Aachen Christmas Market Guide (Map + Dates 2026)

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The Aachen Christmas Market (Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt) is one of Germany’s most magical Christmas markets and the country’s best-kept secret. It’s also an easy day trip from Cologne, so if you’re in the area during the holiday season, I’d definitely add it to your plans. In this Aachen Christmas Market 2026 guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before you go. From the three market locations (because it’s spread across three separate squares, not just one) to opening hours and where to find the best Aachen Printen, that locals actually buy.

Aachen Christmas Market Review 2026

The Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt is set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Town Hall and the Cathedral. This makes the whole place feel like something out of a medieval fairy tale. And the best part that you don’t need a ticket – the winter market is completely free to explore.

The main Aachen Christmas Market is spread across three different squares – Marktplatz am Rathaus, Katschhof and Münsterplatz. They’re all within an easy walk of each other, and you can also walk to them from the train station. There are also two smaller markets at Holzgraben and Kugelbrunnen, where you’ll mainly find food and drinks.

I’d focus on the main market around the Cathedral and Town Hall. The other two locations are mostly about food, so I’d skip them, especially if you’re visiting Aachen as a day trip from Cologne.

When it comes to staying overnight or visiting Aachen as a day trip, I’d suggest the following. If you’re short on time, stay in Cologne and visit Aachen as a day trip. But if you have a little extra time, I’d stay for one night. The Christmas market is especially magical in the evening when everything lights up, and you’ll also have time to enjoy the city’s famous thermal springs.

💖 My favourite hotel in Aachen: Motel One Aachen
⭐ Rating: 8.4 | 6,290+ reviews
Location: just a few steps from the winter market by the cathedral
What I loved: modern cosy bar, excellent breakfast
Check details & availability: Booking.com | Expedia

I visited this market during a trip that also took me to the Christmas markets in Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Essen, Bonn and Cologne. Honestly, Aachen was the one I found most charming. It wasn’t crowded, the atmosphere felt local, and there were hardly any tourists. It was quite a contrast to the chaos I experienced in Cologne. I loved it so much that I actually wondered whether I should write this post at all or just keep this little hidden gem to myself and the locals.

Aachen Christmas Market Dates 2026

Marktplatz am Rathaus	20 November – 23 December 2026
Katschhof	20 November – 23 December 2026
Münsterplatz	20 November – 23 December 2026

These are the official dates for the main Aachen Christmas Market, which is spread across three squares. The market closes before Christmas, so make sure you visit before the last week of December.

Aachen Christmas Market Map

Here’s an interactive map with the exact locations of all the markets.

Best Christmas Markets in Aachen 2026

Marktplatz am Rathaus

The Christmas market at Marktplatz is set against the backdrop of the 14th-century medieval Rathaus (Town Hall). With more than 50 wooden chalets, this is the main market in Aachen. You’ll find everything, from handmade gifts and decorations to tasty food and mulled wine.

My tip: Try Aachen Printen (spiced gingerbread) from the bakery Nobis. They have been making the traditional Aachen Printen since 1858, and trust me, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds!

Marktplatz am Rathaus Opening times
From 20 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
22 November (Totensonntag) – 6 PM to 9 PM
12 December – 11 AM to 10 PM
23 December – 11 AM to 8 PM
Address: Markt, 52062 Aachen, Germany
Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt official website

Best hotels near Aachen Christmas Market

Katschhof

A few steps away from Marktplatz am Rathaus, you’ll find the market at Katschhof. It is my favourite Christmas market in Aachen because of its picturesque setting. Located right between the stunning Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall, this market boasts a magical atmosphere.

If possible, visit during the day for fewer crowds, but also in the evening to enjoy all the lights and decorations.

My tip: I loved the mulled wine at the OECHER Glühwein-Treff (the oldest Glühwein stall in the city). Their high-quality red mulled wine is made from Dornfelder grapes, and the white from Müller-Thurgau grapes.

Katschhof Opening times
From 20 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
22 November (Totensonntag) – 6 PM to 9 PM
12 December – 11 AM to 10 PM
23 December – 11 AM to 8 PM
Address: Katschhof, 52062 Aachen, Germany

Münsterplatz

At the southern end of the Aachen Cathedral, at Münsterplatz, you’ll find the third location of the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt. The highlight is the Hexenhof, a large temporary Biergarten, where you can enjoy some mulled wine away from the cold. I definitely took advantage of it, as during my visit the temperature was about -10°C (14°F). It was a perfect place to hide out and warm up for a bit!

