Market Dates: November 19 – December 23, 2021
In the heart of Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, the state’s most famous Christmas market is in full swing, the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt. Having been voted as one of Europe’s top ten Christmas Markets, it is no surprise that travelers are flocking to this historic city. With fresh baked gingerbread in one hand and hot chocolate in the other, we found ourselves completely immersed in the Aachen Christmas spirit. Never visited a German market before? Don’t worry, this guide will ensure you have the best experience at Aachen’s Christmas Market!
Current Rules
Due to COVID-19, Aachen has adopted Germany’s 2G regulation policy for their 2021 Christmas Market. While the market itself does not require a ticket, guests must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. From our experience at the market, our vaccination status was checked at the first food booth we purchased from. This booth also provided us with a wristband that indicated we were fully vaccinated. In other areas of the market, guest’s vaccination statuses are checked at a gate/booth before they can enter the shopping area.
Are masks required? Yes. A medical or FFP2 mask is required at all times (Unless eating or drinking).
Click here to read Aachen’s exemption policy & regulations for children.
If you are visiting from outside the EU, I recommend heading to a local apothecary in Germany to have your vaccination card transcribed. This will provide you with an EU digital pass and a barcode. You can then upload the barcode you receive to the CovPass app to show at all markets.
Note: To be considered fully vaccinated under 2G regulations, guests must have received both vaccination doses and 14+ days have passed since their last dose.
Market Location
This year, Aachen’s market takes place in front of the Aachen Cathedral and the city’s Rathaus. Make your way towards either of these buildings and you will find yourself immersed inside the city’s bustling market in no time.
Aachener Printen
While in Aachen, you cannot miss out on their famous gingerbread! Not a fan of Lebkuchen style gingerbread? Aachener printen is nothing like Lebkuchen. Infact, it is even a geographically protected product that has been recognized by the Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus as the ambassador for North Rhine-Westphalia (The state where Aachen is located).
My husband and I are not huge Lebkuchen fans, but we adore Aachener printen. The crunchy spices that hide throughout the dough, the semi-soft texture and the droolworthy aroma just cannot be beat. While visiting the market, you will see a large number of vendors selling Aachen’s gingerbread.
I recommend trying a variety pack from one of the booths as this allows you to taste traditional Aachener printen as well as an iced, chocolate and nut version.
Fun Fact: Aachen’s market mascot is a 6 meter Aachener Printen cookie! (Pictured above)
German Delights
Not in the mood for gingerbread? Aachen has a wide variety of food vendors to choose from. If this is your first market, be sure to try German bratwurst at least once. As seasoned market visitors, however, we wanted to try something new this visit… fried cauliflower! I know, I know. Who wants vegetables at a Christmas market? Funny enough, we actually thought the same thing until we saw how popular the vegetable stand was. Turns out, fried cauliflower with hollandaise sauce is pretty delicious (and popular with the locals).
Want something more sweet? Try fresh nougat or a steaming cinnamon bun (we opted for the salted caramel bun).
Want a Christmas Market Food Guide? Follow us on Instagram to be notified FIRST when our guide comes out!
Adorable Mugs
Guests may be surprised that Aachen has witch themed glühwein mugs. These are actually pretty coveted in the Christmas mug community, so snag one when you see it! Not sure where to find the witch mugs? Look for the stands labeled Hexenhof.
Never bought a drink at the Christmas market? You may be surprised when the vendor charges you 8 Euros for a drink labeled 5 Euros. Don’t worry, they’re not ripping you off! Each drink has a fee associated with it. This fee is essentially a deposit for the mug to ensure that guests return the mug to the vendor. If you choose to keep the mug, you will not recieve the deposit back. If you do not wish to keep the mug, you can turn the mug back into the vendor. They will then refund you the deposit fee (usually about 1-3 euros).
Tip: You can ask to purchase just the mug if you do not want glühwein.
Toilets
After eating to your heart’s content, you may need to use the restroom. There are bathroom caravans situated throughout the market. Look for a sign labeled ‘WC’ (this is the bathroom symbol in Germany). If you cannot locate the restroom, go to a food vendor and simply say ‘Toilette?’ while motioning around (indicating you are trying to locate one). Bathroom and restroom are unfamiliar terms to Germans who are not fluent in English. ‘Toilette’ is a term every German speaker will understand. If you are feeling more confident in your pronunciation, you can ask, ‘Wo ist die Toilette?’
Handmade Goods
I like to keep my eyes peeled for unique vendors at Christmas markets. Aachen always offers a variety of handcrafted items that other markets may lack. Personally, I am partial to their hand painted Christmas villages (a popular collectors item) and the craft vendors.
Tip: Do not try to haggle with vendors. Prices are generally non negotiable and it is considered insulting.
Children’s Carousels
Children can jump on the carousel for a quick spin while parents relax with a snack. While the large Aachen carousel is not present this year, there are a few smaller carousels present.
Ice Curling
On the market’s website, it is noted that ice curling is available this year. During our visit, however, we were unable to locate an ice curling area. If you locate this area, please message us. We would love to update the blog to include it’s location. According to the website, reservations can be made here.
When to visit?
For this particular market, I prefer to visit during the day. This allows for better pictures of the Aachener Printen mascot and it is slightly less crowded than nighttime. If you have never been to a Christmas Market, however, I would recommend experiencing at least one market at night. The atmosphere during the day and the atmosphere at night are two totally different experiences that I think everyone should have at least once.
Dog Friendly
Have a pet you want to travel with? No worries! Aachen’s market is dog friendly. Given our experience at Christmas markets, however, I would only recommend bringing your dog during the day. If you plan to visit the markets at night (which can start at 1600 in Winter), also be aware that there will be broken glass on the floor, large crowds and rowdy drinkers. I recommend carrying your dog at night or investing in dog boots with hard bottoms (These are the ones Jasper wears).
Tip: Don’t forget a waterproof jacket for your dog (This is our favorite Jasper uses for Snow/Rain)!
Transportation
If you are traveling by train or bus, you will want to set your destination as Aachen hbf. Once you arrive at the train station, you will head towards Aachen Cathedral. If you walk, it will only take you about 15 minutes to reach the heart of the market.
If you are driving, I recommend this parking garage. It is less than a 5 minute walk from the market and the garage itself has ample parking.
Tip: Just outside of the parking garage, there is a red chair photo spot (pictured above).
Looking for Christmas markets around Germany? Check out these Blogs:
Your Ultimate Guide to the Frankfurt Christmas Market – Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt
Your Ultimate Guide to the Heidelberg Christmas Market – Weihnachtsmarkt
The Ultimate Guide to Wiesbaden’s Twinkling Star Christmas Market – Sternschnuppenmarkt
Everything You Need To Know For The Perfect Edelweiss Lodge Vacation in Garmisch, Germany
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