After November's carnival, it's time to get ready for New Year's Eve. Some are in a hurry to finish everything by the end of the year, while others are just looking forward to Christmas and looking for presents for their loved ones. If you don't have things to do or want to put them off, take a pleasant trip. Kidpassage guarantees that Cologne will put you in a festive mood and dispel any sadness.
Holidays in Cologne in December: pros and cons
The reviews of holidays in Cologne will only be positive. Although what other holiday reviews could there be? After all, travel is excellent and always exciting. They give incredible emotions. Cologne in December is beautiful in its way; it is worth coming here:
- To get a festive boost of New Year's energy.
- To learn to believe in Christmas miracles.
- To see one of the world's most beautiful streetlights.
- To visit the Chocolate Museum and Fragrance Museum when the weather doesn't permit outdoor pursuits.
On a December trip, you need to keep the following in mind:
- It's not summer outside, and you need to dress warmly.
- Have an umbrella with you — sometimes it can rain.
- Buy a KolnCard to save some money during the holidays.
- Book your hotel in advance — the holidays attract a lot of tourists.
Weather in Cologne in December
The weather in December and January calls for warm clothing and footwear. The weather at the beginning of December is similar to that of November — even at night, the thermometer does not drop below zero. The night-time temperature in Cologne in mid-December can reach below freezing, biting the noses and cheeks of over-excited tourists.
The weather in Cologne gets a little colder at the end of December. It usually happens after a couple of rainy days. But you barely notice it, thanks to the merry get-togethers and hot drinks.
Mulled wine, grog, or punch at the Christmas markets makes the weather all the more bearable. But remember that children get colder than adults, so don't stay out too late if you're travelling with young companions. Time at Christmas fairs runs quickly, so it's hard to catch the moment when little feet get cold.
Air temperature and precipitation
Cologne has a very mild climate. The city is situated on the Rhine River, which can shroud the streets in a light mist at dawn. Those who live in Cologne are very lucky — it's warm and beautiful all year round.
Temperatures in Cologne rarely drop below freezing in December, even at night.
There is an average amount of rainfall for a city on the river. Winter frosts are slow to hit the streets. That is why tourists with children flock to Cologne for the Christmas markets. But for the youngest travellers, the weather must be warmer, and they are better off staying indoors. For the 10-12-year-olds, this trip is a magical experience.
Air temperature in Cologne in December
The average daytime temperature in December is around +6°C, and the average temperature at night is +3°C. The normal daytime temperature of the month is in the thermometer range of +3° to +8° C, and the night-time temperature is +3° to -2° C. It can be said that the weather is warm enough for winter.
The temperature difference is not huge — abnormally cold weather is not typical for December and rare in Cologne. The exciting thing about December is that while it is relatively warm, it is also the coldest and windiest month of the year.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Cologne in December is around 62.6 mm. There is an average of 4 days of rain and one day of snow per month. December is 30% wetter than November and 20% drier than January. But it is best to pack a rain jacket or umbrella for your trip.
It's nice if it rains at night, but you can still be caught out during the day. If you want to avoid spoiling your holiday with a slight cold, ensure you have a sturdy rain cover to help you get to your hiding place in perfect dryness. There are hardly any heavy downpours, but a drizzle can make your clothes unpleasant, too.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
December in Cologne has an average of about six days of sunshine. That's not a bad figure for a winter month. The percentage of December is 22% sunny, 38% cloudy and 40% overcast.
The weather this month is more reminiscent of autumn. Only the festive illuminations help chase away the gloom. If sunshine is critical for you, check the weather forecasts and come to Cologne on a cloudy day.
Tour Holidays
Cologne's most important building is the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Mary. This building is fantastic in its grandeur. Cologne Cathedral is the only landmark in the city that was not razed to the ground during World War II.
The building withstood three direct hits from artillery shells and still survived. So now it is not just a landmark but also the jewel in the city's crown. In early December, the cathedral looks like a stalwart soldier, undaunted by the cold, the wind or anything else.
You can also walk through the Town Hall Square and down to the River Rhine. You and your children can still take a river tram tour in mid-December, but there are better times for an outing than winter. There's a nasty, cold wind blowing outside on the way. On the other hand, trying to find an empty seat on the Hohenzollern Bridge can be fun. It's dotted with various locks, hung by local lovers and tourists wishing to return.
In late December, when the weather is least conducive to outdoor activities, head to the Roncalli Circus for an excellent experience for you and the children, where the local circus artists are masters of their trade. And, of course, be sure to visit the pirate ship-like Chocolate Museum and Fragrance Museum.
Holidays, events and festivals
The festivities in Cologne in December revolve around Christmas. The markets across the city are spectacularly colourful and have a magical atmosphere. The highlight of the Cologne markets is the red-roofed tents that house the sales outlets.
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It hosts exhibitions and concerts, attracting up to 2 million people worldwide every year. A variety of rides and a Ferris wheel delight adults and children alike.
The aromas of baked goods, roasted sausages and chestnuts waft over the Christmas market.
Families gather for a festive dinner on Christmas Eve, and cheerful tourists gather in the establishments. The city's atmosphere is filled with excitement and hope, and the spirit of Christmas hangs in the air with invisible energy.
Shopping
After Christmas comes a time of frenzied sales. The biggest shopping centres in Cologne, such as Neumarkt Galerie and Galerie Karstadt, are jam-packed with shoppers looking for bargains. Discounts start at 30% and go down to 90% in January!
All the shopaholics descend on the shops and boutiques. Chasing bargains can be a bit exhausting, but it's worth it. For shoes and perfumes, head for Schildergasse or Braite Strasse. Here the boutiques keep up with the craze and also discount their prices.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Cologne reach their peak in December. All places of entertainment make good money for tourists during these days. Hotels and hotels raise their accommodation rates for the holiday season by between 10 and 30 percent. Prices rise mathematically as the New Year approaches.
Airfares
Airfares in December are up almost 10% from November and 30-40% more than in October! In January, when the holidays are behind us, the rush subsides slightly only towards the end of the month. It's best to take advantage of offers from economy airlines. Early booking is also a good idea to save money.
Package Tours
Christmas and New Year's holidays attract tourists worldwide, so tour operators offer tours 15-30% more expensive than in other months. It's much cheaper to travel alone, as long as you have booked your plane tickets and hotel in advance.
Food
Cologne is not the cheapest city in Germany. Unlike in Hamburg, food prices will be 5-10% more expensive, depending on the establishment level. A lunch in an inexpensive cafe will cost 10-15 Euros per person, a meal in a fast-food outlet will cost 7-10 Euros, and a dinner in a good restaurant will cost at least 70 Euros for two people. An alternative option might be the food sold at Christmas fairs. They might not cost much less than McDonald's, but the food will be original and delicious.
Tips for holidays with children
If you are travelling with children, have warm clothes and comfortable shoes. A thermal clothing option would be ideal for the European climate. It would be best if you also stocked up on a small umbrella. However, this is good for children older than 10-12 years. Younger children should be left at home, as they will still find the December weather too damp.
The festive atmosphere on Cologne's streets will captivate any visitor with its sheer beauty — the decorated streets immerse passersby in a Christmas fairy tale. And the fireworks on New Year's Eve make you believe nothing is impossible.
