When it comes to traditional Christmas markets, Germany's festive offerings are often the first that come to mind, with their wooden huts, Sachertorte, and intricately designed Lebkuchen. Aachen, a city located near the border of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, is renowned for its Christmas market.
There's even an opportunity to try your hand at ice curling for entertainment. Celebrating its 51st year in 2024, Aachen's Christmas Market will be open from November 22 until December 23. Plus, as it's an outlet, your wallet might just be grateful for those sweeter deals on price tags too. If you're keen to absorb some local culture while in the area, don't miss the city's majestic cathedral and grand city hall - true symbols of this historic location.
During World War Two, a group of brave local youngsters, known as the "Feuerlöschgruppe Dom" , played a crucial role in saving the cathedral from destruction during intense air raids. For history enthusiasts, the cathedral's treasury offers a unique opportunity to admire valuable artefacts, including Charlemagne's skullcap and breastplate, the Proserpine Sarcophagus, and the Crown of Margaret of York.