to travel at weekends, do your shopping in the afternoons and your drinking and partying at night.
Markets can get quite crowded but the spirit and atmosphere make it pleasurable.
Thankfully, our weekend trip to Cologne has eased the stress of Christmas shopping this year.
But it has also added a few extra pounds to the waistline.
GO: Cologne
GETTING THERE: Eurowings has flights from Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted and Birmingham to Cologne-Bonn from £24.99 one way. See .
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Mercure Hotel Severinshof Cologne City are from £71 per night, room only. See .
MORE INFO: See .