Plated passport

*Continuation of previous post, read part 1 here.

Frankfurt was an absolute dream, exceeding every expectation we had. But as much as we enjoyed it, our excitement to reach Cologne was undeniable. Cologne is home to the Christmas markets that had dominated my research, and we were especially eager to see the magnificent Cologne Cathedral in all its glory. Did you know that the Cologne Cathedral is not only Germany’s most visited landmark but also the third tallest church in the world? Witnessing it in person was a moment we’ll cherish for a long time.

Our journey to Cologne began aboard the ICE Bahn, the high-speed train that connects Germany’s major cities. The trip from Frankfurt(Main)Hbf to Köln Messe/Deutz took about an hour and a half, and it was a smooth and comfortable ride. If you’re planning this route, I recommend taking the ICE for its speed and convenience. While I’d read some travelers’ horror stories about delays, our experience (up to this point!) was entirely punctual. A must-have for train travel in Germany is the DB Navigator App. This app is a lifesaver, keeping you organized by tracking your train, showing your platform information, and managing your tickets.

Once we arrived in Cologne, we opted to walk to our hotel. Thanks to our Hilton rewards points, we scored a stay at the Hilton Cologne, located just a block from the Cathedral and perfectly central for exploring the city. I can’t recommend this hotel enough—the friendly staff, spacious and clean rooms, and unbeatable location make it a fantastic choice for a Cologne getaway.

Now, let’s talk about the Christmas markets—the highlight of our trip! We visited six markets in Cologne alone, starting, of course, with the iconic Cathedral Market (Kölner Dom). It’s impossible to miss and the perfect introduction to the city’s festive charm. From there, we made our way to Heinzels Wintermärchen (The Gnome Market) which is a very short walk away from the Cathedral Market, and after a bit of a walk, we arrived at Markt der Engel (The Angel Market). The following day, our route included Nikolausdorf (St. Nicholas Village), Stadtgarten Christmas Market, and finally, the Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt (Harbour Christmas Market). To plan our itinerary efficiently, I’d enlisted the help of ChatGPT, which gave us an optimized route—a fun and surprisingly practical touch to our holiday adventure.

No amount of research could have truly prepared us for the magic of these markets. Having been to several Christmas markets in the United States, I thought I knew what to expect, but Cologne’s markets are playing in a league of their own. If you’re looking for a destination to ignite your holiday spirit, this is it. I promise, one visit to these markets will have you humming Christmas tunes for weeks!

A few tips for anyone planning this trip: visit on weekdays if you want to avoid large crowds, and don’t miss the glühwéin! These warm, spiced drinks are served in unique collectible mugs, with each market offering its own design. The mugs are a perfect souvenir, showcasing the distinct personality of each market. By the end of our trip, we’d amassed a colorful collection that now serves as a cherished reminder of our German Christmas dream.