HI
I loved the christmas markets at cologne. They are fantastic and there are 7 of them spread out around the city. 1 is even a medieval one. This is situated on the Rhine. This is a must visit at night as they have spit roasted pig.

The cathederal is a lovely place to visit in Cologne.

flights are easy to get from england, but i would book soomer rather than later. As there are some cheap prices out now with hlx.com.

In the old town it has some great little bars there is even an outdoor ice rink.

i hope that helps you.

Thank you the information, I will look into it, don't think my mum is up for the ice skating, she can sit at the side with the elastoplast!

Over the years we've done three day-trips by air from Aberdeen to Berlin, Gothenberg and Vienna.
All were really great - Berlin and Vienna were obviously in the heart of the city, but the Gothenberg one was centred around a large park and fun fair (sorry can't remember the name of it - but it is really famous in Scandinavia) which was beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, huge braziers of burning logs, loads of mulled wine and spicy ginger-snaps, lovely nativity presentation, etc. It was the most Christmassy of the three trips we've done.
All trips were well worth the £170-odd each which included flights (we got breakfast outward and dinner homeward) and escorted city coach tour with guide. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Hope this is a useful post
uncletony, Aberdeen

Have been to Vienna - absolutely lovely - lots of stalls selling gorgeous food abd beautiful decorations.

Certainly worth a visit.

I think Bruges has a Christmas Market - lovely place to visit also.

Pippa

Thank you for the responses and information, I have now booked to go to Cologne, but other ones sound very tempting to try for another year.Thank you

Oh you will love the cologne markets.

There are 7 in all. The one at the side of the cathederal is the best i think.