If you're looking for the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands, look no further. The countdown to Christmas has begun! That's why Your Little Black Book has compiled a complete list of the coziest and most beautiful Christmas markets throughout the Netherlands. Perhaps you're planning a cozy weekend getaway this December? Or are you looking for a fun Christmas outing with friends or the whole family? Team YLBB has it all covered!
Mark your calendars now and reserve the busy December weekends for these kinds of wonderful Christmas outings. Because what better way to spend the days leading up to Christmas than getting into the holiday spirit, sipping mulled wine with Christmas music playing in the background? Also fun: many of the Christmas markets in the Netherlands on this list are even open after Christmas. It's also a great thing to do on December 27th if you want to hold on to the Christmas spirit a little longer! In this new list, you'll find all the tips for the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands and more cozy Christmas events. From The Hague to Utrecht and from Nijmegen to Leiden. Merry Christmas!
| TIP: In Your Little Black Book's extensive Christmas markets dossier I also recommend the best Christmas markets in Amsterdam, Belgium, France en Germany. Have fun!
Perhaps the most unique of all the Christmas markets in the Netherlands is the one in Valkenburg. From November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026, you can visit an underground Christmas market here! In Valkenburg, Christmas Town, there are several Christmas markets in the caves near the city. The Valkenburg Christmas market includes: Velvet Cave Christmas Market, Municipal Cave Christmas Market, Christmas in MergelRijk, and Winter Wonderland Valkenburg. In addition to this underground Christmas experience, you can also take a "Route d'Amuse," where you can sample various amuses while strolling through this beautiful old Geul town. This year, there are two routes of varying lengths. If you want to take a culinary walk, you must purchase a ticket in advance. This year, the Christmas market is being organized a little differently than usual, and you must plan your visit in advance, as tickets and time slots must be reserved in advance for the cave markets as well. Children aged 4 and under are free. Please note: Tickets for the Gemeentegrot Christmas Market and Velvet Cave Christmas Market can only be purchased online in advance. Tickets for the Christmas show in MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland can be purchased at the box office.
Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026
<strong> More info: </strong> kerststadvalkenburg.nl

© @kerstmarkt.gemeentegrot
Van 28 November to December 29 Maastricht's Vrijthof square will once again be transformed into one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Besides the many stalls, you can also skate on the 1000m² ice rink or take a spin on the 60-meter-high Ferris wheel during Magical Maastricht. The neighborhoods surrounding the Vrijthof square will also be bustling with activity throughout December during Magical Maastricht.
Dates: November 28 to December 29, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> magischmaastrichtvrijthof.nl

© @magischmaastrichtvrijthof
For a Christmas feeling with a royal touch, head to The Hague this year for the Royal Christmas Fair. This year, the Royal Christmas Fair will be spread throughout The Hague's city center. The Fair runs from December 4th to 23rd. With more than 110 Christmas houses and a sky lit up with 100.000 twinkling LED lights, the trees around the Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace, embassies, museums, and charming shopping areas like Denneweg, Plaats, Hofkwartier, and Noordeinde, the fair will be a festive occasion.
Dates: December 4th to 23th, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> royalchristmasfair.nl

© Royal Christmas Fair
During the Winter Wonder Weeks, Leiden is transformed into a cozy Christmas city with all the trimmings. Think: a charming Christmas market on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, a nostalgic fair, and an ice rink to show off your skating skills. In between, grab a treat at one of the food trucks or relax on the winter terrace with mulled wine or hot chocolate. Leiden is already a charming city to wander through, but in December, it really gets extra cozy.
Dates: Christmas Market: December 12-14 and December 18-21, 2025 // Fair: December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
<strong> More info: </strong> Instagram.com/winterwonderwekenleiden
| TIP: We also know the best hotspots in Leiden that you don't want to miss >>

© Leiden Christmas Market
Fancy a Christmas market with a botanical twist? During the Green Christmas Market, stroll through the Trompenburg Botanical Gardens in Rotterdam, past more than 50 sustainable and local stalls. Think fresh Christmas greenery, hellebores, handmade ceramics, wool blankets, and eco-friendly Christmas decorations.
Dates: December 12th to 14th, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> trompenburg.nl
From December 12th to 14th, the Haarlem Christmas Market returns, transforming the city center into one of the most charming Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Haarlem is a wonderfully charming city for a day or night out. Details of the Christmas market's activities will be announced soon, from stalls to live music and delicious food.
Dates: December 12th to 14th, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> instagram.com/kerstmarkthaarlem/

© Haarlem Christmas Market
Fancy a winter day trip outside the city? From December 12th to January 4th, Dordrecht's historic city center will be especially charming during the Dordrecht December Days. Stroll through the charming December Market on December 13th and 14th, wander along the illuminated streets of the Dwaalspoor light route in the evening, and visit the Winter Garden between December 26th and 30th, with its nostalgic children's attractions and inviting restaurants. New this year: the ice rink is located on the water at Spuiboulevard, near DOK Bar & Bites and the Tourist Information Office (where you can also rent skates). Dordrecht is truly at its most beautiful in December—perfect for a winter stroll or evening cruise.
Dates: December 12, 2025 to January 4, 2026
<strong> More info: </strong> kerstmarktdordrecht.nl

