Travel & Hotspots

NO PLANS THIS WEEKEND?

We want to visit all these Christmas markets

A heaven of lights, fragrant food stalls, oversized Christmas trees, the coziest jingles, live nativity scenes, ice rinks, and large kettles of glühwein. I love it. You might immediately think of Germany when you think of Christmas markets, but you can also stay in the Netherlands for a whole lot of coziness.

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit like I do (I've been in it for a while, but still), these are the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands.

1. Maastricht.

If you want to enjoy a glass of glühwein with me, put on your coziest outfit and come to Maastricht. At the most famous square, the Vrijthof, you will find Magical Maastricht. But the streets around it are also transformed into a real winter wonderland. At the Vrijthof, you will find a lit-up Ferris wheel, a huge ice rink of 1000 square meters, and various Christmas stalls. Magical Maastricht lasts the whole month of December, so you still have some time.

2. Valkenburg

And if you're in the cozy south, drive a little further to Valkenburg. This market is not just any market. The Christmas market is held in the Municipal Cave and the Velvet Cave. The caves are decorated with beautiful lights, and in the dark, you stroll past various stalls. How romantic.

3. Enschede.

Enschede is also all about winter wonderland throughout December. The center is transformed into a romantic Christmas paradise. How about a walk with your loved one through the Long Lane of Love or ice skating at the Oude Markt? There are also various workshops, stalls, activities, and performances throughout the city.

“I love it.”

4. Deventer

In Deventer, they combine Christmas with Charles Dickens. Now that's a cozy match. During the Dickens Festival, 950 characters from Charles Dickens' books come to life. Additionally, the city is beautifully decorated and lit up. Besides all this fun, you will find one of the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands near the Great Church.

5. Eindhoven

Even during Christmas, Eindhoven is the craziest. Here, you celebrate Christmas at the Nice Holidays Festival. Furthermore, there are Christmas markets to be found in various spots around the city, of course with an ice rink as well.

6. The Hague

In The Hague, you can get into the festive mood every day at the Christmas market, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. All together for the glühwein, off to The Hague.

7. Dordrecht

Dordrecht is home to the largest and one of the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands with no less than 200 Christmas stalls. And these are not just any stalls; extra attention is paid to craftsmanship in Dordrecht. The Christmas market in Dordrecht will give you the ultimate Christmas feeling, no matter what.

8. Amsterdam

I've already had the scoop. In the most beautiful city in the country, you can enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival all month long. The festival consists of two main routes, namely the water route Water Colors and the walking route Illuminade. During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the city is transformed into a true light paradise. But you can also find the necessary dose of Christmas at Leidseplein, Museumplein, and the Flower Market.

Will I see you tomorrow at the Vrijthof? 12:00 PM under the clock (for the insiders).