Alternative Christmas markets in Cologne

In the runup to last year’s Christmas I was in town to explore some alternatives to the more traditional Christmas markets. Here are my favourite finds!

Designers Anna Mancarella and Lena Schröder are the creative minds behind Der Super Markt and have actually launched various events since 2008, including the Super Weihnachtsmarkt. Although this Christmas market took place for the last time in 2018, fans of fashion, accessories and jewellery still have reason to rejoice in 2019, with the Super Weihnachtsmarkt to be replaced by the Super Fashion Markt, from 6 to 8 December. More than 40 regional and international designers will be showcasing their fair fashion and sustainable products. And even if you don’t find any gift ideas, at least you get to enjoy the entertainment programme.

When I asked one of the bearded stallholders in lumberjack gear if he considered himself a hipster, I thought I caught a mischievous glint in his eye. Whatever: here, in the heart of Ehrenfeld, three guys have created what is probably the smallest and coolest Christmas market in town. The few stalls are hammered together by hand, creating a pop-up store atmosphere. There’s some yummy food – they serve “superwurst” and delicious mulled wine with all-natural ingredients. Plus their wares have the potential to become your friends’ best gifts ever. Go!

Probably the most “normal” alternative Christmas market in Cologne is the one in Stadtgarten in the Belgian Quarter. That said, there are some features that make this one special: for one, many stalls have a pop-up store air about them and switch every week; for another, the market is in a garden, so the atmosphere is more congenial than that of a large-scale market on a square. My personal favourite was the tarte flambée stall – a delicious way to round off a visit!