A Quick Guide to Aachen Christmas Market

So you’re thinking about visiting Aachen, Germany, and its famous Christmas Market or the Aachen Weihnachtsmarkt? Keep reading for your ultimate guide to Aachen Christmas Market!

When is the Aachen Christmas Market?

Dates tend to vary year by year but it is generally open from the end of November until just before Christmas.

Where is the Aachen Christmas Market?

In the city center and the old town around Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) and the town hall. 

Things to Do and See at Aachen Christmas Market

There isn’t too much to do at a Christmas market besides eat, drink, shop, and have a good time. However, Aachen has more to give! See below my must do’s when you’re at the Aachen Christmas Market.

Tip: Bring cash. Many stalls do not take cards so make sure to bring cash with you. 

1) Food

Enjoy some typical German foods. Check out the many stands and pick what you like!  Try out the Bratwurst (my favorite), Krakauer wurst, currywurst, fries, reibekuchen, cinnamon rolls, traditional German gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), chocolate, and many more. As a Belgian I was disappointed they didn’t have Smoutebollen but apparently, that’s typical Belgian (or Dutch if you try the equivalent Oliebollen).

2) Aachener Printen

When you’re in Aachen, you simply have to buy a bag of Aachener Printen (for yourself or as a gift for someone). Aachener Printen is a gingerbread cookie (lebkuchen). The shops will have their display windows dressed up with their Aachener Printen so enjoy your window shopping for the day (and don’t forget to buy one as well).

3) Drinks

For drinks, you can drink gluhwein, hot chocolate, and Christmas Punch. 

Fun fact:  Try the Aachener Dom Liqueur, an Aachen specialty.

4) Get a themed mug

Drinks at German Christmas markets come in mugs or glasses. When you order your first drink you’ll need to ‘buy’ the mug/glass. If you like the cup and want to keep it as a souvenir then you can (that’s what I did). Otherwise, when you’re done drinking you bring back the cup and get your deposit back.

5) Do some Christmas Shopping

Shop your snow globes, Aachener Printen, gingerbread houses, woolen products, crafts or Christmas tree ornaments. You can also shop for some gifts!

6) Aachener Dom

Aachen Cathedral is part of the Christmas Market, which can not be unseen. The Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe (805). It was constructed by the order of Emperor Charlemagne. Since then it has seen the coronation of 31 German Kings including Charlemagne himself. Enjoy the gold mosaic work and stained glass. 

Entrance is free.

7) City Hall

The Aachen City Hall or Aachen Rathaus (14th century) stands on the previous site of the Great Place Hall of Emperor Charlemagne.

Aachen Germany Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. It might be small but it’s giving storybook feelings!