Herzogenrath Castle Christmas

Herzogenrath Castle Christmas — Advent Market on the Castle Ramparts

From December 11th to 13th, 2026, the Castle Christmas in Herzogenrath will open its gates on the third Advent weekend. Around the historic Rode Castle and on Ferdinand-Schmetz-Platz, a Christmas atmosphere will be created that is among the most beautiful in the entire Euregio (Aachen–Maastricht–Liège).

Rode Castle — A Historic Backdrop

Rode Castle is the landmark of Herzogenrath: a medieval hilltop castle whose origins date back to the 11th century. Today, it houses cultural institutions, gastronomic offerings, and a registry office. During the Castle Christmas, it forms the immediate stage for the program and artist performances — a setting that is the main attraction for many visitors.

Program — Artists, Choirs, Shows

The Castle Christmas is characterized by its dense stage program. It includes performances by:

• School choirs from Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Schule and Alt-Merkstein-Schule
• The Europaschule Band
• The medieval group Saitentanz
• Christmas Show with Jenny Budek
• Concerts by the Herzogenrath Kapelle Strass, Celina Mars, Uwe Barthel, trumpeter Bruce Kapusta, the Sound'n Soul Gospel Choir
• The Stadtgymnasium Choir, the Herbach Instrumental Ensemble, singer Sarah Schiffer, violinist Martin Guha, and a Fire Duo Show
• To conclude: Rockchristmas with the band Fahrerflucht

Traditionally opened on Friday at 5:30 PM by the mayor.

Market and Culinary Delights

The market extends from the castle ramparts to the city center:

• Stalls with handicrafts, art, and gift items
• Food and hot drinks at food stalls
• The Limburg Knights serve mulled wine, waffles, and traditional dishes
• Festive lighting of the castle and market stalls

Free Shuttle to Kerkrade

A special feature of this border market: During the Castle Christmas, a free shuttle bus runs between Herzogenrath and the Dutch town of Kerkrade. This literally makes the market part of a cross-border Advent experience — visitors from the Netherlands have been a regular part of the audience for years.

Herzogenrath — City in the Border Triangle

The city of Herzogenrath (approx. 47,000 inhabitants) is located in the Aachen Metropolitan Region (North Rhine-Westphalia) directly on the German-Dutch border. With the district of Eurode, it is even administratively connected across the border with Kerkrade in the Netherlands. Its location in the Euregio Maas-Rhine shapes city life and makes the Castle Christmas an international Advent market with German, Dutch, and Belgian visitors.