7 of the most magical Christmas markets in the Netherlands
It’s that time of year again: the smell of freshly baked waffles and mulled wine fills the streets, Christmas lights twinkle everywhere and the cosiest Christmas markets pop up in cities all over the Netherlands. The Christmas markets in the Netherlands have something magical in store for everyone. It’s an enchanting outing full of cosiness and warmth! We have listed the 7 best Christmas markets in the Netherlands for you.
Christmas Town Valkenburg: An underground winter wonderland
Visit the Christmas market that has been named ' Most Beautiful Christmas Market in the Netherlands'. Valkenburg is the Christmas capital of the Netherlands, because here you can experience the holidays in a truly unique way: above and below ground! Let yourself be carried away by the underground enchantment in the mysterious caves of the Fluweelengrot and the Gemeentegrot. The caves of the Valkenburg Christmas market are full of cozy stalls and meter-long miniature villages. There is even more coziness to be found above ground. Behold the beautiful Christmas parade here, where dancers, floats and cheerful music draw the streets.
Date: November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Click here for more information
Magical Maastricht: An atmospheric Christmas at the Vrijthof
In Maastricht, the famous Vrijthof is transformed into a winter paradise during Magical Maastricht. Nowhere is the atmosphere more magical than here! The Maastricht Christmas market is known for its romantic atmosphere, thanks to the illuminated streets, the large Christmas tree and the ice rink in the middle of the square. Stroll past numerous chalets where you can find nice gifts for your loved ones and where you can enjoy delicious winter delicacies. There are plenty of winter activities to do. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a beautiful view of the city or warm up with a glass of mulled wine in one of the cozy winter chalets. Maastricht is a city that is full of magic during the holidays.
Date: November 28 to December 30, 2024
Click here for more information
Royal Christmas Fair: Royal shopping in The Hague
For a chic Christmas experience, head to the Royal Christmas Fair on the Lange Voorhout. This year marks the ninth edition of the Christmas market in the historic center of The Hague! This atmospheric Christmas market, surrounded by stately trees and historic buildings, offers more than 100 cozy wooden chalets where you can find the most beautiful Christmas gifts, jewelry and delicacies. After a bite to eat and a drink, enjoy live music, choir performances and street theater. Expect beautifully lit stalls, enjoy a warm waffle and end your visit with a lap on the ice rink. Who knows, you might even bump into the one and only Santa Claus!
Snacks and drinks
The Royal Christmas House is the beating heart of the market. Are you with a large group? Then you can have a cozy end-of-year lunch here or a festive drink with colleagues. For those who prefer a nice drink, you can visit Bar München. For both options, reservations must be made in advance.
Date: December 5-23, 2024
Location: Amsterdam
Click here for more information
Photo: Royal Christmas Fair & DenHaag.com
Nostalgic Christmas Market Leiden: Winter Wonder Weeks
This December, Leiden is hosting the Winter Wonder Weeks! A unique Christmas experience with its floating Christmas market on the Nieuwe Rijn. This special market is located under the trees of the Hooglandse Kerkgracht. With atmospheric wooden chalets on pontoons, the Christmas market attracts visitors from far and wide who enjoy the beautiful illuminated canals and the historic city center. Here you can stroll between the stalls while enjoying the warm atmosphere of the holidays.
In addition, there is an ice rink for young and old, where they can skate the stars of the ice on a floating ice rink with a view of the monumental buildings of the city. Would you rather walk instead of skating? Take part in the Rotary Santa Run! A walk where participants, dressed as Santa Claus, complete a course of approximately 4 kilometers through the city center of Leiden for charity.
Date: December 14 & 15 and 18 to 22, 2024
Click here for more information
Photo: Leidsch Dagblad
Haarlem Christmas Market: Back to the 19th century
In the centre of the historic city centre of Haarlem you will find one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Haarlem goes big every year during the Haarlem Christmas Market. At twelve different locations in the city centre there are numerous stalls spread out, transformed into a cosy Christmas atmosphere.
The Grote Markt is also filled with stalls, festively decorated with lights and Christmas greenery. The beautiful background of the medieval Sint-Bavokerk completes the decor. The Schagchelstraat is transformed into Emma's street, the street where you travel back in time. Imagine yourself in a 19th-century Christmas party in medieval style at the Christmas Market in Haarlem!
Date: December 13 to 15, 2024
Click here for more information
Swedish Christmas Market Groningen: Scandinavian Christmas atmosphere
Celebrate the start of the most wonderful time of the year at the Swedish Christmas Market in Groningen . Immerse yourself in a Scandinavian Christmas atmosphere! The market is organized in the old sugar factory where a special combination of Swedish traditions and local coziness come together. Here you will find stalls with natural and handmade Swedish Christmas decorations, traditional delicacies such as glögg (Swedish mulled wine) and cinnamon buns. With live music and a crackling fire, the atmosphere will only get warmer, despite the winter cold.
Also take part in various workshops. During the workshop 'Making Lucia's light wreath' you will work on making a wreath that they wear on their heads in Sweden or hang up as decoration. The wreaths are often made during the Lucia festival: the beginning of the Christmas period.
Date: December 7 & 8, 2024
Click here for more information
Photo: Swedish Christmas Market
Christmas markets in Amsterdam: Winter atmosphere in the capital
Amsterdam is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas city full of cozy markets during the winter months. At various locations in the city you will find the most beautiful Christmas markets and fun winter activities. There are Christmas markets that last for weeks, but also smaller markets that last a few days.
Some of our favourites include the Christmas market on the iconic Dam Square, the Funky Xmas Market at the Westergasfabriek and the Pure Winter Market in Amstelpark.
Date: Between December 12 and 30, 2024
Click here for more information
Photo: Winter Festival Amsterdam
Celebrate Christmas with Bastion Hotels
Are you planning to visit a Christmas market during the holidays? Make it an unforgettable Christmas and celebrate Christmas with Bastion Hotels! After strolling along all those Christmas stalls, you will surely be ready for some warmth and rest.
With our Christmas deal you can now benefit from up to 20% stack discount on your stay in a Bastion Hotel of your choice. The longer you stay, the more you save.
- 1, 2 or 3 nights for 1 or 2 persons
- Breakfast can be booked as an option
- Valid for stays between 20 – 29 December 2024
- Free cancellation until 12:00 on the day before arrival
More information about the Christmas deal? Click here.
