• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Wanderlustingk

  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT
  • TRAVEL
    • The Netherlands
    • New York State
    • France
    • Belgium
    • Other European destinations
  • EXPAT LIFE
  • CONTACT
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
    • Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
You are here: Home / Travel / Europe / The Netherlands / Day Trips from Amsterdam / The best 10 Christmas markets in the Netherlands not to miss

The best 10 Christmas markets in the Netherlands not to miss

October 21, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment

Share or save this post for later

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pocket
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Although the Dutch Christmas markets are not as famous as their German counterparts, the Christmas markets in the Netherlands are absolutely charming.  I ended up not ranking these strictly as people look for different things in different Christmas markets, but I’ve grouped it based on the opinions of friends.  I’ve included ten Christmas markets in the Netherlands and I’ll be updating this post with more experiences/photos this year!

This post may contain affliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).

Valkenburg

Beautiful Christmas Market in Valkenburg. The Velvet Cave (fluweelengrot) sits underneath the castle ruins in Valkenburg! #kerst #nederland #netherlands #valkenburg #limburg

Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot is one of the most unique Christmas markets in the Netherlands.  This underground Christmas market is home to the largest, oldest, and most popular underground Christmas market in Europe.  (I doubted for a moment that there were others, but there are!) Be warned that this is quite a busy event and hotels in the area are almost sold out as early as September.  For 2018, Valkenburg was named the “European City of Christmas.”  Click to read more about visiting the Valkenburg Christmas markets

You’ll need to purchase entry tickets ahead or wait in line for the Christmas market.  Beyond the Christmas market, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere starting as early as the 15th of November (2019) until early January.   There are stalls with handmade goods, gluhwein, and a spooky fairytale forest for visiting families.  If you have time, take a tour of the Velvet caves and see the castle ruins.

If you intend to stay over in Valkenburg (or Maastricht), book your hotel as soon as possible as prices can be quite high on the weekends.  (You can save a bit by going mid-week.)  If you’re driving, you’ll save a lot by staying in the surrounding towns.

Maastricht

Beautiful lit-up Christmas stall at the Maastricht Christmas market, one of the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands. #netherlands #kerst #christmas #travel

My Dutch friends have raved about the Magical Maastricht Christmas market.  This Christmas market, which starts on November 29th and runs until New Year’s Eve, is one of the largest in the Netherlands.  Closer to a fair, it has rides and a Ferris wheel to give you views over the market. 

Maastricht is beloved for its stunning medieval city center and its charming atmosphere.  The charm only grows with a warm gluhwein (or hot chocolate) in your hands as you browse the many stalls of this market.

(You can easily combine Maastricht with Valkenburg over a weekend if you’re hoping to see as many Christmas markets in the Netherlands as possible.  We recommend staying in Maastricht and booking soon as many hotels are sold out.) 

Leiden

The beautiful lit up Leiden Christmas Market at night. This floating Christmas market is perfect for foodies! #leiden #travel #holland #netherlands

Leiden is known for having a special Christmas market as it’s a floating Christmas market that goes on top of Leiden’s stunning Nieuwe Rijn canal. In case you’re not familiar with Leiden, Leiden is easily one of the charming cities in the Netherlands with its picturesque canals and stunning canal houses.  Just imagine them all lit up! 

READ MORE  Travel in Brunei: 13 must-know travel tips for Brunei Darussalam

In this Christmas market, you’ll find more than 75 adorable stalls that you can enjoy from December 16th until January 5th.  If you’ll be busy during the holiday season, don’t worry: you can’t visit this Christmas market on the first day of Christmas. This floating Christmas market is a foodie’s paradise with numerous stands for food and drinks that aren’t just your standard gluhwein and oliebollen… Click for my guide to the Leiden Christmas market!

Dordrecht

The Dordrecht Christmas Market is the largest Christmas Market in the Netherlands and definitely one of the most lovely to enjoy on foot! #travel #netherlands #kerst #kerstmarkt #holland

Dordrecht has the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands.  In case you are not familiar with Dordrecht, this stunning city in South Holland is known as the “Venice of Holland.” Although the Christmas market here goes on a considerably shorter period than some other Dutch Christmas markets, the Dordrecht market has more than 300 stalls, sing-a-longs, and entertainment for all ages. 

The entire city center is taken over by stalls, so don’t miss this chance to see Dordrecht during this festive time.  The Dordrecht Christmas market will be between December 13th and December 15th for 2019.  (The market will be open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.)  Click for my guide to Dordrecht’s Christmas market.

