If you're feeling energetic after indulging in a few too many bratwursts and mugs of glühwein, why not head to Heumarkt and take to the ice?

At the heart of the enchanting Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market, you'll discover a wonderful outdoor ice rink surrounded by beautifully decorated wooden chalets and twinkling festive lights. It's a fantastic setting for a little winter fun, with Cologne's historic Old Town providing a picturesque backdrop.

Now, if you've got a sweet tooth, Cologne's Christmas markets are going to be an absolute delight! As you wander between the beautifully decorated wooden chalets, the irresistible aromas of freshly baked waffles, roasted almonds and sweet cinnamon treats fill the crisp winter air.

One traditional speciality worth seeking out is Aachener Printen, a delicious spiced biscuit originating from the nearby historic city of Aachen. Similar to gingerbread, these festive treats have a distinctive blend of warming spices and come in a variety of flavours, from traditional varieties to those coated in rich chocolate or sprinkled with nuts. You'll also discover colourful stalls overflowing with tempting confectionery, including chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit skewers and beautifully packaged bags of caramelised nuts. It's almost impossible to resist treating yourself to a little something, and after all, it is Christmas!

Another delicious indulgence worth seeking out is the wonderful selection of freshly prepared crêpes and waffles, cooked right in front of you and served piping hot. Whether you prefer a simple sprinkling of sugar, a generous drizzle of chocolate or something a little more extravagant with fruit and cream, there's certainly plenty to tempt your taste buds.

We particularly love watching the stallholders expertly preparing these sweet delights, with the delicious aromas drifting through the market. There's something rather comforting about enjoying a warm waffle on a chilly winter's evening, especially when you're surrounded by twinkling lights and the cheerful sounds of Christmas.

Of course, the sweet temptations don't stop there. You'll also find stalls selling traditional roasted chestnuts, colourful sweets, fudge and all manner of beautifully presented confectionery, perfect for enjoying as you wander or bringing home as little festive gifts.

We particularly enjoy browsing these stalls, where the displays are often almost too pretty to disturb. And, as we're travelling by car, there's always the added bonus of having a little extra room to bring back some delicious treats for friends and family. Although, if we're entirely truthful, not all of those goodies necessarily make it home! That's all part of the fun of visiting Cologne's enchanting Christmas markets and another reason we love returning year after year.

As much as we love exploring Cologne's Christmas markets during the day, there's something truly magical about staying until the evening when the city is illuminated by thousands of twinkling festive lights.

As dusk begins to fall, the beautifully decorated wooden chalets take on a wonderful golden glow, Christmas trees sparkle against the night sky, and the delicious aromas of sizzling sausages, roasted almonds and warming Glühwein drift through the chilly air.

One of our favourite sights is the magnificent Christmas market beside Cologne Cathedral, where the spectacular canopy of lights creates an enchanting atmosphere beneath the cathedral's towering Gothic spires. It's a sight that never fails to make us smile, no matter how many times we've visited.

As you wander between Cologne's different Christmas markets, you'll discover that each has its own special character after dark. The Market of Angels at Neumarkt looks particularly charming with its illuminated stars suspended above the stalls, while the traditional wooden chalets and historic surroundings of the Heinzelmännchen Christmas market create a wonderfully nostalgic setting.

There's a cheerful buzz as friends and families gather around the food and drink stalls, enjoying a warming mug of Glühwein and catching up with one another. We love finding a little spot to stand and soak up the atmosphere, watching the festivities unfold around us. Sometimes it's these simple moments, rather than rushing from one attraction to another, that make a Christmas market visit so memorable.

Of course, staying into the evening also means you can enjoy Cologne's Christmas markets at their most atmospheric, although they can become rather busy, particularly at weekends.

We'd recommend taking your time, wrapping up warm and allowing yourself the opportunity to revisit a favourite market once the lights are shining. It's also another excellent reason to spend two or three nights in Cologne, rather than trying to squeeze everything into a single day. That way, you can explore the markets at a leisurely pace during daylight hours, discover some of the city's historic sights and still have plenty of time to enjoy the festive magic after dark.

For us, Cologne at Christmastime is simply enchanting, and seeing the city sparkle in the evening is an experience we never tire of.

Now, you can enjoy Cologne's traditional Kölsch bars throughout the year, but there's something about visiting during the festive season that makes the experience even more enjoyable. After an evening wandering around the Christmas markets, we love heading into one of the city's welcoming traditional beerhouses, or Brauhäuser, to continue the fun.

There's nothing quite like sharing a table with a crowd of friendly Germans, singing along to an Oompah band and soaking up the wonderfully cheerful atmosphere. One of our funniest memories was when I was unexpectedly swept into a conga line, dancing our way around the bar with a group of complete strangers! It's those spontaneous, slightly mad moments that make travelling so memorable, and we still laugh about it today. If you're looking for a traditional Cologne experience, a visit to a lively Kölsch bar is certainly one we'd recommend.