A magical visit to the Aachen Christmas Market
The Aachen Christmas Market is one of Germany’s most enchanting holiday destinations. Every year, thousands of visitors from Belgium, the Netherlands, and beyond come to experience its festive charm.
Spread across several picturesque squares in the heart of the city, Aachen’s market is among the most beautiful and cozy Christmas markets in Germany.
In 2025, the market will be open from November 21 to December 23, giving you plenty of time to soak up the holiday spirit.
What to eat and drink at the Aachen Christmas Market
No visit to the Aachen Christmas Market is complete without indulging in some delicious local treats. Be prepared to queue during busy times — it’s worth it!
Tip: When you order a drink, you’ll pay a small deposit (Pfand) for your cup or mug. Return it to any drink stall on the same market to get your deposit back. Or you can decide to keep your mug as a souvenir.
Here are a few must-try specialties:
- Glühwein – Try both the classic red and the unique white version.
- Eierpunsch – A warm, creamy egg-based drink, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Bratwurst – A German classic that never disappoints.
- Currywurst – Bratwurst topped with flavorful curry ketchup.
- Reibekuchen – Crispy potato pancakes, often served with applesauce.
- Freshly made pancakes and waffles – A sweet treat to end your visit.
Why Aachen Christmas Market is worth the trip
Aachen’s Christmas Market combines cozy holiday charm with rich history. The stalls are set against the stunning backdrop of the Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall, both beautifully illuminated during the season.
Because the city is located near the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, it’s a perfect day trip if you’re visiting nearby cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Maastricht.
How to get to Aachen from international airports
Aachen does not have its own airport, but it’s well-connected to several major international airports in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Find the cheapest and best flights using Skyscanner.
Here’s how to reach the city:
From Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) – ~1 hour 15 min
Düsseldorf is the closest large international airport. You can go to Aachen:
- By train:
- Take a direct train (RE1 or RE4) to Aachen Hbf, which takes about 1h15.
- By car:
- Drive via the A44 motorway, about 1 hour depending on traffic.
From Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) – ~1 hour 30 min
- By train:
- First, take a train from the airport to Köln Hbf (Cologne Central Station).
- From there, transfer to a direct train to Aachen (ICE, RE1, or RE9).
- Total travel time: 1h30 – 1h45.
- By car:
- The drive takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From Brussels Airport (BRU) – ~1 hour 45 min
- By train:
- Take a train to Leuven or Liège (Luik).
- From Liège, there are direct trains to Aachen every hour.
- Total travel time: 1h45 – 2h.
- By car:
- Approximately 1 h 45, depending on traffic.
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – ~3 hours
- By train:
- Take a high-speed train (Thalys or ICE) to Utrecht or Amsterdam Zuid.
- Transfer to a train to Heerlen, then to Aachen.
- Total travel time: around 3 hours.
- By car:
- Driving takes about 2h45 – 3 hours.
You can book your tickets in advance via Trainline or at the different train stations. You can book a car through Rentalcars to have more flexibility in exploring Germany and its Christmas Markets.
Other Christmas Markets nearby
If you’re planning a longer trip, why not explore other magical Christmas markets in the region?
- Cologne Christmas Market – Famous for its multiple themed markets and stunning cathedral backdrop.
-
Düsseldorf Christmas Market – A charming collection of markets with a cozy, festive vibe.
These cities are only 30–60 minutes away, making it easy to combine them into a magical Christmas weekend.
Final tips for visiting the Aachen Christmas Market
- Best time to visit: Weekdays or early in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Bring cash: Many stalls don’t accept cards.
- Dress warmly: It gets chilly, especially in the evenings.
- Keep your mug: If you love the design, you can keep it as a unique souvenir.
Where to stay when visiting the Aachen Christmas Market
➡️ Click here for a full list of top-rated hotels in Aachen, or check out the map here:
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