10 x The best Dutch Christmas markets in The Netherlands 2023 - Visiting The Dutch Countryside (2024)

Visiting the best Christmas markets in The Netherlands should be on anyone’s things to do list in November and December in The Netherlands. Christmas markets in The Netherlands. It’s not something visitors tend to think of when they are visiting my country during the winter and Christmas holidays.

However, there are beautiful Christmas markets that you have to visit when you are in The Netherlands during Christmas time in 2023. Here you will find the most beautiful Christmas markets in The Netherlands. From the floating Christmas market to the biggest Christmas market of The Netherlands. Including all the information on what to do, where to stay and how to get to the Christmas market in The Netherlands.

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Visit the best Dutch Christmas markets in The Netherlands of 2023

Christmas time is one of my most favourite of the year. Everything turns very ‘gezellig’. ‘Gezellig’ is a Dutch word that sort of means cosy but is not the right translation, as the word doesn’t exist in English. Once you get to The Netherlands you will understand the meaning. During Christmas it gets very ‘gezellig’ and every, little café is filled with people.

Their noses are red from the cold, rain, wind and snow. They enjoy a nice cup of tea or a hot chocolate with whipped cream. Hearing the endless chatter of people, the transition from warm to cold when they enter the streets again is mesmerizing. Seeing the decorated streets and squares. Visiting the Christmas markets in The Netherlands. I love all of it. And I think you should too.

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When planning your public transport trip to one of these places, always check 9292.nl/en for the latest transportation information, prices, etc.

1. Dordrecht

UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NO CHRISTMAS MARKET IN DORDRECHT IN 2023 (they don’t know if it ever returns!): They will have a different event, but the exact date is not known yet. During this time there will be street artists, canal tours and special walking routes. The reason why is unfortunately COVID and costs: everything is three times the price.

The Christmas market of Dordrecht is a true treat. I visited the biggest Christmas market in The Netherlands years back and remember that I was in awe of how big it was. Especially coming from a small village in Noord-Holland. We didn’t, and still, don’t have anything this big in my surrounding during Christmas.

The city of Dordrecht is one of the most beautiful in The Netherlands with many monumental buildings. And in the middle on a big square, placed between those buildings, you will find the Christmas market in Dordrecht. Last year more than 375.000 people visited this Christmas market in The Netherlands in the span of just three (!) days. Every year there are more than 350 stalls on the market. So if there are a few places that you don’t like I’m sure that the remaining 300 stalls can offer something for you. Most stalls are around the Grote Kerk, Voorstraat, Visbrug and the square near the city hall.

What to do at the Christmas market of Dordrecht

• There are many things to do in Dordrecht during the Christmas market. Walk the entire Christmas market. 350 stalls. And there is food. Do I have to say more? Eat your heart out and get yourself some hot chocolate and/or glühwein.
• Listen to the musical winter terraces. Close to the city hall of Dordrecht, you will find these terraces where you can listen to the magical voices of gospel choirs. All while sipping on your chocolate milk of course.
• Sing during the Christmas sing-a-long. At the end of the day, you will find, at the same location as the gospel choirs, a Christmas sing-a-long. Here you can sing along with all the Christmas songs ever made.
• Visit the Christmas theatre in Grotekerkstuin. You will find cool acts and a ‘living’ crib with some sheep, goats, and shepherds.
• Go ice-skating. For a real Dutch experience, you would at least need to get on the ice. Even if you fall. It’ll be fun.

How to get to the Christmas market of Dordrecht

From Amsterdam: Take the intercity (yellow train) in the direction of Vlissingen and get out at Dordrecht train station. It will take you approximately 1,5 hours.

From Rotterdam: You can take the sprinter (blue-white train) in the direction of Dordrecht, the intercity train (yellow train) in the direction of Vlissingen or the intercity (yellow train) to Dordrecht. This will take you anywhere between 15 and 24 minutes.

