Where else in the world can you visit a Christmas market in a cave, or floating atop a canal? Nowhere! The Netherlands is so unique in its approach to Christmas markets, and whilst some may opt to visit neighbouring Germany and Denmark for their Christmas market fix the Netherlands really is where it’s at. Here are our favourites to visit across the country, and some open for business really soon so it’s prime time to start planning your trip!
1. Valkenburg
đź“…November 18 – January 8
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 and the address is Cauberg 4, 6301 BT, Valkenburg a/d Geul.
2. Leiden
đź“ŤDecember 1-31
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. Check out the website for more details.
3. Amsterdam Funky Xmas Market
đź“…December 18
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.
4. Castle Christmas Fair, Beeckestijn
đź“…November 17 – November 20
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 mid-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. You can find Beeckestijn at Ridderstraat 20, 1811 EX Alkmaar and buy tickets on the website.
5. Haarlem
đź“…December 9 – December 11
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 because you’ll find stall upon stall of delicious food, pretty decorations and lovely gifts to take home. To read more about this market visit the website.
6. Ice Amsterdam
if you wait all year to dust off those ice skates then start dusting because this iconic Amsterdam ice rink will be open until February 5, 2023! Once you’ve exhausted yourself, ice skating around without a care in the world, you can chow down on some tasty food at the bistro. The bistro’s open an hour later than the ice rink so you can make the most of those evening hours.