Travel/Eat: Cologne, Germany - Christmas Markets

I happened to have go to Amsterdam back in early December for work.  Like any fun minded traveller, I made sure to book my flights to include a free weekend in order to explore the city some more.  I ended up staying and meeting with a Chicago friend of mine, Stacy, in Amsterdam.  Coincidentally another friend and colleague of ours, Dane, was in flying into town from working in Berlin for the weekend as well.  With such a fun group - what would we do?  Exactly! Christmas markets!

There is not one, not two, not three, but four old Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany. These are located at the Rudolfplatz, Alter Markt, Neumarkt, and the largest/most impressive one by the Cologne Cathedral. It took about a 3.5 hr drive (with some snack and comfort stops) from Amsterdam to Cologne on the highway.  

After a spin around to look for parking we ended up right by the Cathedral (PS: Ladies have special designated parking - it's in places close to get to and well lit for safety).