Cologne's annual Christmas Markets closed their doors for another year on December 23, but not before the German city had the chance to demonstrate exactly why it leads the way in terms of offering the finest traditional food, drink and shopping options – all framed within a classic winter theme. Adrian Lennox reports.

The western German city of Cologne offers seven Christmas Markets, all of which attract almost two million visitors each year. Among them are four big Christmas Markets located at the Cologne Cathedral, on the Alter Markt, on the Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz.

The 'Big Four' markets are framed perfectly within a classic winter theme that would give any major global theme park a run for its money. From the shops and eateries housed in traditional wooden huts to the staff and sellers wearing traditional German costumes; from the tongue-in-cheek Christmas characters located across the venues to the soft and welcoming lights distributed around the seven sites.

The Christmas Market on the Alter Markt takes place in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) and in front of the Old Cologne Town Hall. Shadowed by beautiful narrow-gabled houses and half-timbered stalls, the market conveys a romantic and idyllic feel.

Perfect for children, the Christmas Market on the Alter Markt features a nostalgic children's roundabout, a puppet theatre, Santa's grotto and numerous toy stands.

In addition to the four big Christmas markets, visitors to the city were also tempted by the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market, located at the Chocolate Museum; the Stadtgarten Christmas Market, a fairly large Christmas Market located on the edge of Cologne's oldest park; and finally, 'Christmas Avenue', which is organised by members of the city's vibrant gay and lesbian community.

German-style Christmas Markets can now be found around the world – from Manchester to New York. However, as the adage goes: it is always better to go straight to the source.

It is clear that the organisers of Cologne's Christmas Markets remain focused on providing the best possible experience for visitors who come to the city from far and wide. Some may argue that their enthusiasm is due, in part, to the ever-looming threat of competition from similar events held in nearby Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Koblenz. Ultimately, however, it is clear that Christmas Markets across Germany remain not only a key annual earner for the state, but they also help ensure the country – which is famed for its quality exports across many sectors – remains the leading exponent of the markets which bear its name.