Münsterplatz Opening times
From 20 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
22 November (Totensonntag) – 6 PM to 9 PM
12 December – 11 AM to 10 PM
23 December – 11 AM to 8 PM
Address: Münsterplatz, 52062 Aachen, Germany

Besides the main Christmas market, there are two Advent Markets located on Holzgraben and Kugelbrunnen. The stalls at both markets sell only food, so skip them, unless you’re staying in the city for more than one day.

However, if you’re travelling with kids, you may want to check out the market at Holzgraben, which features a children’s carousel.

What to do in Aachen at Christmas

Enjoy some festive music at St. Nikolaus Church

If you’re visiting Aachen during the weekends, head to St. Nikolaus City Church for some festive music. The church is open daily until 7 PM. You can see the St. Nikolaus Church concert program here.

Relax in the Carolus Thermen Spa

Aachen is famous for its thermal springs, one of the hottest in Central Europe. They owe their temperature (up to 74 degrees) to the Eifel volcanoes. Highly popular among the Celts and Romans in the past, the springs still attract millions of visitors.

In fact, Carolus Thermen Spa is the best place to be on a cold winter day!

Visit the Aachen Cathedral

The Aachen Cathedral is a stunning example of early medieval architecture. Constructed in the late 8th century by Emperor Charlemagne, it served as the coronation site for German kings from 936 to 1531. Aachen Cathedral is one of the most stunning cathedrals I’ve seen, so be sure to take your time and explore its interior!

The central part of the cathedral, known as the Palatine Chapel, has an octagonal shape with a dome at the top. It is decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes, depicting biblical scenes. One of the cathedral’s highlights is Charlemagne’s Throne, a large marble chair believed to have been used by Charlemagne himself during his reign.

Don’t miss the treasury, located in the upper gallery. It features 130 unique religious artefacts, including a silver and gold bust of Charlemagne and the Cross of Lothair, dating from 1000 AD.

Admire the Aachen Town Hall

A few steps away from the cathedral, you’ll find the impressive Aachen Town Hall (Rathaus).
It was built in 1350 on the site of the Carolingian palace, the former palace of Charlemagne. The Town Hall is a stunning example of German Gothic architecture. One of its highlights is the Coronation Hall (Krönungssaal), known for its impressive cross-ribbed vaults and stunning frescoes illustrating Charlemagne’s life.

The Aachen Town Hall is open to visitors, and you can visit several of its splendid rooms, including the Coronation Hall. During my visit, there were hardly any people (despite the crowded markets outside), and I almost had the place to myself.

Visit the Couven Museum

The Couven Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century townhouse. Built in 1663 as a pharmacy, the house underwent renovation in 1786 by its owner, Andreas Monheim. The renowned architect Jakob Couven was entrusted with the task of transforming the house into a Rococo masterpiece.

One of the highlights of the Couven Museum is its recreated period rooms, which offer a glimpse into the lives of Aachen’s middle class in the 18th century. You can step back in time and explore the authentic furnished rooms, including bedrooms, salons, and dining areas.

Aachen Christmas Market Food

Food is a big part of any Christmas Market, and this market is no exception. You’ll find the traditional Reibekuchen (fried potato pancakes), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), roasted chestnuts, stewed mushrooms and of course Glühwein.

However, the star is the Aachener Printen – a local variation of gingerbread (Lebkuchen) made of flour, sugar beet syrup and spices. It is one of the best gingerbread cookies I’ve tried in Germany!

My tip: For some of the best Aachen Printen in the city, head to Nobis Printen e.K. They have been specialising in making traditional Aachen Printen since 1858.

Best Christmas markets near Aachen

Cologne Christmas Market

Just 1 hour away by train, you’ll find the Cologne Christmas market, one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. In fact, there are 8 large Christmas markets, all located in the city centre of Cologne. So, I’d recommend you spend at least 2 full days in the city, so you can see them all. However, if you’re planning a day trip to Cologne, be sure to visit the following three markets – Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Heinzels Wintermärchen at Heumarkt and Alter Markt.

Find everything you need to know to plan your visit in my Cologne Christmas market review.

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FAQs about Aachen Christmas Market

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