Monschau Christmas Market

Monschau Christmas Market — Advent magic in the Eifel town

The Monschau Christmas Market is one of the most visited and atmospheric Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia. For four Advent weekends — November 27 to December 20, 2026 — the narrow, cobblestone old town with its half-timbered houses and the Rur river flowing through it transforms into a postcard setting superior to any contemporary city market. Anyone who has been here knows: Monschau is not a market — it's an atmosphere.

The Four Advent Weekends

• November 27–29, 2026 (1st Advent weekend)
• December 4–6, 2026 (2nd Advent weekend)
• December 11–13, 2026 (3rd Advent weekend)
• December 18–20, 2026 (4th Advent weekend)

Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday 11 AM–9 PM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM.

What Makes the Market Special

Around 35 Huts in the Old Town

Instead of a central market square, around 35 wooden huts are spread along the main street, at the market square, at Vincent-Weber-Platz, and in the side alleys. The paths inevitably lead past half-timbered houses, the Rur river, and the Rotes Haus (the famous patrician house) — the journey is part of the experience.

Monschau Mustard and Aachener Printen

The Monschau Mustard Mill is one of the last artisanal mustard mills in Germany — the mustard in 25+ varieties is a classic. In addition, there are Aachener Printen (a type of gingerbread), regional cheeses, mulled wine, Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with rum), potato pancakes, Eifel sausage specialties, and more.

Elf Workshop and Carousel for Families

In the Kolpinghaus, the Elf Workshop opens every Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM — crafting activities for children. A historic carousel spins on Vincent-Weber-Platz. The neighboring nature museum features a dwarf rally.

Live Music in the Evening

On weekends, choirs, tower brass players, alphorn players, and local music groups perform — the acoustics of the narrow old town enhance the Christmas feeling. Program details will be published on monschau.de.

Santa Claus Visits

Every Saturday, Santa Claus strolls through the market and gives gifts to the children.

Hobby and Craft Market in Auklosters

On the weekends of December 4–6 and December 11–13, a Hobby and Craft Market in Auklosters complements the offerings — about 10 additional exhibitors with unique items.

Monschau in the Eifel

Monschau, with just under 12,000 inhabitants, is one of Germany's smallest towns with town rights — and at the same time one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Eifel region. The historic cloth-making town in the valley of the Rur has been shaped for centuries by its industrial history (cloth production), its geographical location between the High Fens and the Belgian border, and its carefully restored buildings. The Christmas market is the biggest tourist event of the year and fills the old town well into the evening hours.