Dutch Christmas markets are festive hubs filled with charming stalls offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, and traditional treats like stroopwafels and glühwein. The markets create a cozy atmosphere with twinkling lights, and visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment.
The holiday decorations throughout the cities, puts all of its visitors in Christmas mood. These gatherings capture the essence of the holiday season, making them perfect for both holiday shopping and experiencing Dutch winter traditions. Here is a guide to our five favorite Christmas Markets in the Netherlands:
1.The Maastricht Christmas Market: known as one of the Netherlands' loveliest markets. Running from November 28th November to December 30st, 2024, it transforms the iconic Vrijthof square with a festive atmosphere. The market features a 45-meter-high Ferris wheel, providing stunning views, and offers activities like skating. Visitors can shop for Christmas decorations and unique gifts. With its enchanting setting and diverse activities, including delightful culinary experiences, the market is a magical destination that captures the essence of the holiday season.
2. Valkenburg Christmas Market: Valkenburg's award-winning Christmas market, spans the entire town, including various locations and underground caves. Recognized as the best in Europe in 2018, the market runs from November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy a unique underground experience with cozy stalls, enchanting lights, and a Christmas story portrayed in both large and small formats. The town transforms into a Christmas wonderland, complete with 30 meters of miniature villages, offering an authentic and festive holiday atmosphere.
3. Amsterdam: there are many different christmas markets taking place in Amsterdam, spreaded on different parts of the city.
Christmas Village, at Museumplein: one of the most important squares of the city transforms into a charming Christmas Village each year with live entertainment, market stalls, and plenty of festive food and drink to keep you warm. Hosted for the eighth year in a row, this market features over 45 exciting vendors, including delicious food stalls, crafts, and roaming choirs performing a cappella songs in a magical winter landscape. If you want to know more, visit the Christmas Village Amsterdam website for all information. Daily, from 12 to the 26 December 2024, 11:00 - 21:00.
Amsterdam sustainable Christmas Market, at De Ceuvel (Noord): nothing but ethically-sourced coffee to handmade soaps, as you stroll around dazzling stalls among the twinkling lights. Make a wish at the Christmas tree, enjoy live music, drink glüwein by the log fire and taste homemade snert (Dutch pea soup) from the vegan kitchen. Sustainable Christmas Market | De Ceuvel | 14 December 2024
Funky Xmas in Westgasfabriek (West): The monthly Sunday market, which highlights the work of local artists, fashion designers and creatives, gets an extra bit of Christmas cheer with its Funky Xmas Market in mid-December. Head to the iconic Westergasfabriek terrain to browse through a plenty of handmade art and accessories, or simply sit back and enjoy the artsy Christmas atmosphere. Sunday Market | Westergasfabriek | 3 December 2024 - Sinterklaas Market; 17 December 2024 - Funky Xmas Market.
4. Amsterdam Winter Village Amstelveen: a spacious 550m2 open-air ice rink suitable for skaters of all ages. Alongside regular skating, the venue offers lessons for both children and adults, and local schools have the opportunity for dedicated school skating sessions outside regular hours. The Winter Village features an invitingly adorned food square, complete with a covered terrace, food stands, and an oliebollen stall. The bar provides a variety of drinks and light snacks. Special events include: curling competitions, disco skating, skating lessons, and family or company receptions. From 30th of November, 2024 to the 5th of January, 2025.
5. The Hague: Royal Christmas Fair in the historic heart of The Hague, is one of the largest and nicest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. From 5th to the 23rd of December 2024, the Royal Christmas Fair will bring you into the ultimate Christmas atmosphere with twinkling lights and well-known Christmas songs. This year even more festive, atmospheric and colorful than previous years!
6. The Haarlem Christmas Market: among one of the most popular holiday events in the Netherlands, offering a festive experience in the heart of this historic city. Held annually in December, the markets transform the charming streets and squares of Haarlem into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and holiday cheer. Visitors can browse a wide range of local crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats while enjoying live music and entertainment. The stunning backdrop of the Grote Kerk and cobblestone streets make this a perfect destination for soaking in the holiday spirit. This year, it will take place from 13 to the 15th of December, 2024.
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