If you are a fan of the festive season, chances are you have already heard of Aachen, the stunning medieval city in western Germany, nestled between the borders of France and Belgium and you may also have heard of the Aachen Christmas Market.
For those of you who don’t know the town, imagine a city straight out of a fairytale, especially for a few weeks during the holidays, when the cobbled-stoned streets of the old town fill up with carol singers drinking Glühwein and the majestic cathedral square hosts one of the best Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, in the country.
If you’re planning a holiday trip or are looking for a truly European Christmas experience, the Aachen Christmas Market should be on your list. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
A Festive Guide to the Aachen Christmas Market: Why You Should Go and What to Expect
The Christmas markets originated in Germany, Austria, the South Tyrol and Alsace, but they have now spread throughout Europe and between the end of November and the end of December, you can shop for local arts and crafts, drink mulled wine, eat local specialities and soak up the festive atmosphere at one of many ‘Christkindlmarkts‘
What to expect at the Aachen christmas market
From late November to just before Christmas Eve, the heart of Aachen seems to come alive with hundreds of wooden chalets, each lit up by strings of fairy lights. And what is truly magical is that each stall feels like a tiny world of its own, where local artisans sell handcrafted treasures—perfect for thoughtful, last-minute Christmas gifts !
As you wander among the chalets, you’ll find hand-carved ornaments as well as hand-carved nativity figures (a perfect gift for someone who loves a traditional Christmas), woollen scarves and gloves, hand-painted ceramics and toys, and much more !
Make sure you bring some cash with you— even if they take card, many vendors still prefer the old fashioned bills and coins.
What else to do in Aachen : Discover Aachen’s winter charm
A visit to Aachen wouldn’t be complete without exploring the stunning Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site right beside the market. Make sure you take a moment to go inside and admire its soaring architecture and golden mosaics— and the festive atmosphere makes this an even more unforgettable experience.
If you venture a little further in the old town, you’ll find cozy cafés and independent bookstores tucked away on cobblestone streets—perfect spots to escape the cold and cosy up with a warm beverage. And if you have a bit more time, take a short trip to Monschau, a nearby village straight from a storybook. With its timber-framed houses leaning over a gentle river, it’s one of the most picturesque places to visit in the region, especially during the festive season.
Shopping in Aachen
Numerous artisan stalls make up the Christmas markets, but you can also find a range of shops in the ‘“Altstadt” and if the weather is disappointing there are a range of indoor shopping options in department stores or shopping centres.
In the Altstadt, you’ll find cobbled alleyways lined with independent boutiques, artisanal shops, and charming local cafés, making every stroll feel like a discovery.
If you want a one-stop shopping destination, head to Aquis Plaza (on Adalbertstraße / Kaiserplatz). It’s a modern mall in the city centre with a great mix of high-street brands, plus a food court so you can recharge mid-shopping.
If you’re after something uniquely local, don’t miss the traditional Printen bakeries near the Cathedral or the outlet stores like Lindt and Lambertz, where you can pick up delicious chocolate treats and gingerbread souvenirs.
Must-try food and local specialties
Presents are important but so is food – and trust me, the food at the market won’t disappoint. Some could even say that the festive treats alone make Aachen worth the trip! From the famous bratwurst to cheese raclette served over potatoes, the roasted chestnuts and the waffles dusted with sugar — there is something for everyone !
And you’ll find many stalls selling Aachen specialties, such as the Aachener Printen—a type of gingerbread that dates back to the 15th century, often shaped like hearts or stars and sometimes coated in chocolate or decorated with almonds!
You can pair one of these with a cup of hot cocoa or even a mug of Glühwein or apple cider that give a cinamony scent to the air — all whilst listening to the sound of Christmas carols echoing through the streets of the old town.
Practical information about The Aachen Christmas Market.
The Aachen Christmas market takes place from November 21st to December 23rd, and will be located between the Aachen Cathedral square (Domplatz) and town hall (Rathausplatz).
Now a word of caution, Aachen gets busy during the winter time, mainly because of its world famous Christmas market. So if you are planning on heading over there in December, make sure you choose a hotel near the old town for easy walking access (and book early!).
Helpful Tips for Visiting the Aachen Christmas Market
Timing: Make sure you take your time exploring the chalets and if you want a quieter experience, visit the market on weekday mornings. Evening visits are magical too, with the market lights reflecting off the cobblestones, but it can get crowded closer to Christmas. And naturally, weekends are much busier so if you can head over in the week, you’ll be able to explore the market in a quieter fashion.
Dress Warmly: Aachen can be cold in December (the temperatures drop close to freezing as the holidays grow nearer), so dress in layers and bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and a hat. Comfortable shoes are also essential for navigating the cobbled streets and spending hours exploring. And don’t forget your camera !
Transportation: Aachen is easily accessible by train from Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Brussels, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. If you’re driving, there are several car parks within walking distance of the Cathedral Square. The nearest ariports are Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, or Brussels.
Explore Beyond the Market: While the Christmas market is the main attraction, don’t miss out on exploring the rest of Aachen. The city’s historic architecture, charming boutiques, and delicious restaurants make it a wonderful destination any time of year.
Book Accommodations Early: Aachen is a popular destination during the holiday season, and accommodations can fill up quickly. Book your hotel well in advance to secure a good spot near the market.
Aachen Christmas Market: Germany’s fairytale festivities near the French border
So whether you’re chasing the best Christmas markets in Germany or simply craving a taste of winter charm before the big day (25th that is), Aachen offers everything you could wish for: glowing lights, delicious food, and a warm, festive spirit. So if you can, head there in early December, grab a cup of Glühwein, and let the Aachen Weihnachtsmarkt wrap you in its fairytale magic.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about the Aachen Christmas Market, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.
If you love the magic of European Christmas markets as much as I do, don’t miss our free 37-page guide to the Best European Christmas Markets — packed with insider tips, travel advice, and festive inspiration. (available from mid November to end December) ✨
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With love,
