Cologne Christmas Markets 12-15th Dec 2025

Cologne Christmas Markets 12-15^th Dec 2025

The bus ride began at 3 in the morning and luckily everyone was too tired to talk so we all got some good sleep on the journey. Embarking on the boat crossing and getting ourselves some tasty baguettes, we relaxed before making it to Dunkirk. The views of the fields were beautiful as we drove further, through Belgium to finally reach Cologne. We were all desperate to tuck into our lovely hotel rooms after the day’s long travel.

In the morning we walked to the River Rhine and river cruise all merrily decorated in Christmas wreaths, bells and trees. Christmas songs were being played live, creating a magical ambiance. We enjoyed our refreshments and the views of the city. Following this we had our lunch, which had been made by the sixth formers and incredible staff.

In the afternoon we walked around the Lindt chocolate factory, tasting as many chocolate samples as we could and reading about the history of the company and watching the process of the chocolate being made. Following this we went to the Christmas markets to browse at all the different goodies before arriving at the sports museum. We went back in time to the beginning of the Olympics: from the first women being allowed to compete, up to modern sporting icons like Mo Farah. In the evening we sat under blankets and heaters while having a traditional German meal in the city.

We went on a chilly winter walk to the cathedral, admiring the magnificent gothic architecture. We collectively enjoyed a mass which focused on environmental care and Christmas spirit. We enjoyed lunch at a new Christmas market which was filled with warm hats and gloves and decorative baubles. We found the bratwurst was the best food. 

In the evening we traveled to a different market in the medieval city of Aachen and visited a famous gingerbread shop and spent the evening enjoying the atmosphere and food once again.

Overall, the trip was a brilliant experience and thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. Many friendships were made between the older and younger students, and the trip was a brilliant way to start off our Christmas holidays.

Review written by Isha S, Sixth Form Student