syamanz

I'll be in Dussledorf for work at the end of November & would love to visit some Xmas markets. Where do I start?? Would just going to Dussledorf & maybe Cologne give me a good impression - seen one seen them all? or are they all different? I'm from NZ so the whole Xmas in winter will be a new experience!

Echnaton

This website gives you all information you need about the Christmas market in Düsseldorf:

http://www.duesseldorf-weihnachtsmar...hp?id=1932&L=1

Do you need any more information about Düsseldorf? I live near Düsseldorf.

syamanz

Thank you so much for the link. Looks great! What chances are there that there would be snow? When does it usually snow.....

quokka

A little snowfall is possible in late November but probability is rather low and if there is, it won't stay long.

People who like Christmas markets will say they are all different. People who are not that much into Christmas markets will say, seen one seen all. I like them and i enjoy visiting different ones. Try the Düsseldorf one and if you enjoy it, see others too. You have many options which can easily be reached by local trains without much planning, so you can decide on the spot.

Cologne has several markets all over the city and is worth a day trip anyway. I also enjoyed the market in Aachen.
Germany's largest Christmas market ist the one in Dortmund - I haven't been so cannot tell more about it.

The markets usually start during the week between Eternity Sunday and the first Advent Sunday, which is Nov 28 this year. Cologne's start on Monday Nov 22. Note that even if you find a market that starts already earlier, it has to stay closed on Nov 21, Eternity Sunday.

Echnaton

Chances of snow are low this time of year and especially in low elevations like Düsseldorf. Plan mostly indoor activities this time of year.

Go to the Christmas Market in Düsseldorf - no need to see other markets since they are not very different. The short train ride to Cologne (23 min) is recommended to see the Cathedral and the Roman-Germanic Museum (maybe also the Chocolate Museum).

Another interesting trip from Düsseldorf is the Neanderthal Museum (22 min with public transport). They do not only display the famous bones of the first found Neanderthal man but also vivid reconstructions and the history of humankind. A state-of-the-art museum with excellent English audioguides.

www.neanderthal.de

Düsseldorf has outstanding art museums with a focus on contemporary art. There are always exhibitions. For further information, see also:

www.duesseldorf.de

Gary_Mc

Christmas Markets are a great way to enjoy Germany evenings when the days are so short. Still, put me in the category that feels they are much alike.

We pick towns that we want to visit and sight-see during the day, and take the evenings in the markets as frosting on the cake.

Regards, Gary

wanderfrau

I'm another who likes Christmas markets and thinks they are all a bit different.

I have never been to any of the ones mentioned above, but I have heard good things about Aachen and Cologne.

I also suggest looking at some of the smaller towns around the area. Google for the town website. There you should be able to find out if/when the town has their market. Perhaps Echnaton has some suggestions.

syamanz

Thanks everyone!

globetrotterxyz

We went to one of the markets in Cologne last holiday season. Here's a link to my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

Some people who are really into market-hopping will say every market is different. While I'm sure each has something unique to offer, I found that visiting a couple of them was enough for the experience. If you only have limited time and are close enough to visit a few, then that's sufficient, but I wouldn't go out of my way to drive for several hours just to visit one.

bigtyke

www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/ has info on many different markets

syamanz

Brilliant links thank you. Loved your report Globetrotter - thanks. So what does happen when it rains - must be horrible!! Everyone just puts on raincoats & umbrella's - spoils the atmosphere somewhat....
Interesting to read you mention Kathe Wohlfahrts stall - does she have 'franchises'at other markets? great if she is at Cologne.

Gary_Mc

"So what does happen when it rains - must be horrible!! Everyone just puts on raincoats & umbrella's - spoils the atmosphere somewhat...."

We visited Germany during Advent for the last two years. It rained the majority of the days that we were there. If rain spoils it for you, then you could easily be in trouble. We take rain coats and do the same as we would otherwise.

Advantages to cold, wet weather: The wet cobblestones glisten, reflecting all the Christmas lighting and colorful booths. The damp cold makes the Glühwein taste better. All the umbrellas make the markets look like a Maurice Prendergast painting.

Don't listen to me. I prefer gentle, cold rain to the endless hot, sunny days that we suffer in Utah for months at a time.

Regards, Gary

Echnaton

>>> I prefer gentle, cold rain to the endless hot, sunny days that we suffer in Utah for months at a time.<<<

Gary, what about switching homes? I long for endless hot, sunny days, especially in November (currently, it is not better here in Germany).

I must add, we have to switch jobs, too. How much do you make?

What do you think, do we also have to switch wives?

Gary_Mc

Echnaton,

There are two college age kids in the deal.

I am retired.

My wife makes all the money, so I am not going anywhere. Luckily, my wife likes Advent season in Germany as much as I do.

You will just have to visit the high desert.

Regards, Gary

kfusto

"We visited Germany during Advent for the last two years. It rained the majority of the days that we were there. If rain spoils it for you, then you could easily be in trouble. We take rain coats and do the same as we would otherwise. "

Same experience for us - and we are headed there again on Thanksgiving Day.

We enjoy the festive atmosphere, the people watching and the overall ambiance of the markets, especially in the evenings when the lights are at their best and there is often entertainment. We have happened upon a few interesting experiences over the course of three trips and always look forward to the unexpected versus the planned.

globetrotterxyz

If it rains, I wouldn't say it spoils the atmosphere. It's just an inconvenience if you're used to warm, dry weather, or if that's what you prefer. Rain or no rain, you'll need to be prepared for it and make sure to bundle up if you're there in the evening. Try not to let it bother you and just enjoy being there

I would imagine Käthe Wohlfahrt has stalls at some of the other, larger markets, too.

syamanz

que cera cera, at least I think that's how you say what ever will be will be.... We're good Kiwi's - will tackle anything, including rain! Just wondered if they did try & cover up at all, suppose that adds a risk factor - with fire. Do the number of stalls reduce in the rain - some stall holders/entertainers decide it's nicer at home - won't go out tonight???? Having travelled so far, & it probably only beeing a oncer would love the good photo ops along with the amazing experience, but that will happen regardless of rain - we're used to Xmas at the beach!

quokka

The stalls are usually small wooden huts with a roof. There is worse than a little rain for the merchants, like -15°C and snowstorm, for example. They don't close because of the weather.

Käthe Wohlfahrt is a big chain that is present on any larger market with more or less uniform stalls, which indicates their stuff is mass production and I do not want to know where in the world it has been made. I prefer buying from small artisans with individual styles who sell their own products.

Gary_Mc

"Just wondered if they did try & cover up at all, suppose that adds a risk factor - with fire. Do the number of stalls reduce in the rain - some stall holders/entertainers decide it's nicer at home - won't go out tonight?"

The stall holders are experienced in this. They are not going to intentionally lose business over a little mild rain.

Everyone sees it their own way. I think that the photographs of rainy scenes are fine, much better than overcast without rain, which grays. The rain does cause the reflection of light off the cobblestones and sidewalks, adding color and color saturation to photos.

While we had rain most days, there were also usually periods of sunshine.

Regards, Gary

johnthedorf

Thank you for the link Enchnaton. I'll be flying into Dusseldorf and then taking the train to Osnabruck and on to Dortmund.