From Utrecht: You would need to take the intercity in the direction of Rotterdam Centraal. From Rotterdam Centraal, you will take one of the trains I mentioned above. In total it will take you around 1 hour.

From the train station, it is only a ten-minute walk. Don’t worry, there are plenty of signs that will guide you to the biggest Christmas market in The Netherlands.

Information about the Christmas market of Dordrecht 2023

The Christmas market in Dordrecht takes place throughout the city. You will see things on the following squares and streets; Stadhuisplein, Grotekerkstuin, Blauwpoortsplein, Nieuwe Haven, Aardappelmarkt, Vismarkt, Grote Markt and Waagplein.

The market is free to visit and has around six spots with free toilets. Besides that, if you are invalid you can still visit the market as they have taken this into account.

Tip: Have enough cash. There will be some stalls that accept pin, but, not everyone will do that. Also, credit cards are still not really accepted very often in The Netherlands because we, the locals, don’t use them. More information about credit card acceptance here.

NOTE: Many cash machines in Dordrecht are closed, have enough cash before travelling to Dordrecht because otherwise you’ll be in a huge line! So get some cash in another city.

Other things you can do in Dordrecht can be found here!

Where to stay in Dordrecht

B&B Op Ut Hoekie, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Driemaster Grietje, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Heer & Meester Bed & Breakfast, check dates &availability via Booking.com

For more information, I would suggest you visit the official website of the Dordrecht Christmas Market here.

2. Valkenburg

The Christmas market of Valkenburg is one of the most special Christmas markets of Europe. There are three Valkenburg Christmas markets that are all held in marl caves. The Gemeentegrot is the biggest and heart of the markets in Valkenburg. It is therefore also called the Valkenburg Cave Christmas market. Every year more than 110.000 people visit the Christmas markets of Valkenburg. And in my opinion, it is one of the best European weekend breaks during winter. Twice a week there is a beautiful Christmas parade in Valkenburg as well, which is definitely worth seeing. Although the assortiment of gifts isn’t that special in the caves, the whole atmosphere is worth a visit on its own. It is held from the 17th of November 2023 until the 30th of December 2023.

The first cave is the Gemeentegrot, which is the biggest cave and has wide corridors. During the Christmas market, the Gemeentegrot is beautifully decorated with lights and other decorations. There are candles lit everywhere, which makes the atmosphere even more beautiful. And of course, there are many stalls where you can do some wine tastings, have a chocolate fondue, buy candies and much more. This cave and Christmas market is basically the heart of the Christmas market of Valkenburg and the biggest of all three.

There are several caves that you can enter. One of them is called De Fluweelengrot. Within this cave (grot in Dutch) there are stalls in the small inlets of the cave. Because the corridors within the cave are smaller than the other caves, it can and will be busier in this cave. So be on time. In this cave, there are paintings and sculptures that are placed against the wall. It is definitely a special sight to see.

The last cave is called the Mergelrijkgrot. This cave has been opened since 2014. This is the cave you need to go to if you are interested in hearing more about the history of the caves while eating special Limburger delicatessen.

What to do at the Christmas market of Valkenburg

• Visit all three of the caves.
• Buy the typical Limburger delicatessens
• Walk slowly past all the stalls and do a wine tasting
• Take a look at the Valkenburg Christmas market parade that is held twice a week. On Saturday at 19:30 and Wednesday at 19:00.

How to get to the Christmas market of Valkenburg

From Amsterdam to Valkenburg:

Take the intercity train from Amsterdam central in the direction of Heerlen. Get out at Heerlen station and take the ‘sneltrein’ in the direction of Maastricht Randwyck. Get out at Station Valkenburg and walk 15 minutes or take the bus as I suggested before.

Or you can take the intercity train to in the direction of Maastricht and get out at Maastricht station. From here take the ‘stoptrein’ in the direction of Heerlen and get out at Valkenburg station. It will take you three hours one way.

