Yesterday (21 December) we made the mistake of going to Maastricht for the day. I am not exaggerating when I say it was apocalyptically crowded. The city centre had officially transformed into a human can of sardines. At times I genuinely wondered whether movement was still optional or if we were all just being slowly carried along by the mass.
Finding parking was a quest straight out of a nightmare. Every parking garage we tried was completely full, sealed shut, and mocking us. After driving in circles long enough to question our life choices, we eventually gave up hope and parked far away in the street and walked go city center.
Now for the big question: tomorrow (23 December) we’re considering a day trip to Aachen, but only if it hasn’t descended into the same festive chaos. If Aachen is even remotely comparable, we will absolutely, without hesitation, stay far away.
We’re traveling with a 5-month-old, which means crowds of that magnitude are not just inconvenient, they’re a full logistical operation involving timing, patience, and sanity.
So please be honest: is Aachen around this time of year equally packed to the brim? And if we do dare to go, where on earth can one still park without losing the will to live?
Tomorrow’s the day before Christmas Eve in a city with, arguably, one of the most renowned Christmas markets in Germany which, to boot, is just around the corner of the Netherlands and Belgium whose people seem to be completely smitten by the concept of German Christmas markets.
So yeah, expect some people in the streets.
Edit for parking. Parking in Aachen comes close to a nightmare at the best of days. I would advise you to not even try entering the centre but to park somewhere outside and walk to the city or take a bus.
They can park at a park and ride at Westfriedhof, then take the bus into tje city
Yes it is packed. Trying to go through the city center is a literal nightmare. If you're thinking of visiting the Christmas market, avoid the weekends at all costs and try to stop by in the morning, when the stalls are about to open.
Honestly I'd recommend parking out of city bounds and take a bus to the Christmas market. There is park & ride parking near the "Prager Ring" bus stop, but beware of the non-public parking spots that are excessively priced. Alternatively try parking somewhere in Haaren and take a bus from there.
Yeah its crowded as hell
last week there were 30 minutes of traffic just to get into the parking lot. It's full, especially around the christmas market area.
If you want a nice and not crowded Christmas market, try Schloss Merode or Monschau :)
You could've used one of the the 5 P+R parking lots and taken the bus into the city (with discounted tickets)
Schloss Merode was very crowded when we went there. They wouldn't let people in until someone went out.
Same for us last year
It will be absolutely dreadful the coming days and it’s last day tomorrow. Better comeback next year end of November or beginning of December, will be much more enjoyable.
It was already crowded at 2 mid day. I was there twice and wasnt even able to reach the shops because it was so crowded, you HAVE to Go with the flow. Maastricht is nearly nothing in comparison.
I think it’s both a lottery.
Sometimes you ask yourself where all the people are coming from and sometimes you’re wondering where everyone is… Of course within reason. Obviously it’s more crowded on a weekend and in the evenings than a weekday in mid-December at noon…
Parking: park at the Tivoli Parkhaus… your Ticket (5€) is also a Bus Pass to go into the city directly to the Christmas Market…
Here are more park&ride options that are really affordable, doable and easier than even trying to park within the inner city ring:
https://aachenweihnachtsmarkt.de/site/assets/files/1063/stac_p_r_2025_d_online.pdf
considering its virtually the only thing to do in the city during this time, what do you think?
Driving to Maastricht by car was your first mistake. There is a free P+R in the north. Only stupid people park in the city center.