Sophie Meiden – First Encounter with the Netherlands in 2008 My introduction to the Netherlands was destined. I came to Amsterdam for just a few days, but this country with its cozy canals, bicycle paths, and amazing balance between tradition and progress captivated me so much that I realized – this is where I belong. For over 15 years, I have been living in the Netherlands, helping travelers discover the real country. I constantly explore small towns and authentic places that rarely appear in standard travel guides. The Netherlands is much more than tulips and windmills. It's a country with multiple layers and contrasts that often remain unseen by tourists. The Dutch are known for their straightforwardness, but they are also incredibly hospitable. Those who truly seek to understand the local culture gain ten times more experiences from their journey. I gladly share my knowledge with everyone who wants to see the real Netherlands – a country I've learned to understand and love with all my heart. Over the years, I have developed hundreds of routes, conducted tours, written travel guides, and I consult local tourism organizations.
Christmas Markets in the Netherlands 2025
When winter arrives, the Netherlands transforms into a true Christmas fairy tale. From cozy underground markets in caves to magnificent fairs in historic squares, the country offers some of the most unique and atmospheric Christmas events in Europe. In 2025, holiday enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the magical world of Dutch traditions, where the aroma of mulled wine mingles with freshly baked stroopwafels, and thousands of lights illuminate ancient streets.
Valkenburg — Christmas Capital of the Netherlands
Dates: November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00-19:00, Friday 11:00-19:00, Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 10:00-19:00
Location: Valkenburg aan de Geul city center, Limburg province
Admission: €9 weekdays, €10 weekends for adults; €5-6 for children aged 5-11
Valkenburg rightfully holds the title of the Netherlands’ main Christmas city. This small town in Limburg offers a truly unique experience — Christmas markets set in real underground caves. In 2024, Valkenburg was awarded the title of best Christmas market in the Netherlands and ranked 7th in Europe.
Christmas Market in the Municipal Cave (Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot)
Dates: November 14 to December 30, 2025
Address: Cauberg 4, Valkenburg
The largest, oldest, and most visited underground Christmas market in Europe is located in the ancient corridors of a cave at the foot of the famous Cauberg hill. The long, spacious corridors invite visitors to explore for hours among stunning decorations and trading stalls.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryChristmas Market in the Velvet Cave (Kerstmarkt Fluweelengrot)
Dates: November 14 to December 30, 2025
Address: Daalhemerweg 27, Valkenburg
Situated beneath the ruins of Valkenburg Castle, this cave boasts nearly 900 years of history. More than 50 artfully decorated stalls are nestled next to historical charcoal drawings on the walls, offering a variety of Christmas treats and drinks in a truly magical atmosphere.
Important Information: Tickets must be purchased online in advance for designated 30-minute time slots. Both caves are wheelchair accessible; pets are not allowed.
Maastricht — Magical Maastricht at Vrijthof Square
Dates: November 29 to December 30, 2025
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00-00:00, Friday-Saturday 10:00-01:00
Location: Vrijthof Square, Maastricht city center
Admission: Free market entry; separate fees for attractions
Maastricht hosts one of the most impressive Christmas markets in the Netherlands. The historic Vrijthof Square, flanked by the Basilica of Saint Servatius and Saint John’s Church, provides a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities.
Main Attractions:
- 45-meter Ferris wheel — the main attraction with breathtaking city views
- Covered ice rink with a replica of Saint Servatius Bridge
- Curling rink (advance booking recommended)
- Austrian Alpine hut (Almhütte) serving traditional dishes
- Over 110 Christmas cabins featuring local products and gifts
Special Hours:
- November 29: 12:00-01:00
- December 24: 10:00-18:00
- December 25: 11:00-18:00
- December 26: 11:00-00:00
Magic Payment Card: In 2025, it’s recommended to use the “Magische Cashcard” — a €1 card that can be purchased on-site and topped up for payments at attractions and food stalls.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for NetherlandsHaarlem — Traditional Christmas Market
Dates: December 12-14, 2025
Hours: Friday 10:30-20:00, Saturday 10:30-20:00, Sunday 10:30-19:00
Location: Grote Markt and adjacent streets in the historic center
Admission: Free
Haarlem hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, featuring nearly 350 trading stalls spread across 12 locations in the city center. The picturesque cobblestone streets and canals create an enchanting atmosphere for the festivities.
