Christmas Markets 2009 - Cologne or Nuremberg

[luckystrike]

My wife and I (early 30s) are planning to visit either Cologne or Nuremberg for the Christmas Markets in mid-December for three nights (two full days).

We want a fairly relaxing time - plenty of gluvine, beer and tasty German food - as well as an attrative city and the 'traditional' German market experience.

All recommendations will be most welcome.

[dzug]

Well of the two I'd plump for Nuremburg, largely on the grounds Cologne is a bit too big and crowded.

Both are good though

[kira000]

I dont know Nuremberg so cant comment on that. Cologne is good for being relatively compact to get around all 6-7 markets spread over the city, but it was very busy and i hated the way the locals barge into you really hard unless you get out their way! Not joking, never seen it happen anywhere else.

I know not places you asked about but i would highly recommend both Munich (for a german one), or Vienna for similar but austrian). Both FAR nicer than cologne. Try the Flemings hotel in Munich, or one of the K +K hotels in Vienna for places in a good part of town for the markets.