The No.1 Coach Holiday Site
We've carefully selected a large number of coach operators and brought them together all on one website - making booking a coach holiday EASY!
Cologne Christmas Market
Why go to one Christmas markets when Cologne has seven to choose from. Attracting around 2 million visitors a year Cologne chrismtas markets are one of the more popular German Markets and tend to run from the end of November to shortly before Christmas day in December. Huddled together under the impressive backdrop of Cologne's cathedral, there are around 160 wooden pavilions selling traditional Christmas treats, sweets and artisan delights. The Cologne Christmas market is completed with a huge Christmas tree, beautiful Christmas lights and Christmas music. The Alter Markt Christmas Market is one for the all ages. In front of the Old Town Hall you can expect to find pretty little half timbered stalls, children's roundabouts, a puppet theatre and Santa in his grotto.
Cologne Christmas market in 2012 is a great place to enjoy the Christmas festivities - this year the Cologne Christmas market opens on the 21st November and closes on the 23rd December. Search for the best deals on Cologne Christmas market trips and save money on your german market tour this winter. We have a number of great offers to the Cologne Christmas markets in 2012 as well as multi centre coach tours that combine the Christmas market in Cologne with other markets in Germany and Belgium.
Read on for special offers and more information about the Cologne Christmas Market, Alternatively use the search form to the left to find your perfect Christmas market coach break.
Cologne Christmas Market 2012 - 21st November - 23rd December
The Neumarkt Christmas Market is Colognes oldest and largest, usually situated in front of the Church St. Aposteln. Some of the older stands date back to the origins of Colognes first Christmas market in the 70's. Here you find things like artisan goods and decorative plates. A medieval castle wall serves as a backdrop for the Rudolfplatz Market, giving it that fairytale feeling. This market is festive from its large fairytale figures and illuminations right down to its miniature Santas perched on top of the bins with sacks ready to collect your rubbish. Speaking of medieval, head to the chocolate museum on the banks of the Rhine where you will be transported back to the Middle Ages at the Medieval Christmas Market. See jugglers, jesters and medieval craftsmen at work dressed in full costume. Hear ancient tales of old and medieval musicians. The aromas from the many cooking stalls serving anything from grilled wild boar to the 'lovers drink' (spiced hot red wine). Be sure to visit the Lindt chocolate museum and shop, complete with its very own chocolate fountain. Do not forget to visit the floating Christmas market on the banks of the Rhine on board the MS Wappen von Mainz one of the largest cruise ships on the Rhine. And who can forget the one of the newest Christmas Markets at Stadtgarten. Situated in the oldest of Cologne's parks this Christmas market offers a more relaxed atmosphere, it also offers entertainment for the children. While you're there be sure to try some raclette or some glihwein and to shop until your hearts content.
Popular German Christmas Markets
If you are interested in a coach holiday to a German Christmas Market this year, the following destinations are some of the markets available.
More European Christmas Markets
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice
Stay safe overseas - know before you go
Whatever your reason for travelling abroad, you are sure to want a trouble free trip. Many of the things that often go wrong for travellers can be prevented or made less stressful by taking a few simple precautions. So it makes sense to spend a little time getting prepared before you travel - you could save yourself a lot of problems later on.
With this in mind, we are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help British nationals stay safe abroad. The FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk/travel) offers straightforward travel advice, top tips and up to date country information to help you plan your holiday.
Tips include:
• Make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you're only planning a short trip.• Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before you travel to get any vaccinations you might need.
• Read up on your destination, including local laws and customs.
• Make photocopies of your passport, visas and insurance details and leave a copy with a relative or friend at home.
• Register with the FCO LOCATE service to tell them where you're travelling to so the embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack.
You can also find handy checklists to use before you set off and whilst you're away. Plus it's worth reading up on what the local British Consulate can do to help you if you run into problems abroad and what they can't do.
For all this and more information, visit the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Or if you prefer, call the 24 hour FCO travel advice line on 0845 850 2829
