Aachen Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
My Aachen adventure started 3 month ago when together with my husband we decided to move here and see what new exciting things awaits for us in Aachen. I can tell you that everything was much better than we have expected; we have great neighbors, nice colleagues at work and we also managed to make some new friends in this short time. So, don’t believe the rumors, that German people are not friendly; I haven’t encounter an unfriendly one until now :).
Aachen is an medieval city located on the very western edge of Germany. It’s very close to Belgium and Netherlands border, my luck as I am very lucky to go and visit both when I want. The city name is Aachen (or Ai-la-Chapelle in French) and it’s one of the oldest cities in German history. Founded as a spa town by the Romans, it became the preferred residence of Emperor Charlemagne. In medieval times, Aachen was the (unofficial) capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the crowing place of German kings.
So, all of this history brings with it also a lot of architectural beauties including medieval cathedrals and old towns. And Aachen was very fortunate to have most of their historic buildings still intact as they escaped the damage during the Second World War. They are still here for you to explore and admire them.
Have you started listening Christmas music yet ? I have, and I love it, it always brings me joy and ups my days even when the weather outside is gloomy and cold. And together with a hot chocolate or tea is the perfect remedy for this days.
And, this brings me to the Aachen Christmas Market, and why you should visit it . I have already been in the market 2 times and plan to go at least once more with my husband as he didn’t have the chance to come with me the previous times. And, believe me, Aachen Christmas market is such a lovely place to be in this time of year, you shouldn’t miss it.
Aachen Christmas market is almost every year a nominee for the “Best European Christmas Markets” awards and this year also, so, if you like my picture maybe you will want to help with a vote, here is the link where you can do so http://www.aachen.de/DE/stadt_buerger/aktuell/aufmacher_stadt/weihnachtsmarkt.html :).
I have always loved the European Christmas Markets and followed them online,but haven’t had the chance to visit any until now; and I couldn’t miss it when I am living here now ? As you all now, Christmas markets in Germany are very loved and they are always very busy, even on a Tuesday afternoon as you can see in my pictures. And Aachen’ medieval old town is the perfect place for a magical Christmas Market.
The Aachen Christmas Market is the most famous in all of Germany. Set up in the shadow of the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, it looks like a delightful Christmas village during the day, and transforms into a fairyland of sparkling Christmas lights at night.
The Christmas market sells goods of all kinds, from blown glass Christmas tree ornaments to fresh gingerbread. More than 130 trader, artisans, artists and restaurateurs offer their products surrounded by the festive glitter of the city’s Christmas decorations. One of the most famous baked goods that comes out of Aachen is the Printen, a gingerbread-type of cookie. In fact, a giant “Printen” watches over the Aachen Christmas Market as a symbol of the Market’s roots – the very first Christmas Market was actually a “Printen Market.”
And since the Aachen Cathedral towers are right over the Christmas Market, you should take your time to also tour this oldest cathedral in northern Europe. It is so magnificent that in 1978 it was one of the very first World Heritage Sites ever to be designated by UNESCO.
Information about Aachen Christmas Market 2017
This year, Aachen’s Christmas market opened on November 24th and will remain open until December 23rd. The Market is located in the Old Town around the Aachen Cathedral and Rathaus (city hall). It opens at 11:00 every morning, and if you want to admire the market without a lot of people around, you should go right at the opening time.
If you want more information about Aachen’s Christmas Market location and operating hours you can visit Aachen’s Tourist Services page here:
http://www.aachen.de/EN/ts/90_festivals_events/90_30/index.html
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