The Hague: Royal Christmas Fair

A charming gluhwein at the Royal Christmas Fair in the Hague, one of the most charming Christmas markets in the Netherlands. #netherlands #nederland #holland #kerst #kerstmarkt #netherlands

The Hague has one of the loveliest Christmas markets in the Netherlands.  From December 12th to December 23rd, the Royal Christmas Fair will be open.  There’s nothing as romantic as strolling down Lange Voorhout, the Hague’s most lovely street, underneath the trees with a warm drink in your hand.   There’s nothing like watching the lights twinkle from the trees above as you browse the adorable stores for gifts.   

Amsterdam

I amsterdam: Come Skating

Amsterdam has multiple Christmas markets for those looking for some holiday cheer in the Dutch capital.  The most famous Dutch Christmas market is in the Museumplein at Ice Amsterdam Museumplein where revelers can enjoy a warm drink, some stalls, and ice skating with a view of the Museumplein. Unrelated to Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy the city all lit up at night for the Amsterdam Light Festival. 

However, all around the city, you’ll find smaller Christmas markets in the various neighborhoods.   (My personal favorites are the Haarlemmerstraat Kerstmarkt as well as the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasterrein where you can find some interesting and sustainable gifts.) 

Deventer

Dickens Festival

In December, Deventer shines with its Dickens festival.  During this time, the stunning Bergkwartier comes alive with Dickens characters, carolers, and Christmas decorations.   The Dickens festival is free to enjoy although lines to enter the festive (but crowded) streets can be long.   In 2019, the Deventer Dickens Festival will be held on December 14th and 15th. 

READ MORE  Your perfect Ghent itinerary for Belgium's most underrated city

Beyond the Dickens Festival, Deventer holds a charming Christmas market close to the Grotekerk.  You’ll find typical stalls, food, and Christmas cheer.  Unfortunately the Christmas market itself is not free, but tickets cost 3 euros for adults (kids get in free). 

Haarlem

The Haarlem Christmas market is known for its Christmas cheer, in particular, the sing-a-along.  Although the Christmas market only lasts one weekend (December 8th and 9th), the city center of Haarlem comes alive during this free Christmas market!   (You can also enjoy special winter beers from Jopen, Haarlem’s well-known brewery during this time!)

Country and Christmas Fair at Kasteel de Haar

For castle lovers, the County and Castle Fair is a dream come true! This charming Christmas fair near Utrecht takes place at the stunning Kasteel de Haar. For those seeking the perfect gift for Sinterklaas (or for Christmas), this fair that occurs over a week in late November has more than 200 stands for those seeking something special.  At this Christmas fair, you’ll find an emphasis on lifestyle, household decorations, clothing, and beauty products.   For 2019, it will be held on December 7th and 8th!

Castle Christmas Fair at Heemskerk

Another Christmas fair near a castle! Heemskerk is a beautiful town outside of Amsterdam where the 13th-century castle, Slot Assumburg, sits.  This castle now operates as a hostel today (really!).  During Christmas, this magical setting is turned into a Christmas fair with music and more than 150 stands.  (For 2019, the Castle Christmas Fair will occur between November 29th and December 2nd.)   

What is your favorite Christmas market in the Netherlands?

  • Planning your holiday travels? Read about the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands that you won't want to miss this year, including four kerstmarkten in Holland! #kerst #christmas #holland #netherlands #christmasmarket #nederland #kerstmarkt
  • Looking for the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands? Insider tips by a resident for the most magical christmas markets outside of Amsterdam that you can't miss! #Kerst #Amsterdam #Holland #Travel #Christmas #Kerstmarkt

Filed Under: Amsterdam, Day Trips from Amsterdam, Europe, Holland, The Hague, The Netherlands, Uncategorized, Weekend Trips from Amsterdam

About Karen

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Previous Post: « Valkenburg Christmas Market: The most unique christmas market in the Netherlands!
Next Post: Two days in New York City: Your perfect 48-hour NYC itinerary by a local »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About

Authors of Wanderlustingk

Karen. American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. Then, Paris. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. Happily married to Jacob.

Categories

Groups

Planning a trip to Europe? Join my facebook group for advice for traveling in Europe!


If you're a female travel or lifestyle blogger, join my Facebook group for bloggers! We have a supportive community.

Popular Posts

Secret New York: 30+ off the beaten path spots in New York City to love

20 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting New York by a native New Yorker

First Time Guide to Amsterdam: Three Days in Amsterdam itinerary by a resident

The most beautiful temples in Kyoto, the city of a thousand temples

Covered Passages of Paris: A free self guided walking tour of Paris arcades with map

Disclosure

Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please check our disclosure page for more information.

Copyright © 2021 Wanderlustingk