A guide to Monschau Christmas Market in Germany

In Germany you are rather spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets, but for somewhere a little bit different and undiscovered, it has to be Monschau. 

Is Monschau Christmas Market worth visiting?

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, and cities like Nuremberg, Cologne and Dresden attract thousands of visitors every December, with squares that throng with stalls and chalets selling all manner of gifts, hand-made craft items and tempting food and drink. But if you’re looking for a more boutique experience, escaping the Christmas crowds, then wind your way through the Eifel hills to Monschau, a little town just over the border from Belgium. 

You couldn’t find a more idyllic setting for a Christmas market than Monschau, built in a steep sided valley over the fast flowing River Rur. Half-timbered houses line the riverside streets, a medieval castle overlooks the town, and cobbled lanes wind romantically around pretty market squares and stone bridges. During the Christmas market in Monschau, there are traditional stalls in three different locations, with most being in the main Markt square. When darkness descends and the Christmas lights come on, it heralds a truly magical scene in Monschau.

Sometimes it even snows! What could be better? 

An idyllic setting for one of Germany’s loveliest Christmas markets

When is the Monschau Christmas Market open?

In 2026, Monschau Christmas Market is open for four long weekends leading up to Christmas: 

•    Friday 27th – Sunday 29th November 

•    Friday 4th – Sunday 6th December

•    Friday 11th – Sunday 13th December

•    Friday 18th – Sunday 20th December

The market is open from 11am – 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am – 8pm on Sundays.  

Attractions at the Monschau Christmas Market

See the windows light up in Monschau

The Advent Calendar House

It’s true, there is a building, the Haus Troistorff, that reveals a new lighted window every day from December 1st – 24th. It is one of the grandest mansions in Monschau, and the windows gradually build into a stunning Advent display. The artwork in the windows was designed by students from a local glass art academy, and include subtle references to the textile manufacturing heritage of Monschau. 

Things for the kids  

While adults may swoon at the fairytale ambience of it all, there is still plenty of fun for children in Monschau, such as the vintage carousel in the main market square. Gnomes feature prominently in the Christmas market celebrations, due to local folklore. Kids can get crafty at a gnome workshop in the Kolpinghaus, and take the Wichtelweg (Gnome Path) through the town streets. Saint Nicholas appears at the market every Saturday, giving out presents  and sweets. 

What to eat and drink

You know you’re in Germany, because there are numerous stalls selling bratwurst, currywurst, lebkuchen and kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes). A few gastronomic treasures set Monschau apart, however, like the homemade schnapps hut, and the creamy mushrooms and cauliflower. Remember that when you buy your glühwein, it’s served in a mug that you pay a deposit for. You get the deposit back when you return the mug, or just keep the mug as a souvenir. The ones in Monschau are certainly worth keeping! 

Things to do in and around Monschau

Monschau – small but beautiful

Walk up to the Burg 

The medieval castle overlooking the town was considered impregnable until it was captured by Emperor Charles V in 1543. It was in ruins in the early 20th century until being restored, and while the interior is not open to the public, you can make the short walk uphill and get an impressive view of the town from the castle grounds, especially at dusk as the Christmas lights start to twinkle down below. 

Monschau Mustard Mill

Monschau Mustard Mill has been producing mustard since the late 19th century. The 4th generation family owned business have a shop right in the town where you can sample and buy over 15 types (highly recommended is the fig and beer mustard), or you can tour the mill itself, which is also home to a wine cellar.

Museum Rotes Haus

The ‘Red House’ is one of Monschau’s finest buildings, home to a wealthy cloth maker in the 18th century who spared no expense in its lavish decor. It has been preserved as a museum of that time, complete with intricately carved wooden staircases, fireplaces and marble walls. It is open to the public from 1 April to 30 November, so you might just be able to see inside on your Christmas market visit. 

Driving to Monschau Christmas Market from the UK

It often snows in Monschau, making the scene even more magical

Monschau is one of the closest Christmas markets in Germany to the LeShuttle terminal in Calais. It takes just three hours 50 minutes to drive there directly, using mainly the E40 motorway through Belgium. It’s a lovely part of western Germany, close to the Eifel mountains, the Rhine and only 50 minutes drive from the historic city of Aachen.

Where can I park in Monschau?

The town is closed to cars during the Christmas market weekends. It’s best to park at one of the designated Park and Ride sites at Imgenbroich Bushof, Höfen National Park Gate and School Center Haag.     

Take a romantic seasonal road trip to Monschau with LeShuttle

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas market, Monschau could be the one for you. It’s a hidden sparkling gem, and less than four hours from Calais. Book your Monschau trip today with LeShuttle.