Hot Ducks at the Stadgarten

The Christmas market selection is tip-top yet again this year and last year's new kid on the block at the Stadtgarten, is once again one of the highlights.  I took the kids along to the free "Kasper puppet show" and afterwards enjoyed a delicious, thick, freshly made waffle and a sneaky little Glühwein.  There's a great selection of stalls this year, handmade paper goods, thick woolly hats and scarves, handmade bags, bed linen, soap and some really lovely jewellery.  The people at the "Hot Ducks" stand made a big impression with their seed filled ducks which you can pop in the microwave and heat up to place on a sore tummy, or aching limb, or cool down in the freezer to ward off a shiner.  Made in an assortment of cool colours and materials they start at €15 for a small duck and go up to €25 for a large colourful one.  Another highlight is the book stand (opposite those tasty, fat, waffles) which has a great selection of unusual and beautifully illustrated books (in German).  Check the website for the stage programme, as well as the kids events (which include the puppet show and book readings) there are also some great live acts appearing. You won't be able to resist slipping into a festive mood at this Christmas Market.
Stadtgarten, Venloer Strasse 40, Cologne
Nearest u-bahn - Friesenplatz.
www.weihnachtsmarkt-stadtgarten.de