© Dordrecht Christmas Market
Delden's town center transforms into a festive Christmas scene once again during the annual Christmas market. From 3:00 PM, stroll past charming stalls, enjoy live Christmas choirs, and warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate. Shops stay open until 8:00 PM, and you can round off the day in style at one of the lively after-parties in local bars and restaurants.
Dates: December 13, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> waardelden.nl
Another cozy winter market in Utrecht is the Winter Market at Molen de Ster. On December 13th and 14th, 2025, you can browse more than 70 stalls brimming with handmade gifts, jewelry, illustrations, and art by Utrecht-based artists. Imagine the scent of Dutch pancakes in the air, live music from the Dickenskoor, and pea soup at the Molencafé. Also fun: free guided tours of the mill are available.
Dates: December 13 & 14, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> molendester.nu
Good news for all Deventer Christmas market fans! This year, you can once again enjoy the Dickens Festival on Saturday, December 13th, and Sunday, December 14th, 2025. In Deventer, their Dickens Festival will take you back to the nineteenth century (yes, to Charles Dickens) this Christmas. This Dutch Christmas market is dedicated to the famous English writer, and during the Dickens Festival, over 950 characters from his stories will be reenacted. The Dickens Festival runs both days from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note: this year, you must have a ticket for the event.
Dates: December 13 & 14, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> dickensfestijn.nl

© Dickens Festival
Deventer's city center will once again be transformed into the delightful Christmas Market. Expect charming stalls brimming with local produce, food trucks, live music, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Perfect for finding unique gifts, enjoying a delicious treat, and getting into the festive spirit.
Dates: December 13 & 14, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> deventer-heerlijke-hanzemarkt.nl
Rotterdamse Oogst is pulling out all the stops this December with two festive Christmas markets on Saturdays, December 13th and 20th, 2025. Expect the most delicious groceries for your Christmas dinner, delicious snacks from local bakers and chefs, and unique gifts from the makers themselves. Extra large, extra cozy, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit!
Dates: December 13 & 20, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> rotterdamseoogst.nl
On Sunday, December 14th, Zutphen's city center transforms into a magical winter festival filled with Christmas lights, music, and cheer. During the Winter Festival, you can shop festively among atmospheric Christmas stalls, enjoy live music, street theater, food trucks, and children's attractions.
Dates: December 14, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> inzutphen.nl
The Utrecht Winter Spectacle at the Jaarbeurs is the largest indoor winter wonderland in the Utrecht area, and you definitely won't want to miss it! From December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026, this massive indoor venue will be transformed into a festive winter paradise. Think a 1.500 m² ice rink, a tubing slide, Christmas karaoke, marshmallow roasting, live music, and a beer garden. Perfect for a fun day (or evening) out with the kids, friends, or a winter date.
Dates: December 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026
<strong> More info: </strong> utrechtsewinterspektakel.nl

© the Utrecht Winter Spectacle
Of course, I'll also keep you updated on the best Christmas markets in Amsterdam that will be held in 2025. Below, I've listed a few favorites. See the complete list of Christmas markets in Amsterdam here >>
Can't Christmas come early enough for you? Then you won't want to miss Winter Heerlijckheid at the Warmelo Estate in Diepenheim. From November 7th to 9th, 2025, this charming winter fair will be held for the third time on the castle grounds. Expect cozy stalls, winter inspiration, and plenty of fun in the heart of the Twente countryside. Note: tickets are required in advance, so plan your visit well in advance!
Dates: November 7-9, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> winterheerlijckheid.nl
Fancy a Christmas outing? The seventh annual Christmas & Vintage Fair will take place at Daelenbroeck Castle in Herkenbosch, Limburg, on November 22nd and 23rd, 2025. Browse unique finds from antique dealers from across Europe, surrounded by fire pits, Christmas lights, and medieval charm. Enjoy mulled wine and delicious winter snacks in a historic setting—how fun is that!
Dates: November 22 & 23, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> heerenlandenevents.nl
Veere is even more festive this year, as the magical Dickens Winter Market returns for two weekends: November 22 & 23 and November 29 & 30, 2025. Expect stalls brimming with Christmas cheer, twinkling lights, live music, and mulled wine in true Charles Dickens style. The whole city is participating, so mark your calendars for a Christmas day out in Zeeland!
Dates: 22 & 23 and 29 & 30 November 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> dickenswintermarktveere.nl

The Castle Christmas Fair at Duin & Kruidberg Estate, Santpoort-Noord in Velsen-Zuid returns in 2025! The estate's garden will be transformed into a Christmas-themed fair, and this Christmas and lifestyle fair is one of the most charming Christmas markets in North Holland, open even before December begins. This year, there will be around 130 stalls featuring everything from lifestyle to culinary, and from local businesses and crafts to international brands. Here you can shop for your last-minute Christmas decorations or a lovely gift for under the tree.
Dates: November 26-30, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> castlechristmasfair.nl

© Castle Christmas Fair
TIP: Are you as much of a Christmas market lover as I am? I've compiled a list of unmissable Christmas markets for several destinations! View the shortlists here with tips across Europe >>
