The enchanting aura of chestnuts roasting, the cosy feeling of gripping a warm hot chocolate or mulled wine, and the pleasure of browsing numerous stalls define the quintessence of Christmas markets. These festive hubs, alive with celebrations from November through to the New Year, are dotted around various countries, attracting hordes of holiday enthusiasts.
Chelsea, a UK-based money-saving guru who keenly advises her social media followers, advocates for the Cologne Christmas market in Germany as the top choice for a festive foray. On TikTok, she reasons: "If you haven't booked a European Christmas market yet this year here's why I think you should opt for Cologne. So last year I visited seven European Christmas markets and Cologne my absolute favourite.
The seven distinct sections of the Cologne markets are renowned for their festive cheer and unique offerings. On her website Cheap Holiday Expert, she remarked: "I loved Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market in Cologne's old town, spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. This is a traditional market, centred around the folk legend of household spirits, the Heinzelmännchen.
Chelsea noted that the market offered a wide choice of food and drink, and she was particularly impressed by the affordability compared to UK prices. She savoured a hot dog which cost only £3.85, quite a steal relative to London's Winter Wonderland's £8 or Nottingham's £7.50 hot dog, and even Birmingham's price tag of £6.50.