10 Best Christmas markets for Gluewein on a Riverboat trip

Just like in Vienna, there are many different Christmas markets in Cologne.  The biggest, most popular and best known is the one in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral.  It is most fitting as this cathedral was specifically built to house the relics of the magi (three kings).  With over 4 million visitors expected each year & 150 stalls it certainly is one to make a bee line for although it wasn't our highest scoring market of the trip. This was the end of the markets for us as next stop was Amsterdam which didn't seem to have any, or at least none that we could find. Cathedral markets Score 7/10  As expected this was very busy with lots of gluehwein stalls. It had a great big Christmas tree & lots of pretty lights. The highlight is the fantastic backdrop of the huge cathedral. Cologne Harbour Christmas markets (in the grounds of the chocolate factory) Score 5/10  This is a small market on both sides of the ri...

Rudesheim Score 8.5/10  Another high score from us due to the beautiful buildings & half timbered houses & accompanying shops. The market meandered around the streets, following the street around, along the top, down the side and along the bottom street. There were lots of amazing lace shops & stalls as well as many Christmas shops. The huts were cute & the shops were great.  We could have spent hours popping into all the different shops & exploring the town but time was tight. We drank apple punch but the real drink of the town is called Rudesheimer coffee.  Asbach brandy is a speciality of Rudesheim and a nip of this brandy is poured into a special mug & set on fire then doused with coffee and topped by whipped cream & chocolate flakes. The best place to get this little treat is at the Rudesheimer Schloss in the Drosseigasse, a 144 metre long narrow cobblestone street. The Christmas market in this town is called the mar...