Christmas Market Newbies - Prague or Cologne

want2move2010

Hi All

Please be gentle...long time lurker posting first post!

Friend and I really fancy a girls weekend away to the Christmas markets first weekend in December. Have come up with some good deals for both Prague and Cologne for around £230 - 250 for 3 nights in central 4 stars with B and B and wireless internet.

We are struggling to decide between the two and wondered if anyone had experienced Christmas Markets in Prague or Cologne and which you would recommend. Looking for festive experience of the markets, few drinks/nice food etc...

Thanks in advance

totallybored

I went to Cologne last December and will probably not go back again at that time of year. The markets are very crowded on a weekend and full of expensive rubbish you don't really want (those wooden decorates look good at first!). The atmosphere is nice but I found it to be quite dull for an entire weekend in Cologne. All bars and restaurants are very busy too. I did get the train to a few other places such as Essen and Bochum (which I found had quite a nice Xmas Market with no tourists!) but I'd prefer to go to this part of Germany in summer. How about Berlin instead? I've not been at Xmas time but it is a much bigger and more interesting city.

joerugby

The Christmas markets in Cologne are the best I've seen, but don't expect them to occupy a whole weekend. They are fine for browsing and enjoying a gluhwein and bratwurst but that takes a couple of hours max. Make sure you've got some other plans for your time in the city such as a visit to the Dom, a Rhine cruise, a meal or a night out in the Altstadt, some shopping in Kaufhof, a train ride to Dusseldorf, Bonn or Koblenz etc etc

signol

I've been to Prague a few times. The markets themselves are much of a likeness whereever you go, maybe with some small variations in the food offerings. One thing I noticed that in Germany and Austria, you buy a mug on deposit, usually a souvenir of that city's market, which you can return at the end, whereas in Prague they served the mulled wine in plastic cups. I can't comment on Cologne market, but I'm going there this year

signol

joess

I've been to Cologne and loved it!

There are about 6 markets in the city including a chocolate one!

Went with my mum on a 'ladies only' holiday with Leger Holidays, they had beauty therapists who travelled with us (we did the rhine cruise) and we got complimentary manicure and had the opportunity to book more tratments.

pattycake

My husband's job has been based in Prague for the last ten years so I have spent a lot of time there. The Christmas markets are, as a previous poster said, very similar whatever the location. The main one is in Old Town Square. It is very pretty though. The markets do not normally start until the 1st December.

However, there is loads to see and do in Prague even in winter. When you have been round the markets which will not take long, there is the Castle to explore and a myriad of other sites to occupy you.

I was in Prague at the beginning of December last year and it was very cold and snowy. Exceptionally so for that time of year. Expect cold in December and wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and good walking boots.

I cannot comment on Cologne as I have not been there. Enjoy your break whatever you decide to do.

Katiehound

and for all those who can't afford to go to a Christmas market abroad, one of the largest in Europe takes place in Lincoln with many of the stands coming from Germany!

richardw

Trier http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Germany/trier-christmas-market.html?review=true is accesible by flying on ryanair to Frankfurt Hahn HHN

dzug1

richardw wrote: »

Trier http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Germany/trier-christmas-market.html?review=true is accesible by flying on ryanair to Frankfurt Hahn HHN

I'd agree with Trier - it has all the essentials and doesn't get overcrowded as some of the big ones do but is big enoigh to have atmosphere.

dzug1

totallybored wrote: »

How about Berlin instead? I've not been at Xmas time but it is a much bigger and more interesting city.

Well I haven't been for a few years but I found Berlin Christmas markets a let down - spread out all over the place, no focus, no atmosphere.

Cologne I'd agree is too big too busy - maybe better midweek. It does meet many of my criteria though.

For me the atmosphere is important - the market should be in the centre in the Altmarkt, overlooked by the Cathedral and/or the old town hall. The shopping is secondary - I rarely buy much

s_b

ive been to
warwick
lincoln
prague
bruges
they are all of a muchness
usual mulled wine toys on a stick pig on a poke

i would still go to Prague at Christmas though and the colder and snowier the better for me
it still has xmas atmosphere see

i might go to the cave market at Valkenburg have a look here OP for xmas its a lovely town and you certainly wont go hungry there