Countdown to Christmas has begun! That’s why I thought it was time to list the coziest and best Christmas markets in the Netherlands for you again. Perhaps you’d like to plan a delightful weekend getaway in December? This list of the most enjoyable Christmas markets in the Netherlands will come in handy, as I also provide a few hotel recommendations for each city! Of course, planning a charming day trip to one of these Christmas markets in the Netherlands is an option as well
ADD THESE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 2024 STRAIGHT TO YOUR CALENDAR
Mark your calendar and keep the busy December weekends open for such spontaneous activities. Because, what better way to spend the days before Christmas than getting into the festive spirit while sipping on your mulled wine with Christmas music in the background? Also nice: many of the Christmas markets in the Netherlands from this list can even be visited after Christmas. It’s also enjoyable to do on December 27th if you want to hold onto the Christmas vibes a little longer! In this new list, you’ll find 10 tips for fun Christmas markets and events throughout the Netherlands. From The Hague to Utrecht and from Nijmegen to Leiden. Merry Christmas!
| TIP: In Your Little Black Book’s mega Christmas market dossier, I also recommend the most enjoyable Christmas markets in Amsterdam, Belgium, and Germany. Enjoy!
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BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 2024: THE ULTIMATE OVERVIEW
CHRISTMAS MARKET: MAGICAL MAASTRICHT
From 30th November to 31st December, the Vrijthof in Maastricht is once again transformed into one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Besides numerous stalls, during Magical Maastricht, you can also enjoy skating on the spacious 1000m² ice rink or take a ride on the 60-meter-high Ferris wheel. There are also plenty of activities happening in the neighbourhoods surrounding the Vrijthof during Magical Maastricht in December.
Dates: 28th November to 30th December 2024
More information: magischmaastrichtvrijthof.nl
© @magischmaastrichtvrijthof / MAGICAL MAASTRICHT
Christmas Market Valkenburg
One of the unique markets among all Christmas markets in the Netherlands is perhaps the one in Valkenburg. From 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025, you can visit an underground Christmas market here! In Christmas Town Valkenburg, you’ll find several Christmas markets set up in the caves near the city. The Christmas market in Valkenburg includes: Fluweelengrot Christmas Market, Gemeentegrot Christmas Market, Christmas in MergelRijk, and Winter Wonderland Valkenburg. Alongside this underground Christmas experience, you can also do a ‘Route d’Amuse’, where you can taste various amuse-bouches while taking a walk through this beautiful historic town of Geul. This year, there are two routes with different lengths. If you wish to take this culinary walk, you must purchase a ticket in advance. This year, the organization of the Christmas market is a bit different, and you need to plan your visit in advance, as tickets and time slots are required for the cave markets. Kids up to 4 years old are free. Note: for the Gemeentegrot and Fluweelengrot Christmas Markets, tickets can only be purchased online in advance! For the Christmas show in MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland, tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Dates: 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
More information: kerststadvalkenburg.nl
© @kerstmarkt.gemeentegrot
More of the Best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands in 2024
Christmas Market Deventer: Dickens Festival
Good news for all fans of the Christmas market in Deventer! This year, you can once again enjoy the Dickens Festival on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December 2024. In Deventer, Christmas is celebrated with the Dickens Festival, taking you back to the nineteenth century (yes, to Charles Dickens’ era). This Christmas market in the Netherlands is dedicated to the famous English writer, and during the Dickens Festival, over 950 characters from his stories are brought to life. The Dickens Festival takes place on both days from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. However, be prepared for a long queue at the entrance to Walstraat. The organizers have already indicated that the wait time could be up to 1.5 hours.
Dates: 14th & 15th December 2024
More information: dickensfestijn.nl
© Dickens Festijn
Christmas Market The Hague: Royal Christmas Fair
For a Christmas experience with a royal touch, head to The Hague this year for the Royal Christmas Fair. The Royal Christmas Fair will be spread across the city centre of The Hague. With more than 110 Christmas stalls and a glowing sky of 100,000 twinkling LED lights in the trees around the Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace, embassies, museums, and charming shopping areas like Denneweg, Plaats, the Hofkwartier, and Noordeinde. The Royal Christmas Fair can be visited from 5th to 23rd December!
Dates: 5th to 23rd December 2024
More information: royalchristmasfair.nl
© Royal Christmas Fair
More of the Best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands in 2024
Christmas Market Leiden
You may have visited it before: the floating Christmas market in Leiden. It has been a great success for years. This year, the Christmas market will take place on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, where many chalets are set up with lovely Christmas gifts, food trucks with delicious winter snacks, and a winter terrace for a seasonal drink. Leiden is a charming city to visit for a day.
