School Christmas Markets Trip to Aachen
Looking for a magical experience to get your German students talking? Look no further than a school trip to Aachen’s Christmas markets!
Aachen is Germany’s westernmost city and sits on the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, putting it within easy reach for a short school trip to the German Christmas markets.
Once the imperial residence of Charlemagne, Aachen is now famous for its magical Christmas markets. Make sure you try some of the famous Printen – this local type of gingerbread is absolutely delicious, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven!
Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night)
Day 1/2

Morning
Arrive in Aachen and enjoy breakfast in a traditional cafe
Walking tour of the town
Explore the Christmas markets, followed by lunch in a local cafe or from the food stalls at the market

Afternoon
Visit the cathedral and treasury

Evening
Evening meal at accommodation
Day 2/2

Morning
Explore Aachen while completing our Town Trail, followed by time to enjoy some traditional warm Printen, a local delicacy, from the Christmas market

Afternoon
Depart and travel back to Calais for Channel crossing

Evening
Arrive back at school
What's included?
-
1 night's half-board accommodation
-
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
-
Detailed information pack
-
Free staff place ratio 1:8
-
Itinerary planning service
-
Motorway tolls and taxes
-
Return Channel crossings
-
Return executive coach travel
-
Vamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
-
VAT at current rates to tour operators
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Festivals and traditions
- Aspects of German-speaking society
- Cultural heritage
- Individual research project opportunities
GCSE
- Food, drink and eating out
- Customs, celebrations and festivals
- Travel and tourism
- Understanding German culture and identity
Key Stage 3
- Exploring the town
- Food and drink
- Cultural traditions
Primary
- Exploring the town
- Food and drink
- Traditional crafts
- Festivals and celebrations
Educational activities and visits
Centre Charlemagne
The Centre Charlemagne is locatedin the heart of Aachen. This fantastic museum explores the history of Aachen, Charlemagne's imperial city… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Aachen Cathedral & Treasury
Built in the ninth century by the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, Aachen's cathedral has been the focus of the city's… Read More
Aachen Christmas Market
Held in the market place in the shadow of the ancient cathedral, Aachen's annual Christmas market draws visitors from all… Read More
Café van den Daele-Kockartz
Located in a historic building in the heart of Aachen, this cafe serves traditional, hearty German breakfasts as well as… Read More
Elizabeth Halle Swimming
Aachen's original 1920's Jugendstil indoor swimming pool is another popular choice for school groups. There are two separate pools which… Read More
Guided Tour of Aachen
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides from Aachen's tourist office will give you an insider's view of the medieval heart of their… Read More
Lindt Chocolate Factory Outlet
Why not stock up on delicious Germanchocolates on your visit to Aachen? The Lindtfactory shop sells this high quality chocolate… Read More
Accommodation
The A&O hostel Aachen Hauptbahnhof offers comfortable, modern accommodation; in a central location with sights in the old town such as the Cathedral and Elisenbrunnen fountain just a 10 minute stroll away.The hostel boasts 188 rooms ranging from single rooms to multibedded rooms with private en-suite facilities. Students will normally be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms, with staff in twins and singles.Leisure facilities include a games room, library, TV lounge and internet terminal. There is complimentary wi-fi in public area's.A buffet breakfast is served each morning, and snacks and drinks are available at the bar throughout the day.
Extremely popular among school groups, the DJH Aachen is situated in its own grounds in Colynshof, a ten-minute drive from the city centre and was newly renovated in 2016.Students are mainly accommodated in four-bedded rooms in a modern style (some may have five beds depending on group breakdown), with showers and toilets shared on each floor. Staff will be accommodated in en-suite twin rooms. A single room supplement will apply if they are requested.Various meeting rooms are available for evening activities. Many school groups request this friendly and welcoming hostel each year.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Laura Martin — Tour Adviser
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
I can't think of any recommendations for improvement. This was another outstanding trip from Halsbury and reminded me why we always book with your company!— Oldfield School
Your School Trip is Fully Protected
As a fully-accredited school travel company, booking with Halsbury Travel offers you complete peace of mind. Our accreditations are your guarantee that:
- Your school trip will be fully financially protected
- Your group’s safety will be prioritised
- Your trip will be a quality educational experience
Safety prioritised

As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.
As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.
Financial protection

Our ABTA bond means all our school trips are financially protected. Plus, all air tours and flights arranged by us are also ATOL protected.
Quality educational experiences

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge is your reassurance that Halsbury Travel is committed to offering LOtC activities that are safe and beneficial to learning.