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46 Travel<br />
The Real Thing<br />
By Chris Pearce<br />
When it comes to Christmas markets, no one does<br />
them better than the Germans, who have been<br />
holding Christmas markets since way back in the<br />
Middle Ages. With the big day being just a few weeks<br />
away, it made eminent sense that this month’s travel<br />
feature focuses on where to go in Germany for an<br />
authentic Christmas experience. Space forbids<br />
us featuring the hundreds of Christmas<br />
markets held throughout Germany, but<br />
here are six of the very best to visit this<br />
Christmas.<br />
Like many of Germany’s larger cities, Cologne<br />
doesn’t host just one Christmas market, but up<br />
to eight every year, each with a different vibe or<br />
theme, and each with its own Christmas market<br />
mug! You’ll want to visit the Cathedral Christmas<br />
Market, where the colourful stalls are set up right<br />
besides the UNESCO-recognized Cologne Cathedral<br />
(see image).<br />
However, the best market in Cologne for families<br />
is the Altstadt (Old Town) by the town hall, which<br />
is run by the Heinzelmännchen, or house gnomes.<br />
You’ll find all the usual Christmas market trappings<br />
here, from handicrafts to spicy Glühwein, along<br />
with toy stands, an ice rink and a puppet theatre for<br />
the kids.
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