Christmas is not just a time or a season,

It offers a smile and a reason.

To take us back to the delusions of our childhood days,

To put a stop on our daily confusions and enjoy the festival phase.

And for a change these lines do rhyme in a strange way.

Voilà!

Neither the rain, nor the icy wind could dampen my spirit to enjoy the carnival like atmosphere surfacing across the length and breath of Germany in full swing. Of course, being new to the land, these gala occasions have left me wide eyed and enormously excited about Christmas which is just round the corner. This is the time when each day is a celebration and each night a party! The magic and grandeur of traditional German Christmas Markets leave the visitors spell bound. This is exactly what happened to me when I got the chance to visit the much talked about Koln's Christmas Markets. The whole city is decorated like a new bride and the smell of festival in the air evokes an enchanting fervour to the whole atmosphere...I felt lost, I felt rediscovered, I was awestruck, I was stunned....I was rejuvenated!! The music played by the street musicians, the vibrant ambience, the colourful lighting, the giggles of children, the curiosity of tourists like me, the childlike expressions of the elderly, the flirtatious looks of teenagers amid the investigating eyes of Polizei mingled with the aromas of food and beverages....am I dreaming?? Obviously not, this is Koln's Christmas markt, where dreams meet reality.

Bored of Mall Culture and Commercialism? Why not take a break and explore the traditional and romantic Christmas Markets; Germany's Christmas gift to the world. Be right there, right away to live life galore which is an experience of a lifetime and cash in to buy your near and dear ones Christmas gifts that are hand produced (craft work of real quality) and not mass produced. Give your family a German taste this festival. Merchandise of all sorts, particularly traditional items like crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, marionettes, beautiful candles, leather bags and wallets and a whole lot of variety to choose your gifts from is readily displayed at the Christmas Markets...a gratifying treat for all ages.

Every year Koln attracts nearly two million visitors during December. The four famous Christmas Markets held in Koln are-

• The Dom Christmas Markt

• The Alter Christmas Markt

• The Neu Christmas Markt and

• The Rudolfplatz Christmas Markt.

The Christmas Markt at the Dome is the most spectacular one in Cologne due to the huge backdrop of the historically imposing Cathedral. Beneath the Cathedral and the biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, we see over 160 colourfully designed wooden pavilions. Watching artisans at work, shopping, sipping the special Christmas mulled wine and hot rum in the festively decorated mugs, picking up the chocolate coated fruit sticks, enjoying the fried fish pieces dipped in garlic sauce, the ever tempting Pommes with Mayonnaise and ketchup or the baked potatoes with sour cream ....the choice is all yours, but the aroma of hot chestnuts, roasted almonds and grilled sausages suddenly lifts up your mood and my mouth is already watering as I am mentioning all this. To all the foodoholics, shopoholics and alcoholics, this markt at the Dome is a real treat, a treat to your senses which you can't afford to miss!

The Christmas Market on the Alter Markt lies in the very heart of the Altstadt (old town) and in front of the old Cologne Town Hall. My first reaction upon visiting it was 'am I in some German village?' Lined by narrow gabled houses with smoke coming out of the chimneys and half timbered stalls....it looks as though it has come straight out of some medieval artist's painting. The old Christmas Markt has a strong rustic feel to it. The old Cologne legend has it that this was the home of the elves who were said to be exemplary craftsmen. The old Christmas Markt or 'the home of the genomes' is a true delight when it comes to food, liquor and gifts....all hand made. Smoked salmon in wood fired traditional oven and ginger bread biscuits 'Lebkuchen' are worth tasting. The Alter Markt with its high quality vintage goods, leaves you craving for more...it is an experience you can't live just once!

The Neu Markt Christmas Market is Cologne's oldest Christmas market. Strategically located on the new market amidst the backdrop of St. Aposteln's Church and Cologne's main expanse of shopping. Glamour and high quality products are a great attraction to the visitors. It offers good wine and dine options.

The Rudolfplatz Christmas Markt is set against the historic backdrop of Hahnentorburg, one of Cologne's three medieval gate houses. It takes you on a journey to a fairytale land. Large fairytale figures and merry illuminations create a special atmosphere very unique and very interesting. The Rudolfplatz Christmas Market is a paradise for the children and takes grown ups back to their own childhood naughtiness....take a walk down the memory lane and relive your childhood days here!

Other than these epic Christmas Markets, Cologne showcases a few others as well. The Cologne Harbour Christmas Market is situated near Malakoff Tower, Swing Bridge and Lindt Schokolade Museum....wow! just a perfect location. It is based on maritime theme and sells high quality art products and culinary delights from all over the world. The colourful programme with pirates, shanty and stage performances makes it a big hit among the visitors. I was so excited at the sight of pirates with eye patches and maidens dressed in red traditional frocks, that my husband literally had to pull me away from them...felt as though I was watching the making of Pirates of Caribbean in real life with Johnny Depp around, sigh! This nautical Christmas market presents itself in the picturesque scenery on the Rhine. With fake ships all around this market, it adds a pinch of adventure to the surrounding festivities.

After my day out at the Koln's Christmas Markets, I'd like to suggest three things to all you fun seekers-

• One, don't forget to take digestion pills with you, after all those yummy irresistible treats, you sure would require to pop a pill or two.

• Two, leave your husbands at home if you plan to shop to avoid all those nasty stares and frowns on your endless purchases.

• Three, take your cameras with you, after all who doesn't want to get clicked near the adorably cute Santa or to capture those brightly lit stalls and the décor.

Truly, the Christmas Market offers a tantalizing treat to all, it provides warmth in the chill of winter. My experience of Koln's Christmas markets was absolutely enthralling. You have to see it, to believe it! Be a part of the celebration...be at the Christmas Markt.