From Rotterdam to Valkenburg:
Take the intercity train from Rotterdam Centraal in the direction of Eindhoven. Get out at Eindhoven and take the intercity train in the direction of Maastricht. Get off the train at Maastricht. From here you will take the ‘stoptrein’ in the direction of Heerlen and get out at Station Valkenburg.

This will take you 2 hours and 50 minutes.

From Utrecht to Valkenburg:
Take the intercity train (yellow train) from Utrecht Centraal in the direction of Maastricht and get out at Maastricht station. Take the stop train in the direction of Heerlen and get out at Valkenburg station. From there it’s a 15-minute walk to the caves.

Or take the intercity train from Utrecht Centraal in the direction of Heerlen, get out at Heerlen. From Heerlen take the ‘sneltrein’ in the direction of Maastricht Randwyck. Get out at Valkenburg station. It is a 15-minute walk to the caves as well.

If you don’t want to walk or am not able to. There is a bus from Valkenburg station. Service bus 8 in the direction of Maastricht Boschpoort, get out at bus stop Grendelplein in Valkenburg. From here it is a one-minute walk to the caves. Keep in mind, this bus is a tiny bus and goes once an hour. It doesn’t go on Sundays.

All of these options will take you around 2,5 hours one way.

Information about the Christmas market of Valkenburg 2023

The price of the Christmas markets differs. The reason for this is that there are different caves and thus Christmas markets that you can visit in Valkenburg. You need to keep in mind that roughly 7 euros entry per cave is usually asked, but when you visit more you can have a discount.

Dates of the Valkenburg Christmas market 2023: The Christmas market in the caves is opened from the 17th of November 2023 until the 7th of January 2024.

Address of the Valkenburg Xmas market 2023
Gemeentegrot
Cauberg 4
6301 BT
Valkenburg aan de Geul

Where to stay in Valkenburg

B&B De Plenkert, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Hotel Karsteboom,check dates &availability via Booking.com

Hotel Valkenburg,check dates &availability via Booking.com

3. Leiden

In Leiden you will find a lot of activities from the entire month of December, they call it the Winter Wonder Weeks. This Christmas market in The Netherlands is NOT floating in the middle of the canals of beautiful Leiden anymore. The Christmas market in Leiden is held from the 13th to the 17th of December 2023 (12:00- 17:00).

Every year the Leiden Christmas market gets more than 140.000 visitors. And there is a reason for that. Even without the floating Christmas market it’s still an amazing market to visit, as it’s an old Dutch Christmas market. Leiden is an incredible city to visit with plenty of things to do and amazing restaurants to eat at. For more information about Leiden, click here.

What to do at the Leiden Christmas market

• Visit the nostalgic fair from the 13th to the 17th of December (12:00- 17:00).
• Take a photo of your loved ones and put them into the big Christmas tree in Leiden.
• Admire the beautifully decorated streets, enjoy the street theatre and get a bite.
• Drink as much glühwein as possible, while staying safe of course.

The best restaurants in Leiden can be found here!

How to get to the floating Christmas market of Leiden

From Amsterdam: Take the sprinter train or intercity in the direction of Den Haag or Vlissingen from Amsterdam Centraal. Get out at Leiden Centraal. This will take you around 40 minutes.

From Rotterdam: Take the intercity from Rotterdam Centraal in the direction of Amsterdam Centraal or to Lelystad Centrum. Get out at Leiden Centraal. This will take you around half an hour.

From Utrecht: Take the train from Utrecht Centraal in the direction of Leiden Centraal. Get out at Leiden Centraal and walk your way to the market. This will take you around 50 minutes.

Information about the Leiden Christmas market

You can visit the Christmas market in Leiden for free.

13th- 17th of December 2023 (12:00- 17:00).

