The Aachen Christmas Market is an annual winter event that takes place in the city of Aachen, Germany. It is one of the oldest and most historic Christmas Markets in Europe, attracting thousands of visitors each year from all over the world.
The beautiful Christmas Market is known for its charming and festive atmosphere, traditional food and drink, handmade crafts, and various holiday activities for all ages. The location of the market is the historic Old Town of Aachen, which provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities.
The tradition of the Aachen Christmas Market dates back to the 17th century and has been a cherished part of the city’s culture ever since. Today, it is considered one of the top Christmas markets in Germany and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the holiday season in Europe.
Quick information
What can you do at the Aachen Christmas Market?
There are many things you can do, such as explore the beautiful old city, drink mulled wine with friends and enjoy the festivities and decorations all over town. You can find out more about that here.
What is the location of the Christmas market?
The Aachen Christmas Market is located in the city center of Aachen, Germany. The market is situated in front of the Aachen Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Why should you visit Aachen?
You should visit Aachen for its rich history, cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and charming atmosphere.
A short introduction to Aachen
Aachen is a historic city located in the West of Germany, near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. Its location provides a lot of benefits, such as the closeness to major cities like Cologne. It has a population of approximately 250,000 inhabitants and its founding dates back hundreds of years. Aachen is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and important role in European history.
The city was a prominent seat of power during the reign of Charlemagne, the first ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, who established Aachen as his capital in the late 8th century. As a result, Aachen has a wealth of important historical sites, including the Aachen Cathedral, which was built by Charlemagne and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aside from its historical significance, Aachen is also a modern and vibrant city with a lively student population and a thriving arts and cultural scene. The city has several museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Aachen is famous for its thermal springs and spas. The city has a long history of thermal bathing, dating back to the Roman era, and it is still a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness. Aachen’s thermal springs are known for their healing properties and are believed to help alleviate a range of health issues, including joint pain, respiratory problems, and stress.
The Carolus Thermen, a modern thermal spa complex located in Aachen, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and other wellness facilities. With its rich history and reputation for wellness, Aachen is a great destination for those seeking to unwind and rejuvenate.
Overall, Aachen is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modernity, making it a fascinating and dynamic place to visit or live in.
Keyfactbox
Aachen is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the RWTH Aachen University. The university was founded in 1870 and has since become one of the most prestigious technical universities in Germany.
What to do at Aachen Christmas Market
Once you arrived to the beautiful location, you can grab your first glass of mulled wine and enjoy the festivities. There are a variety of things to see and do at the Aachen Christmas Market. Here are some of the most popular activities:
- Explore the stalls: The market features over 120 stalls selling a wide range of handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations. From hand-carved wooden figurines to intricately crafted glass ornaments, there’s something for everyone.
- Sample the food and drink: Aachen Christmas Market is known for its traditional Christmas treats, including gingerbread, marzipan, and hot eggnog. Be sure to try a warm waffle or a freshly baked pretzel to keep you fueled up while exploring the market.
- Attend concerts and performances: Throughout the market, there are a variety of concerts and performances featuring local choirs, orchestras, and other musical acts. These performances help to create a festive atmosphere and add to the holiday spirit.
- Go on dates in the romantic streets: If you are looking for a place to have romantic dates in, the Aachen Christmas Market might be perfect for you. In the evening, when the trees are lit up, you can enjoy the music and go for a drink afterward.
- Enjoy the decorations: The market is adorned with beautiful decorations, including a massive Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and colorful displays. Take a stroll through the market to soak up the festive ambiance.
- Take a ride on the carousel: The market also features a traditional carousel, which is especially popular with children. Go for a spin on the ride and enjoy the views from the top.
Overall, the Aachen Christmas Market is a wonderful place to enjoy the holiday season, with plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Advice: Dress warmly in the German winter season. Although recent winters have been relatively mild, it tends to get very cold at night. A steaming cup of mulled wine will also help you warm up, and you can even get it alochol-free!
Directions
Aachen Christmas Market is located in the city center, near Aachen Cathedral. Here are some directions to get there:
By Car: If you are arriving by car, you can park in one of the city’s parking garages and then walk to the market. There are several parking garages in the city center, including the Parkhaus Büchel, Parkhaus Eurogress, and Parkhaus Theater.
By Public Transportation: If you are arriving by public transportation, the Aachen Hauptbahnhof (Aachen Central Station) is the main train station in the city. From there, you can take a bus or tram to the market. The nearest bus stops are “Aachen Bushof” and “Elisenbrunnen”.
On Foot: If you are already in the city center, you can easily walk to the market. The market is located in the city center, near Aachen Cathedral.
Once you arrive at the market, it is best to navigate by foot, as the market is quite compact and crowded during peak hours.
Why Aachen is definitely worth visiting
Aachen is definitely worth visiting for several reasons:
- Aachen has a rich history and cultural heritage. The city has a number of historic buildings and landmarks that are worth visiting. For example, the Elisenbrunnen is a historic thermal bathhouse that dates back to the early 19th century. The building is now used as a concert hall and cultural center.
- The city is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the Eifel National Park, which is just a short drive away. The city is also located in a hilly region, which provides some great views of the surrounding landscape.
- Aachen hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the CHIO Aachen, which is a world-famous equestrian competition, and the Aachen September Special, which is a cultural festival featuring music, dance, and theater.
- Aachen is famous for its culinary specialties, including Aachener Printen, which is a type of gingerbread biscuit, and Aachener Sauerbraten, which is a traditional German pot roast. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés in the city where you can sample local and international cuisine.
Overall, Aachen is a charming and picturesque city with a rich history and culture. It’s definitely worth visiting for anyone interested in history, architecture, culture, nature, or good food.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds! It can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early in the day will give you more space and time to explore the market at your own pace. If possibe, avoid weekends and visit on a weekday.
Visiting Aachen Christmas Market is worth it
In conclusion, Aachen is a charming and picturesque city in Western Germany that has a lot to offer visitors. It is a city steeped in history and culture, with a rich architectural heritage, including the famous Aachen Cathedral, Elisenbrunnen, Grashaus, Marschiertor, and more.
The Aachen Christmas Market is one of the most popular and enchanting Christmas markets in Germany. Held in the heart of the city’s old town, the market boasts a festive atmosphere, with live music, carol singing, and other performances.
Visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience, with a variety of traditional and handmade crafts, jewelry, and local specialties. The market’s food and drink stalls serve traditional German fare, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes, as well as festive beverages like mulled wine and hot chocolate.
FAQ about Aachen Christmas Market
The opening hours of Aachen Christmas Market can vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the time of year. However, the market is typically open every day from late November to late December. During that time, it opens daily from 10 am to 9 or 10 pm.
Aachen is a historic place with a lot of interesting landmarks and a favorable location, close to the Netherlands and Belgium. The Christmas Market is beautiful and offers a mystical experience for visitors from all over the world.
Aachen is a beautiful and historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors to Aachen can explore a range of attractions, such as the impressive Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of Carolingian architecture.
