Christmas market warns UK visitors over £833 fine for innocent mistake

UK tourists visiting European Christmas markets have been warned over a strict rule with a £800 fine. Those visiting European Union festive markets have been warned over little-known laws, in particular in Germany, which is a go-to for Brits at Christmas time.

UK tourists have been warned Germany has stringent recycling regulations, which extend to public bins. Anyone found illegally disposing of waste in public bins without proper separation could face hefty fines, it has been warned.

Penalties vary by state and the volume of illegally discarded waste, but can reach up to €1000, approximately £833. In the UK, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Manchester host some of the most sought-after markets, not forgetting London's iconic Winter Wonderland.

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But in a boost for Germany, a recent report suggested Cologne's Christmas market tops the list for ones to visit in 2024. One visitor gushed in a positive review on TikTok, which has been shared widely: "If you haven't booked a European Christmas market yet this year here's why I think you should opt for Cologne."

They added: "So last year I visited seven European Christmas markets and Cologne my absolute favourite." On its website, the Cologne Tourism Board promotes the festive market and explains: "This year the Christmas markets in Cologne opened their gates around November 18, and are welcoming visitors with delicacies such as mulled wine and waffles."

It goes on to also add: "You can explore the many markets in the course of a mulled-wine tour through the cathedral city." A second review gushed: "I loved Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market in Cologne's old town, spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares.

"This is a traditional market, centred around the folk legend of household spirits, the Heinzelmännchen. As well as stalls selling incredible hand-made gifts, there are food stands, live music, artist performances and an ice rink too."