Location: Hooglandse Kerkgracht

Where to stay in Leiden

Ibis Leiden Centre,check dates &availability via Booking.com

Boutique Hotel Rembrandt,check dates &availability via Booking.com

Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites, check dates &availability via Booking.com

4. Amsterdam

There are quite some Christmas markets that you can visit in Amsterdam. However, the following two are my favourites. So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, then visiting these Christmas markets should be included in your itinerary.

The first Christmas market is the Funky Xmas Market Amsterdam. This market in Amsterdam is located at the venue of the Sunday Market. Every week the Sunday Market in Amsterdam is the place for designers, artists, and creatives to show their creations. And on 17th of December 2023this market in Amsterdam will turn into a Christmas market.

What to do at the Funky Xmas market in Amsterdam

• Listen to the live music
• Buy the best original Christmas gifts you will ever find
• Eat your heart out

Information about the Christmas market in Amsterdam

The date of the 2023 Funky Xmas market in Amsterdam is the 17th of December 2023.
Location: Polonceaukade27, Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam.
Time: 12:00 – 18:00

How to get there

From Rotterdam: There are around 6 trains an hour directly to Amsterdam Centraal from Rotterdam Centraal. It will take you around 40 minutes.Then walk or take one of the many busses in the direction of Westerpark.

From Utrecht: There are around 6 trains an hour from and to Amsterdam Centraal from Utrecht Centraal. This will take you around 30 minutes. Then walk or take one of the many busses in the direction of Westerpark.

Other fun and free things you have to do and visit in Amsterdam can be found here!

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Generator Hostel Amsterdam, check dates &availability via Booking.com

The Student Hotel Amsterdam City, check dates &availability via Booking.com

The Student Hotel Amsterdam West, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Hotel2stay, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Jordaan Suite bed and bubbles,check dates &availability via Booking.com

5. Deventer

Deventer has one of the most unique and quirky Christmas markets of The Netherlands. You will be going back to the 19th-century English city of Charles Dickens. The Christmas market of Deventer is also named Dickens Festijn. More than 950 characters out of the books of the famous English writer will come alive. From Oliver Twist to Mr. Pickwick. This Deventer Christmas market is held on the 16th and 17th of December 2023.

Besides the Charles Dickens fest, there is also a Christmas market in the Lebuinus church. Here you will find many stalls that offer anything you’re searching for. Yearly more than 120.000 people visit these Christmas events in Deventer. That makes it one of the most popular Christmas markets of The Netherlands.

What to do at the Christmas markets and festivals in Deventer

• Visit the free concerts of choirs in the Lebuinus church and Broederen church. You can visit them for free.
• See the permanent exposition of Charles Dickens at the Dickens Kabinet. It is opened every Saturday from 11:00- 17:00. The entrance is a few euros.
• Enjoy the Christmas market in the Lebuinus church, while enjoying the musical performances that are held throughout the area. Admission fee is a few euros.
• Visit de Brink Christmas market on the 17th of December. This is the weekly market of Deventer, but in the atmosphere of Christmas this time.

Discover other fun and interesting things to do in Deventer here!

How to get there

From Amsterdam: Take the intercity in the direction of Deventer from Amsterdam Centraal. Get off at Deventer. This will take you 1:15 hour.

From Rotterdam: Take the train from Rotterdam Centraal in the direction of Leeuwarden. Transfer at train station Amersfoort to the intercity to Deventer. Get out at Deventer. This will take you around 1:30 hour.

From Utrecht: Take the train from Utrecht Centraal in the direction of Deventer. Get out at Deventer. This will take you around 50 minutes.

Information about the Christmas markets and festivals in Deventer

Dickens Festijn (fest): 16th and 17th of December 2023.
Admission fee: None.
Entrance: Keizerstraat, Deventer (centre of Deventer).
Location: The Dickens Festijn is located in following streets and areas; de Walstraat, Golstraat, Damstraat, Bergkerkplein, Roggestraat, Bergschild, Kerksteeg, Menstraat and Bergstraat.

