Christmas Markets School Trip To Rhineland

Youth Hostel Köln Riehl

This is a modern city hostel on the banks of the Rhine a 30 minute walk to Cologne city centre or just 10 minutes on the tram. This is perfect accommodation for Christmas Market tour. 

Youth Hostel Köln Deutz

Another modern youth hostel with great facilities. Just the other side of the River the city centre can be reached on foot in 15 minutes or by public transport. Another great option for a tour with a focus on Cologne.  

Cologne offers seven major Christmas markets all with different themes and entertainment  going on. There are four big Christmas markets:

Cologne Cathedral

With the dramatic backdrop of the Cathedral, you’ll find over 160 stalls here. There’s a good range of food and drink stalls and also opportunities to see artisans at work.

The Alter Markt

This is a great market for children. There’s a carousel ride, puppet show, Santa’s grotto and lots of toy stalls. This is where you’ll find the Heinzelmännchen, the legendary gnomes who are said to do the work at night. 

The Neumarkt

This is Cologne’s oldest market, known as the market of Angels. Its located close to the main shopping area of Cologne and tends to offer more high quality goods. The chalets are designed with a ‘stars at night’ theme.

The Rudolfplatz

This market has a real fairytale theme to it, taking you into the world of the Brothers Grimm. Large fairytale figures and festive illuminations are a highlight here.

Smaller Christmas Markets to choose from include:

• Medieval Christmas Market & Cologne Harbour Market – located at the Chocolate Museum
• Floating Christmas Market – on board a KD Cruise boat
• Stadtgarten Christmas Market – located on the edge of Cologne’s oldest park

The Christmas Express

The Cologne Bimmelbahn Christmas Express takes you through the city of Cologne to see the sights whilst travelling from one Christmas Market to the next. Stops include the Cathedral, Alter Markt, Neumarkt and the Chocolate Museum. The train runs every 15 minutes

WST Cologne Christmas Quiz

Take our free fun Christmas quiz along with you. This will give your students a focus whilst they are there, encourage them to look around the markets and the area and give them opportunities to try out some language skills. It's also a useful thing for them to finish off on the coach journey home.

Imhoff Stollwerk Chocolate Museum

Your students can take a tour of the museum, then watch the chocolate making process before trying some samples.

Cologne Cathedral

This iconic cathedral, a World Heritage Site, dominates the skyline. Whether you call in to take a look around self guided or pre-book a guided tour in German or English to give you more information on the history of the building, it’s a must for everyone who visits Cologne.