Oh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. This time last December Meg and I escaped to Cologne – we wanted the full Christmas experience: ice-skating, sweet treats, mulled wine to warm us up as we wandered the markets…

…And that’s exactly what we got. Our airbnb wasn’t far from the centre in a sweet residential area – a ten minute walk brought us to the first of the many Christmas markets. We spent hours taking in all the busy stalls, sparkling lights and sugary smells. Apparently we couldn’t get enough sugar, though – one of my favourite parts of the long weekend was the Lindt Chocolate Factory. A visit to the impressive Gothic cathedral is also a must. Another of my favourite moments would have to be the brass band starting up just as we’d snuggled into a table outside with our mulled wines (both of us having disliked the stuff before the trip)!

I hope my Christmas shots of Cologne get you in the festive spirit! The first 5 are on Kodak Portra 400 and the rest are from my Canon DSLR.