Where to stay in Deventer

Grand Boutique Hotel Huis Vermeer, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Boutique B&B Huize De Worp, check dates &availability via Booking.com

Hotel Hanzestadslogement De Leeuw, check dates &availability via Booking.com

6. Bourtange

One of the most beautiful fortified cities of The Netherlands is the city of Bourtange. And the best part? In the fortified city of Bourtange, there is a Christmas market on the following dates: 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16th and 17th of December. Bourtange is a beautiful city in the province of Groningen. So if you’re looking on things to do in the surroundings of Groningen, visiting Bourtange should be on your list.

Experiencing a Christmas market in Bourtange will be like an experience you will never forget. The unique location and the beautiful decorated fortified city. There are Christmas trees on top of the ramparts and the bridges and roads are completely decorated with thousands of lights. This has to be one of the most unique and special Christmas markets in The Netherlands. The Christmas market of Bourtange is also one of the best Christmas markets of the Northern part of the Netherlands. There are almost 100 stalls that you can find throughout the fortified city.

What to do

• Walk around the marktplein (market square) and have a look at the big Christmas tree
• Enjoy a magical evening in a fortified city, while walking through the stalls with a hot chocolate
• Listen and watch the performances

Discover how to spend one full day in Bourtange and all the things you should do here!

How to get there

There is no public transportation to Bourtange during the weekend!

Information about the Bourtange Christmas market

You can find the Christmas market as soon as you enter the fortified city of Bourtange. The Christmas market in Bourtange takes place on 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16th and 17th of December.

Opening times:

Saturday: 11:00- 21:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00

Admission fee:
For Christmas market only 4 euros: you can also book tickets in advance here!
For Christmas market and museum roughly 6 euros

Where to stay in Bourtange

Hotel Vesting Bourtange, check dates &availability via Booking.com

De Hiddinghhoeve,check dates &availability via Booking.com

7. Maastricht

Maastricht is a beautiful city in the province of Limburg, so visiting Maastricht in The Netherlands is always a good idea. However, during December Maastricht has something more to offer than being a beautiful medieval city. The Christmas market of Maastricht is held in the most famous square of the city, Vrijthof. From the 30th of November until the 31st of December 2023this square turns Maastricht into a Christmas spirit.

Visiting the Christmas market of Maastricht is one of the best things you can do in Maastricht and Limburg in December. You can explore the city of Maastricht, while also visit one of the best Christmas markets in The Netherlands.

What to do at the Maastricht Christmas market

• Get the best view of Maastricht in the 60 meters high Ferris wheel.
• Go ice-skating and buy yourself a hot chocolate afterwards.
• Visit all the beautifully decorated cribs that are spread throughout the Christmas market
• Discover the indoor part of the Maastricht Christmas market. Even when it’s pouring outside, you can enjoy the market.
• Eat all the food you possibly can. There are a lot of places to get food so you can eat your heart out.
• Visit the house of Santa
• Walk the magical ‘lichtroute’ until the beginning of January. You will see the most beautiful parts of Maastricht beautifully lit up by Christmas lights and decorations. Click here for the route.

Are you looking for other fun and amazing things to do in Maastricht? Find the perfect one day itinerary for Maastricht here!

How to get there

From Amsterdam: Take the intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal in the direction of Maastricht. Get out at Maastricht. This will take you around 2,5 hour.

From Rotterdam: Take the intercity from Rotterdam Centraal in the direction of Eindhoven. Get out at Eindhoven and transfer to the intercity in the direction of Maastricht. Get out at Maastricht. This will take you around 2:15 hour.

From Utrecht: Take the intercity from Utrecht Centraal in the direction of Maastricht. Get out at Maastricht. This will take you around 2 hours.

Information about the Maastricht Christmas market

Dates Christmas market Maastricht: 30th of November until 31st of December 2023.

Have a look at the current opening times of the Christmas market in Maastricht here, as well as ticket prices.