Special Zones:
- “Emma Street” on Schagchelstraat — experience a 19th-century Christmas atmosphere (Saturday and Sunday)
- Kleine Houtstraat — a medieval Christmas street (Saturday and Sunday)
- Grote Markt — main square under Saint Bavo Cathedral
Practical Tips: You can reach Haarlem from Amsterdam in just 15 minutes by train. Expect large crowds on weekends; visit on Friday for a more peaceful experience.
Amsterdam — Christmas Village at Museumplein
Dates: December 11-26, 2025
Hours: Daily 12:00-21:00
Location: Museumplein (Museum Square)
Admission: Free market entry; separate fee for ice rink
Amsterdam’s Christmas village is situated on the iconic Museum Square in front of the Rijksmuseum. More than 45 trading stalls surround an open ice rink, and park trees are adorned with twinkling lights.
What to Expect:
- Ice rink in the center of the market
- Wooden chalets filled with gifts, Christmas decorations, and food
- Traditional Dutch treats: poffertjes, raclette, smoked fish, cheese fondue
- Live performances and choral singing
Special Hours:
- December 25: 12:00-18:00
- December 26: 12:00-18:00
Additional Markets in Amsterdam:
- Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek: December 21, 12:00-18:00
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI: December 17, 2025, to January 3, 2026 (tickets from €13-22)
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The Hague — Royal Christmas Market
Dates: December 4-23, 2025
Hours: Daily 12:00-21:00
Location: Lange Voorhout, historic center of The Hague
Admission: Free
The Royal Christmas Market in The Hague takes place on the elegant Lange Voorhout street and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. 2025 marks the tenth edition of this festive event.
Features:
- More than 100 festive cabins with unique gifts
- Thousands of LED lights and holiday decorations
- Live performances and Christmas music
- Traditional Dutch treats: poffertjes, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate
Deventer — Dickens Festival
Dates: December 13-14, 2025
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11:00-17:00
Location: Historic Bergkwartier district
Admission: Free (possible queues up to 2.5 hours)
Deventer hosts the world’s largest Charles Dickens festival, where over 950 characters from the famous English writer’s books come to life on the city streets. This unique festival attracts more than 125,000 visitors annually.
What to See:
- Victorian costumes — participants and actors dressed in traditional 19th-century attire
- Street performances — theatrical productions and storytelling
- Christmas markets in Lebuinuskerk church, Brink square, and Grote Kerkhof
- Queen Victoria and Scottish bagpipers in the ceremonial parade
Important Information: Entry is only through Keizerstraat (near Deventer theater). Due to large visitor numbers, expect long queues — arrive at least one hour before opening.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for NetherlandsUtrecht — Winter Station
Dates: December 20, 2025, to January 5, 2026
Hours: Daily (exact hours to be announced)
Location: Railway Museum, Maliebaanstation 16
Admission: Museum entrance tickets
While Utrecht doesn’t host a traditional Christmas market, Winter Station at the Railway Museum offers one of the most charming indoor Christmas events in the country.
Entertainment:
- Ice rink inside the historic station building
- Christmas trees and holiday decorations
- Family activities and workshops
- Winter village with wooden cabins
Other Notable Markets
Leiden — Winter Wonder Weeks
Dates: December 7, 2025, to January 5, 2026
Includes a floating ice rink, a nostalgic market, and a 5-day Christmas market on Hooglandse Kerkgracht.
Rotterdam — Green Christmas Market
Dates: December 12-14, 2025
Location: Trompenburg Arboretum
A unique market emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendly products.
Gouda — Winter Markets
Dates: Various dates in December 2025
Several Christmas events including Warme Wintermarkt and a Christmas edition of Marckt.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Transportation
Public Transport: The Netherlands has an excellent rail network. Consider buying an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for €21, which provides unlimited travel for the day.
Car: Many city centers are closed to cars. Use P+R (Park & Ride) lots outside the center.
Weather and Clothing
December weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable — temperatures typically range from 2°C to 6°C, with frequent rain. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket.
Payment
Most markets accept both cash and cards. Some major markets (like Maastricht) use special prepaid cards.
Food and Drinks
- Glühwein (mulled wine) — the quintessential winter drink
- Oliebollen — traditional fried donuts
- Poffertjes — mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar
- Stroopwafels — waffles filled with caramel syrup
- Speculaas — spiced cookies
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