Caves and Cathedrals Christmas Market Overnight

Discover the Magic of Caves and Cathedrals This Christmas!

Your festive weekend kicks off on Saturday with a trip across the Dutch border to experience Europe's premier indoor holiday attraction. Hidden beneath the surface in Valkenburg, you will explore brilliantly lit grottos filled with seasonal cheer, unique artisan goods, and festive treats. After emerging from the caverns, the journey continues into Germany where you will settle into your hotel in the heart of Aachen. As evening sets in, step right outside your door to wander through a radiant village of shopping stalls tightly packed around the city's majestic Imperial Cathedral, offering the perfect setting for dinner and a warm mug of spiced wine.

On Sunday, prepare for an epic showcase of German holiday spirit as you visit two legendary neighboring cities famous for their fierce, centuries-old competition. First up is Düsseldorf, where the festive atmosphere is spread across a variety of uniquely decorated locations that highlight the city's vibrant, contemporary energy. Next, you will travel a short distance down the water to experience the classic, historical charm of Cologne. Here, you can decide which city truly throws the better party as you finish your weekend shopping in the shadow of Germany's most recognizable gothic landmark.

Army Outdoor Recreation takes the stress out of winter driving so you can easily experience four of Europe's top-rated holiday destinations in a single weekend. All four of these destinations are popular trips on their own, but when you combine them in the Caves & Cathedrals Christmas Markets Overnight you maximize your enjoyment and minimize your costs.  Strict hotel booking deadlines mean these seats will disappear fast. With convenient departures from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks, your perfect winter getaway is ready. Reserve your space today!

Price - Seats 1-22:

• Double Occupancy: $329 per person
• Single Occupancy: $399

Price - Seats 23-46:

• Double Occupancy: $379 per person
• Single Occupancy: $449

Bus seat assignment preference in rows 2-5: $50 per seat (does not guarantee any specific seat)

Reservations made on or after Tuesday, October 13 may be subject to rebooking fees based on the hotel’s dynamic room rate on the date of rebooking.

• 1 child aged 2-11 in a triple room with 2 paid adults: $249
• Children under 2 on existing bedding: $149

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• 1 overnight at B&B hotel Aachen Hauptbahnhof*** or equivalent
• Sunday Breakfast
• Admission to Valkenburg Caves Christmas Market
• Aachen Christmas Market
• Cologne Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes & clothing
• Credit/Debit card and Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the responsibility of each individual traveler. 

Departure: 

• 6 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks bldg. 2905 
• 7 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks 

Return: Sunday evening

Estimated Itinerary

Saturday: Subterranean Wonders & Charlemagne's Cathedral

Your holiday adventure begins when you cross the border into the Netherlands for the chance to explore the enchanting Valkenburg Caves. Unlike traditional Christmas markets in the town square, this underground wonderland brings the warmth of the season into historic, winding stone tunnels illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. As you wander through the subterranean pathways, you will discover unique hand-crafted gifts, festive decorations, and the rich aromas of seasonal Dutch treats. It is an unforgettable, weather-proof start to your weekend that perfectly sets the festive mood.

But your day isn't done yet!

This afternoon you will travel back into Germany and check into your centrally located hotel in Aachen. The evening is entirely yours to explore the historic streets, which completely transform during the holidays into a glowing village of wooden chalets. If you follow the scent of local printen (traditional spiced gingerbread) and warm glühwein you will find the spectacular squares surrounding the historic Aachen Cathedral. Here, under the shadow of one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe, you can dine, shop, and soak in one of Germany's most intimate and deeply atmospheric Christmas markets.

Sunday: The Rhine River Rivalry

After breakfast, you will head north to experience the legendary "Rhine River Rivalry" firsthand, starting in Düsseldorf. Known for its fashion, modern flair, and copper-colored, top-fermented Altbier, the city showcases seven distinct, beautifully themed market squares. Düsseldorf offers a diverse sensory experience stretching from the traditional artisan crafts on Flinger Straße to the sparkling displays at the Dome of Lights. Stroll along the famous Königsallee canal, admire the giant Ferris wheel, and enjoy a morning of shopping and tasting regional delicacies along the water.

Which city does it better?

The grand finale of your weekend awaits just down the river in Cologne, Düsseldorf's historic rival and home of the crisp, pale Kölsch beer. Here, you will have the chance to decide for yourself which city throws the better riverfront holiday celebration. Your afternoon will be spent exploring the city's spectacular historic markets, highlighted by the massive, world-famous Christmas market situated directly beneath the soaring twin spires of the majestic Cologne Cathedral. Under a towering pine tree, you can enjoy live music, watch master craftspeople at work, and complete your holiday shopping before a relaxing, stress-free drive back home.