Aachen Christmas Market

From November 18 to December 23, Aachen is home to Winter Magic. That's the name of this years Christmas Market, and "magic" is a perfect choice. Aachen, Germany, hosts one of my top 5 European Christmas markets. Wooden stalls start in front of the historic City Hall, wind down narrow streets to the Cathedral, and then lead you back up the other side.

The only sad part of our visit to Aachen was seeing our faithful friend being loaded up and taken away. This statue used to stand just to the left of the Town Hall, but the he's had it pretty rough the last few years. He is showing more than a little wear and tear, so the city passed him over to a company who will repair him and find him another home. I'm sorry to say that it won't be in Aachen. He will be greatly missed.

All of the local stores were all dressed up in their holiday best, and were definitely in the Christmas Spirit. The window of the Printis shop never fails to impress.

We had a fantastic time exploring the city with friends, and making a few new ones along the way as well.

I might have even picked up a Christmas gift or two.

There was so much to see, eat and do that it was almost overwhelming. Almost.

We had a fantastic day in Aachen, and couldn't have chosen a better location to kick off our season of European Christmas marketing. Merry Christmas!