A stunning spa city located within a short distance from the country’s border, Aachen features a lovely, old town beauty with fascinating medieval architecture, quaint villages, and a baroque town hall. For tourists who are into culture and interesting traditions, Aachen is definitely a must-visit city in Germany and there are plenty of things to do here.
It really is an astonishing hideaway destination, especially during the yuletide season. As the winter breeze starts to envelop the city and the Christmas lights are brought out, winter markets emerge to provide residents and visitors a holiday that they will never forget. If you’re planning to visit this German city during winter, here is a list of the top Christmas markets in Aachen, Germany, which you can browse below.
Upcoming events:
- Equestrians will be delighted to know that Aachen holds its own equestrian festival, CHIO Aachen. Riders and horses test themselves in jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, and vaulting in late June - early July.
Winter in Aachen:
- According to Weather Spark, winter in the city is cold, windy, and usually overcast. Tourists should plan keeping in mind that January is the coldest month, and temperatures can reach an average low of 33°F (0.55°C) and high of 41°F (5°C).
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Christmas traditions in Germany
In Germany, people of all faiths come together for one of the loveliest celebrations of Christmas in the world. According to deutschland.de, some of the country’s Christmas traditions are:
- Setting up and decorating a Christmas tree
- Singing and playing music together
- Enjoying simple dishes on Christmas Eve, such as potato salad with sausages
- Serving potato dumplings and red cabbage on the first or second day of Christmas
On top of that, visitors to Aachen get to experience lively Christmas markets in not just the city, but outside of it as well. If you’re visiting a Christmas market for the first time, you can learn what to expect by checking out our handy guide.
Christmas market in Aachen
1. Aachen Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The historic area surrounding Aachen Town Hall and the cathedral will shine bright with Christmas lights and be heavily adorned with Advent ornaments. A paradise where people can buy gifts and sample food, Aachen Christmas Market is a wonderful district and, based on what I’ve read, is one of the best places to go to for some shopping during this season of giving. The market attracts roughly 1.5 million people in foot traffic every year. With the picturesque views of the old town center, the colorful Christmas decorations, and the sound of joyful carols, you will fall in love even more with Aachen this Christmas.
Aachen Christmas Market
Address: MAC – Märkte & Aktionskreis City e.V., Theaterstraße 65, D-52062 Aachen
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website for Aachen Christmas Market
Website: Aachen Christmas Market
Highlights: Baked treats, carousel, toys, crafts
Nearby Christmas markets
2. Bonn Christmas Market
One of the most wonderful times to spend a vacation in Germany is during the yuletide season, as lots of winter markets emerge to attract tourists. Not only are these markets a paradise that will tickle your senses, but they are also a paradise where you can make lasting memories. In the quaint village of Bonn, you’ll find one of the grandest yuletide markets in Germany. Filled with flickering lights, it is a venue where hundreds of sellers from all over town gather to offer their Christmas products. Here, you can sample premium wine and snack on aromatic gingerbreads. Also, ready your wallet as you will surely splurge on various artisan products to gift to your loved ones. You can also take many souvenir pictures with the reindeer by the entrance.
Bonn Christmas Market
Address: Munsterplatz, Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website for Bonn and Region
Website: Bonn Christmas Market
Highlights: Gingerbread, mulled wine, baked apples, potato pancakes, chocolate fruits, handicrafts, leather goods, textiles
3. Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Highlighting the Gothic cathedral of Cologne during the holiday season, the festivities in this area of Germany are out-of-this-world magical. Glowing with lights together with stars from above, this winter market is filled with wonderful offerings. From afar, you’ll smell the aroma of freshly cooked delicacies and hear the enchanting music of children singing. Scattered across the area are decorated wooden stalls that will compel you to try out sugary treats and buy small gifts such as traditional crafts and home decors. The Christmas spirit in this winter market will captivate you in ways you will never forget. I was mesmerized by just the photos!
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Address: KW Cologne Christmas Society mbH, Goethestrasse 2, 51379 Leverkusen
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website for Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
Website: Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
Highlights: Handicraft products, traditional German food, international treats, free events, children’s program
4. Düsseldorf Christmas Market
Swing by Königsallee and experience the festivities at Düsseldorf Christmas Market. A bustling district filled with fairy lights and the scent of hot chocolate and other holiday desserts, there is no way you can resist exploring this attraction in the heart of the city, especially at night. Aside from various shops selling goods, you can enjoy sliding and gliding on the vast ice skating rink. Plus, a wonderful Christmas program awaits families for a magical experience that is one for the books.
Düsseldorf Christmas Market
Address: Blvd. Königsallee, Marktpl. 3, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website for D.LIVE
Website: Düsseldorf Christmas Market
Highlights: Themed markets, ice rink, Ferris wheel, arts and crafts, mulled wine
5. Essen Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
In my opinion, this is one market that people of all ages will surely love. Essen Christmas Market should be on your itinerary when you visit Germany this holiday season. Hundreds of concession stand from different countries offer a taste of their delicious specialty foods. Be sure to buy some of their crafts, from home decor to winter clothes, African handicrafts, souvenir items, jewelry, and more. In the center, an astonishing Christmas tree stands tall and watches over the yuletide shenanigans. Be sure to try some sumptuous Peruvian potatoes and score some fine accessories from South Asia.
Essen Christmas Market
Address: Kardinal-Hengsbach-Platz, 45127 Essen, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please refer to Visit Essen
Website: Essen Christmas Market
Highlights: Children’s carousel, baked treats, international food, perfumes
6. Monschau Christmas Market
A romantic attraction for the festive season, this market is a cute little Christmas gathering in Monschau, Germany. It is a dreamy paradise that is almost overwhelming with all the fairy lights and the delicious smell of Christmas - from pine trees and snow to baked delights and hot drinks. Here, you’ll experience an authentic Christmas spirit, where people are all smiling and having a merry time. Shops are disguised in wooden cabins decorated with lights and ornaments. Every corner is bustling with shoppers, waiting for their turn to be accommodated. Plus, a view of the Castle of Monschau, as well as half-timbered homes, adds charm to the whole experience.
Monschau Christmas Market
Address: Marktplatz, Markt, 52156 Monschau, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Stadt Monschau
Website: Monschau Christmas Market
Highlights: Three large Christmas trees, handicrafts, decorations, Christmas ornaments, Moutarde de Montjoie (mustard), small presents from the market’s Santa
Fall in love with Aachen this Christmas season
Aachen is a lovely city with fascinating old town features. Most of the places here are gorgeous and almost resemble those wonderful little villages in a snowglobe. In a city as beautiful as this, combined with festive German traditions, it is no wonder that the city turns into a winter wonderland boasting bright Christmas markets in every corner during the Advent season. If you are planning a trip to this charming city soon, use this list as your guide in planning an itinerary.
If you’re here for the long haul, why not book yourself one of the city’s top Airbnbs for a lovely stay?
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