Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt

53 years of magic between Cathedral and Town Hall

The Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the oldest and most prestigious Christmas markets in Germany — and is regularly ranked internationally among the most beautiful Advent markets in Europe. Its 53rd edition in 2026 runs from Thursday 20 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026 around the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and the Gothic Town Hall.

The setting as a unique selling point

Hardly any other Christmas market in Europe boasts a comparable historic backdrop. The stalls are grouped on Münsterplatz, Katschhof, Markt and in the adjacent alleys — between the Carolingian Cathedral of Charlemagne and the medieval Town Hall. Strings of lights on the cathedral towers, the sound of cathedral bells and the scent of Glühwein and roasted almonds merge into an atmosphere that Aachen's marketing rightly describes as "almost familial".

Over 120 exhibitors — and the Aachener Printe

More than 120 traders, craftspeople, artists and caterers set up their wooden huts. A central feature is the Aachener Printe — the city's iconic gingerbread, refined with aniseed, cinnamon, cloves and honey, offered in numerous varieties (classic, with chocolate glaze, with almonds, marzipan-shaped). Other specialities: Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) with apple sauce, Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle (flaming rum punch), oven-baked potatoes, roasted almonds and Schmalzkuchen (deep-fried pastry). Craftspeople offer candles, woodcarvings, glasswork, jewellery and festive decorations.

Opening hours and special rules

The market is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00. Two exceptions apply: on Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead, 22 November) the market opens only at 18:00 out of respect for the day of remembrance. The long Saturday (12 December) is open until 22:00. On the last day (Wednesday 23 December) the market closes at 20:00.

Aachen as imperial city and Three-Border Triangle

Aachen lies at the far western edge of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Aachen City Region, right at the Three-Border Triangle of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. This geographic position is reflected in the visitor profile: about 30 % of market visitors come from Belgium and the Netherlands — making the Aachen market one of the most international Christmas markets in Germany. The city itself, as Charlemagne's coronation site and seat of 32 Holy Roman kings, is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Free Wi-Fi and Park-and-Ride

In cooperation with NetAachen, the city provides free Wi-Fi for all visitors across the entire market area. Drivers should use the Park-and-Ride lots (5 € per vehicle with up to 5 people, incl. shuttle bus to the market).