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 2023 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 2023: THE ULTIMATE OVERVIEW
CHRISTMAS MARKET: MAGICAL MAASTRICHT
From 30th November to 31st December, the Vrijthof in Maastricht is transformed once again into one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Besides the 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: 30th November to 31st December 2023
More information: magischmaastrichtvrijthof.nl
© @magischmaastrichtvrijthof / MAGICAL MAASTRICHT
THE MAKER MARKET – ROTTERDAM
The Maker Market, a travelling market full of stalls curated by creatives, will set foot for the first time on December 17th in the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam. Featuring over 50 diverse brands and creators from all corners, music, and more conviviality. For its inaugural edition in Rotterdam, The Maker Market presents a carefully curated selection of small, creative makers in various fields. Think art, crafts, jewellery, clothing, and much more. Local talent will unite with creators from across the Netherlands, making this market an ideal destination to score unique Christmas gifts. It’s the perfect moment to make those final purchases while enjoying a charming and free outing.
Date: 17th December 2023, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Location: Courtyard of Groot Handelsgebouw, Stationsplein 45, 3013AK, Rotterdam
CHRISTMAS MARKET VALKENBURG 2023
The most exceptional among all Christmas markets in the Netherlands is the one in Valkenburg. From November 17th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024, you can visit an underground Christmas market here! At the Christmas City Valkenburg, various markets take place within the caves near the town. The Valkenburg Christmas market includes: the Velvet Cave Christmas market, the Municipal Cave Christmas market, Christmas at MergelRijk, and Winter Wonderland Valkenburg. Alongside this underground Christmas experience, you can also take a ‘Route d’Amuse’, where you can taste various appetizers while strolling through this beautiful old town along the Geul River. This year, there are two routes of varying lengths for this culinary walk, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Note that the organization of the Christmas market this year is somewhat different, and planning your visit in advance is necessary, as tickets and time slots need to be reserved beforehand, even for the markets in the caves. Children up to 4 years old enter for free. Please note: Tickets for the Municipal Cave Christmas market and Velvet Cave Christmas market must be purchased online in advance! However, for the Christmas show at MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland, tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Dates: November 17th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024
More information: kerststadvalkenburg.com
© @kerstmarkt.gemeentegrot
MORE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 2023
CHRISTMAS MARKET DEVENTER: DICKENS FESTIVAL
Great news for all lovers of the Christmas market in Deventer! This year, you can once again enjoy the Dickens Festival on Saturday, 16th, and Sunday, 17th December 2023. In Deventer, they transport Christmas back to the nineteenth century with their Dickens Festival (yes, to Charles Dickens). 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 runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both days. Admission is free. However, please be prepared for long queues at the entrance to Walstraat. The organizers have already indicated that waiting times could be up to 1.5 hours.
Dates: 16th & 17th December 2023
More information: dickensfestijn.nl
© DICKENS FESTIVAL
CHRISTMAS MARKET THE HAGUE: ROYAL CHRISTMAS FAIR
For a Christmas feeling 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 over 110 Christmas stalls and an illuminated sky formed by 100,000 twinkling LED lights in the trees surrounding the Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace, embassies, museums, and charming shopping areas such as Denneweg, Plaats, Hofkwartier, and Noordeinde. The Royal Christmas Fair can be visited from December 7th to December 23rd!
Dates: 7th to 23rd December 2023
More information: royalchristmasfair.nl
© Royal Christmas Fair
MORE TOP CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 2023
CHRISTMAS MARKET LEIDEN 2023
You might have been there before: the floating Christmas market in Leiden. It has been a huge success for years. This year, the Christmas market will take place on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, featuring numerous chalets filled with delightful Christmas gifts, food trucks offering tasty winter snacks, and a winter terrace for enjoying seasonal beverages. Leiden is, in any case, an incredibly atmospheric city to visit for a day out. The Christmas market will run from December 13th to 17th.
Dates: 13th to 17th December 2023
More information: visitleiden.nl
| TIP: The best hotspots you wouldn’t want to miss in Leiden >>
© Kerstmarkt Leiden
CHRISTMAS MARKET UTRECHT: COUNTRY & CHRISTMAS FAIR
Certainly, Kasteel de Haar near Utrecht is perhaps one of the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands to visit. But in the run-up to the holidays, the scene becomes truly magical. This year, the Country & Christmas Fair returns from November 21st to 26th at Slot Zeist. Just imagine: the cosiness of lush Christmas trees with lights, the scent of mulled wine, delightful winter treats, and Jingle Bells playing in the background. Stroll through the gardens past stands offering unique antiques, jewellery, outdoor clothing, Christmas gifts, and the most exquisite wines and delicacies for home. The Country & Christmas Fair is also a perfect combination with a weekend getaway to Utrecht.
Dates: 21st to 26th November 2023
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 2023
CHRISTMAS MARKET HAARLEM 2023
From December 8th to 10th, the Christmas market in Haarlem returns, transforming the city centre into one of the cosiest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Haarlem, in any case, is an incredibly charming city for a day or overnight trip. What will be happening during the Christmas market will be announced soon, from the stalls to the live music and delicious food. You’ll find updates here as soon as more details are available.
Dates: 8th to 10th December 2023
More information: visithaarlem.com
© Christmas market Haarlem
Castle Christmas Fair
The Castle Christmas Fair at Buitenplaats Beeckestijn in Velsen-Zuid will return in 2024! The estate’s garden will be transformed into a Christmas atmosphere, and this Christmas & lifestyle fair is one of the most enjoyable Christmas markets in North Holland that you can visit even before the December month. Each year, there will be around 130 stands offering lifestyle, culinary delights, local businesses, crafts, and international brands. It’s the perfect place to shop for your final Christmas decorations or get a lovely gift for under the tree.
Dates: The 2023 edition has been moved to 2024.
More information: castlechristmasfair.nl
© Castle Christmas Fair
MORE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 2023
LE MARIE MARCHÉ CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Hague’s delicatessen market, Le Marie Marché, and Landgoed de Olmenhorst are organizing an intimate Christmas market filled with gifts and wintery treats. You can definitely find me here on one of the Sundays. Stroll along the stalls with a hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine in hand and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. This market is also very enjoyable for kids. The date for the market is yet to be announced on Le Marie Marché’s agenda, so keep an eye on the website for updates.
Dates: Date to be announced
More information: lemariemarche.nl
MORE TOP CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 2023
DORDTSE DECEMBER DAYS
You might not expect it, but you can find the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands in Dordrecht. Here, you’ll find over 300 stalls and plenty of delightful Christmas entertainment. Throughout December, the city centre of Dordrecht becomes even more charming, offering various enjoyable activities. There’s a trail through the city showcasing light installations that tell stories. Check out the website for more information >>
Dates: 15th to 31st December 2023
More information: kerstmarktdordrecht.nl
© Christmas market Dordrecht
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN AMSTERDAM 2023
Of course, I’ll keep you updated on the most enjoyable Christmas markets taking place in Amsterdam in 2023. Below, I’ve listed a few favorites for you. You can also view the complete list of Christmas markets in Amsterdam >>
- Funky Xmas Sunday Market // December 17th, 2023
- Wintermarkt van de Pure Markt // December 17th, 2023
- Ice Village Museumplein // December 13th to 26th, 2023
- Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs // December 14tht to 30th, 2023
| TIP: Are you as much of a Christmas market enthusiast as I am? For multiple destinations, I’ve compiled lists of the not-to-be-missed Christmas markets! Check out the shortlists here: visit the Christmas markets in Amsterdam, discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and experience the Christmas atmosphere at the coziest Christmas markets in Belgium.
