Half-timbered houses covered in Christmas lights, atmospheric stalls between historic lanes and the scent of mulled wine, sweet treats and regional specialities: in 2026, the Monschau Christmas Market once again takes place on all four Advent weekends.
Christmas Market Monschau 2026: dates, opening hours & tips
When is the Christmas Market in Monschau?
In 2026, the Christmas Market takes place on all four Advent weekends. Unlike many larger Christmas markets, it is not open every day, but from Friday to Sunday each weekend.
The market is spread across several parts of the historic old town. This means that not only the market square, but a large part of the town centre becomes part of the festive setting.
Visiting Monschau for the first time? Combine the Christmas Market with more of the town and its surroundings on our Monschau surroundings page .
What can you expect at the Monschau Christmas Market?
Much of the atmosphere comes from the combination of the Christmas Market and Monschau's historic old town. The stalls sit between half-timbered houses, small shops and narrow streets along the River Rur.
Christmas stalls in the old town
Around 35 festively decorated stalls are spread across different parts of Monschau. You will also find additional offerings in shops, the market hall and at several squares around town.
Arts & crafts at the Aukloster
During the second and third Advent weekends, additional hobby and arts & crafts markets are held in the cloister of the Aukloster.
Monschau specialities
Alongside classic Christmas Market food, you will find regional products such as Monschau mustard, Printen and other local treats.
St Nicholas on Saturdays
St Nicholas walks through the Christmas Market on Saturdays, making this an especially enjoyable day for families with children.
Children's elf workshop & carousel
On Saturdays there is an elf workshop for children. A historic carousel can also be found at Vincent-Weber-Platz.
Music in the evening
On Saturdays and Sundays, local music groups or tower brass musicians add to the festive atmosphere in the old town in the early evening.
A Christmas Market between half-timbered houses and the River Rur
During Advent, Monschau feels very different from larger Christmas Market cities. The market is not separate from the town: it winds naturally through the historic old centre.
Between the stalls you can wander through the old streets, visit small shops and sample local specialities.
Want to discover typical local products? Read more about the delights of Monschau . The historic Senfmühle mustard mill is another well-known stop in town.
- mulled wine and hot drinks
- Printen and sweet treats
- regional products and gifts
- arts, crafts and Christmas decorations
- the historic old town as a unique festive backdrop
Parking at the Monschau Christmas Market
During the Christmas Market, the historic old town is closed to regular car traffic. For day visitors, the official Park & Ride system is therefore the easiest way to reach the centre.
Sun.: 09:30–20:00
Sat.: 10:00–21:00
Sun.: 10:00–20:00
Sun.: 10:00–20:00
Last updated: October 2026. Before travelling, please also check the latest information on the official website of the town of Monschau .
Enjoy the Christmas Market without having to drive home
Monschau is considerably busier than usual during the Advent weekends. Staying in town lets you enjoy the Christmas Market at a more relaxed pace and wander through the illuminated streets in the evening.
Our apartments are located in and around the historic old town. From several of our accommodations, you can simply walk to the Christmas Market.
- no drive home after the Christmas Market
- experience the old town after dark
- restaurants and shops within walking distance
- combine the Christmas Market with a weekend in Monschau
A weekend at the Monschau Christmas Market
Stay for a night and the Christmas Market does not have to be a rushed day trip. You can combine the town, the market and the surrounding Eifel region at a much more relaxed pace.
Arrive and visit the Christmas Market in the evening
After checking in, walk straight into the old town and experience the Christmas Market in the evening, when the lights are at their best.
Discover Monschau
Spend the morning exploring the town at an easy pace. Our Monschau surroundings guide gives you plenty of ideas for your stay.
Christmas Market & St Nicholas
St Nicholas visits the Christmas Market on Saturdays. Families with children can also visit the children's elf workshop.
Explore the Eifel or enjoy one last walk through the market
Before heading home, take one more walk through the Christmas Market or plan a short trip into the surrounding Eifel region .
Frequently asked questions about the Monschau Christmas Market 2026
When is the Monschau Christmas Market in 2026?
The Christmas Market takes place over four weekends: 27–29 November, 4–6 December, 11–13 December and 18–20 December 2026.
What are the opening hours?
On Fridays and Saturdays, the Christmas Market is open from 11:00 to 21:00. On Sundays, it closes at 20:00.
Where can you park for the Monschau Christmas Market?
Day visitors can use Park & Ride services from locations including Imgenbroich, Höfen and Schulzentrum Haag. The historic old town itself is closed to regular car traffic during the Christmas Market.
Is it worth staying overnight in Monschau?
Yes, especially if you want to experience the Christmas Market in the evening and explore the historic old town at the same time. Our accommodations in Monschau are located in and around the centre.
Is the Christmas Market suitable for children?
Yes. St Nicholas visits the Christmas Market on Saturdays. There is also a children's elf workshop and a historic carousel.
What else can you see in Monschau besides the Christmas Market?
The historic old town is well worth exploring. For more ideas, take a look at our Monschau surroundings guide .
Visit the Christmas Market and stay right in Monschau
Experience the Christmas Market in the evening, explore the historic old town and start the next morning relaxed and ready for another day in the Eifel.
