Christmas markets are an age-old tradition across much of Europe and many North American cities have begun hosting their own versions in recent years; but few capture the magic of the holiday season quite like the ones you’ll find in Germany. Cologne’s main Christmas market is especially picturesque, with more than 150 wooden vendor booths set against the backdrop of Kölner Dom, Cologne’s spectacular gothic cathedral.

Further enhancing the enchanting scene is the market’s 25-metre-tall Christmas tree, which is illuminated with over 50,000 LED lights. Market visitors browse stalls of crafts filled with giftable arts and crafts with warm mugs of Glühwein, Germany’s popular hot spiced wine, in hand.

cologne.de/christmas-markets