You don’t have to leave the Netherlands to enjoy the most wonderful time of year to the max. There’s an endless list of festive things to do here, like catching a Christmas Candlelight concert or watching a winter parade, and needless to say, there’s nothing like exploring our world-famous Christmas markets. Whilst some may opt to visit neighbouring counties for their festive market fix, the Netherlands really is where it’s at. Here are our favourites to visit across the country.
1. Valkenburg
Valkenburg Christmas market is an absolute must-visit, primarily because it’s inside three caves! It’s not far from Maastricht, and you can get there on a train from Maastricht. It’s usually around €7 per cave to enter but it’s the largest underground Christmas market in Europe and there’s plenty to do, including wine tasting. You can buy tickets on the website.
📍 Where? Cauberg 4, 6301 BT, Valkenburg
📅 When? November 15 – January 5
2. Leiden
If the Valkenburg market didn’t blow your mind then the Leiden Christmas market surely will. This floating Christmas market is generally full of tasty goods to sample and buy. Traditional Dutch foods accompany an amazing atmosphere, with a floating ice rink and plenty of performances in the surrounding streets to get you in the Christmas spirit.
📍Leiden
📆 December 16 – 28
3. Amsterdam Funky Xmas Market
If you’re reading this then you probably live in Amsterdam, right? So why not visit the incredible Christmas markets Amsterdam has to offer? One of our favourites is the Funky Xmas Market. Every year the Sunday market at Westergas goes all Christmassy and it’s a fantastic place to buy Christmas gifts, with tons of stalls selling a variety of lovely produce and handmade items.
📍 Where? Westergasfabriek: Polonceaukade 27, 1014 DA Amsterdam
📅 When? December 15
4. Castle Christmas Fair, Beeckestijn
This is one of those fleeting Christmas fairs and it’s early in the year, so if you’d like to get into the Christmas spirit in November then this one is for you! Beeckestijn is a gorgeous country estate not far from Amsterdam and it’s a real escape from the city. Here you’ll find delicious food, live music and plenty of stalls to peruse at your leisure. It’s truly magical!
📍 Where? Duin- en Kruidbergerweg 60, 2071 LE Santpoort-Noord
📅 When? November 28 – December 1
5. Haarlem
Haarlem is one of the Netherland’s most magical cities, with stunning architecture and a fantastic Christmas market. This Christmas market is only around for a couple of days but it’s worth a visit. This year’s market will feature nearly 350 stalls spread across 12 locations in the downtown area! To read more about this market visit the website.
📍 Where? Grote Markt, Haarlem
📅 When? December 13 – 15
6. Magical Maastricht
Magical Maastricht transforms Vrijthof Square into a festive wonderland from 28 November to 30 December 2024. Visitors can enjoy one of the most enchanting Christmas markets to exist, a towering Ferris wheel, a covered ice rink, and heartwarming winter chalets filled with seasonal treats and drinks. With dazzling lights, a grand Christmas tree, and lively activities like curling, the event promises a fairytale holiday experience for friends and family, creating cherished memories in the heart of Maastricht.
📍 Where? Vrijthof, Maastricht, Netherlands
📆 When? Novembre 28 – December 30