Grand opening of the Cologne cathedral Christmas market

Roncalliplatz lights up under the giant starlight tent. The time has finally arrived. The Cologne cathedral Christmas market punctually opened its doors yesterday at 11am under radiating sunshine. Altogether 150 stands with an extensive range of arts and crafts and gastronomy invite visitors to walk around the Roncalliplatz.

In the evening after seasonal greetings from the mayor, Elfi Scho-Antwerpes, the Christmas market was officially opened and the Cologne children and youth choir Lucky Kids kicked off the market?s unique stage programme with a pre-Christmas concert.

Both of the managers of the KW Weihnachtsgesellschaft mbH, (Cologne Christmas company), Monika Flocke and Roland Temme, have further developed their original concept for the market in 2011. More Christmas decorations and an impressive lighting concept let the market shine next to Cologne's historical landmark. 'The lighting tent and the tree alone are lighted with more than 70.000 LEDs and Power LEDs' says Roland Temme.

Regional specialities and bio-certified food again play an important part in the 2011 market concept. Quality is the by-word for the numerous craftsmen. The large offer of gift ideas such as wood carvings, glass balls, ceramics, accessories, children?s toys, soaps, etc are mainly from Germany and Europe.

Most of the food and drink available at the market opening was certified with bio-certification from TÜV Nord as in 2010.  Pretzels, almonds, chestnuts as well as different types of sausages comply with the highest requirements of the EG-organic production regulations.

In addition to the delicacies and the gift ideas, the market also offers an extensive programme for young and old alike. Asides from the star observation point for the little visitors, guests can also enjoy a versatile programme with over 100 free performances. The absolute high point is the performance by Peter Orloff with his Black sea Cossacks choir on 22nd November 2011, two concerts by the popular Cologne youth choir St. Stephan on the 4th and 18th of December as well as the Christmas show by Guildo Horn & seinen Orthopädischen Strümpfen on St. Nicholas day.

Up to 4 million visitors from Germany and abroad are again expected in 2011. Up to the 23rd of December 2011 the market is open Sun-Thurs from 11am to 21.00hrs, Fridays from 11am to 22.00 and Saturday from 10am to 22.00hrs. It can be reached from the Dom/Hauptbahnhof (Cathedral/main railway station) stop with underground numbers 5, 16 and 18 trams as well as S-bahnen (rapid transport railways) 6, 11, 12 and 13.