Location:
Vrijthof, Maastricht

Where to stay in Maastricht

The Dutch Maastricht,check dates &availability via Booking.com

Bouteaque Hotel,check dates &availability via Booking.com

Stayokay Maastricht,check dates &availability via Booking.com

8. Estate Beeckesteijn

This market doesn’t take place in 2023!

Do you want to visit a special Christmas market in The Netherlands? You’re in luck because there is a Castle Christmas Fair on a beautiful Dutch estate in Velsen. Estate Beeckesteijn is the location of the Castle Christmas fair in Noord-Holland.

This Christmas market in Heemskerk is held in the gardens of Estate Beeckesteijn. The location alone makes this Christmas market in Noord- Holland very special. You can find dozens of stalls in the garden of Beeckesteijn and performances by local bands and choirs, plus drinks, bites and much more.

What to do at the Castle Christmas Fair Velsen

• Listen to the local bands and choirs
• Get a glass of glühwein
• Eat typical Dutch pea soup
• Walk past the more than stalls to enjoy the Christmas and lifestyle products that are spread throughout the castle garden.

How to get to the Castle Christmas Fair Velsen

From Amsterdam: To get from Amsterdam to Velsen Zuid, I recommend you to take the train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. From there you need to transfer to a bus that runs in the direction of IJmuiden, via Westpoort. Get out at Halte Parkweg, Velsen- Zuid. It takes you around 33 minutes to get to Velsen from Amsterdam.

From Rotterdam: Take the intercity direct from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol, and transfer there to the sprinter train that will take you to Amsterdam Sloterdijk. From there you need to change to the bus that runs to IJmuiden via Westpoort. Get out at Halte Parkweg in Velsen- Zuid. It takes you approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Rotterdam to Velsen.

From Utrecht: Take the train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk and transfer to the bus that runs in the direction of IJmuiden via Westpoort, get out at Halte Parkweg in Velsen-Zuid. It takes you roughly one hour to get from Utrecht to Velsen- Zuid.

Information about the Castle Christmas Fair Velsen

Dates Castle Christmas Fair: 17th of November – 20th of November 2022.
Opening times: From 11:00

Admission fee: 11,25 if you book online, at the location it’s around 14,75. Kids until 6 are free to go.
Location: Rijksweg 134, 1981 LD Velsen- Zuid

Where to stay in Velsen

Eco Hotel Plantage Rococo, check prices & availability via Booking.com

9. Haarlem

What to do at the Christmas market of Haarlem

How to get there

Information about the Christmas market of Haarlem

The Christmas market in The Hague takes place from the 7th of December until the 23rd of December (from 12:00- 21:00 – on opening day they start at 17:00): the 18th of December is when they’re closed!

Location: This winter market in The Hague is held at Lange Voorhout and this year it’s already the 8th edition of the event.

There’s no admission fee, so you have extra money in hand to buy yourself – or your family or friends – some nice gifts or treats. You can also find even more information about this Christmas market in Den Haag here.

I hope this article was useful for you and that you’ll enjoy the best Christmas markets in The Netherlands. Have you been to a Christmas market in The Netherlands already or are you planning on visiting one? Is there any information you’re missing?

When you visit my country I would recommend you to discover other parts of The Netherlands as well. Think of visiting the beautiful, modern city of Eindhoven in one day for instance. It is nicknamed the Dutch city of lights for a great reason. Or explore the Burgundian town of Bergen op Zoom in the province of Noord- Brabant, The Netherlands!

If you’re looking to visit beautiful places and towns in the province of Friesland I would definitely recommend you to head to this article of the best day trips you can take from the town of Leeuwarden. And when you’re in the area anyway, why not bring a one day visit to Groningen as well? Exactly, there’s no reason to turn it down.

Are you visiting The Netherlands in autumn instead of during the winter season, then you can find the best and most amazing things to do during fall season in The Netherlands here.

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