Dates: 14th to 22nd December 2024 – no market on 16th December
More information: visitleiden.nl
| TIP: Discover the best hotspots in Leiden that you won’t want to miss >>
© Christmas Market Leiden
Christmas Market Utrecht: Country & Christmas Fair
Kasteel de Haar near Utrecht is perhaps one of the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands to visit. But leading up to the holidays, it becomes even more magical. This year, the Country & Christmas Fair returns from 19th to 24th November at Slot Zeist. Imagine the charm of lushly decorated Christmas trees with lights, the scent of mulled wine, delicious winter snacks, and Jingle Bells in the background. Stroll through the gardens among stalls with unique antiques, jewellery, outdoor clothing, Christmas gifts, and the finest wines and delicacies for home. The Country & Christmas Fair is also perfect to combine with a weekend in Utrecht.
Dates: 19th to 24th November 2024
More information: countrychristmasfair.nl
| TIP: Planning a day in Utrecht? Be sure to check out these hotspots in the Utrecht City Guide >>
© Country & Christmas Fair
More Beautiful Christmas Markets in the Netherlands in 2024
Christmas Market Haarlem
From 13th to 15th December, the Christmas Market in Haarlem returns, transforming the city centre into one of the cosiest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Haarlem is a wonderful city for a day or weekend away. The full program of activities during the market will be announced soon. From stalls to live music and delicious food, stay tuned for updates.
Dates: 13th to 15th December 2024
More information: visithaarlem.com
© Christmas Market Haarlem
Castle Christmas Fair
The Castle Christmas Fair at Buitenplaats Beeckestijn in Velsen-Zuid returns in 2024! The garden of the estate is transformed into a festive wonderland, and this Christmas & lifestyle fair is one of the best Christmas markets in North Holland to visit before December. This year, there will be around 130 stalls featuring lifestyle, culinary delights, and goods from local businesses and artisans to international brands. Find the perfect decorations or a beautiful gift for under the tree.
Dates: 28th November to 1st December 2024
More information: castlechristmasfair.nl
© Castle Christmas Fair
More of the Best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands in 2024
Dordrecht December Days
You might not expect it, but the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands is in Dordrecht. With over 300 stalls and lots of festive entertainment, Dordrecht becomes even cosier during the December month, with plenty of fun activities. There’s even a wander route through the city with light installations that tell stories. Check the website for more information >>
Dates: 13th to 31st December 2024
More information: kerstmarktdordrecht.nl
© Christmas Market Dordrecht
Christmas Markets in Amsterdam, 2024
Of course, I’ll keep you updated on the best Christmas markets in Amsterdam taking place in 2024. Below, I’ve listed a few favourites. View the complete list of Christmas markets in Amsterdam here >>
- Funky Xmas Sunday Market // 15th December 2024
- Winter Market by the Pure Markt // 22nd December 2024
- Ice Village Museumplein // 12th to 26th December 2024
- Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs // 12th to 28th December 2024
| TIP: Are you as big a fan of Christmas markets as I am? I’ve put together a list of unmissable Christmas markets for various destinations! Check out the shortlists here: visit the Christmas markets in Amsterdam, discover the best Christmas markets in Germany & soak up the Christmas spirit at the coziest Christmas markets in Belgium.
For you: Amsterdam tips to keep top of mind
The essential tips and (restaurant) shortlists that you always want to have on hand for a dose of Amsterdam inspiration.
► Restaurant hit-list:
new restaurants |
favorite restaurants |
wine bars |
lunch &
brunch |
breakfast |
coffee |
terraces |
coming soon |
more tips >>
► TOP-5 hotels:
The Hoxton LLOYD |
Hotel Jakarta |
Pulitzer |
Volkshotel |
Sir Adam|
more tips >>
► TOP-5 museums & experiences:
Le Foodwalk |
STRAAT Museum |
Fabrique des Lumières |
MOCO |
Amaze |
more tips >>
| PS: don’t live in Amsterdam? Rent a bike here >>
► Fun city trips by train from Amsterdam:
Paris (from €35,-),
Antwerp (from €21,-),
London (from €103,- round trip),
Berlin (from €38,-) &
Düsseldorf (from €20,-)
► Weekend getaway? Discover the most beautiful hotels and
holiday homes in the Netherlands.
With love,
Anne
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