The best Christmas markets in the Netherlands

Twinkling lights, Christmas trees and beautiful decorations! From November 17 to January 8, Valkenburg is once again transformed into a magical Christmas city. In Valkenburg you can enjoy the atmosphere not only above ground, but also in the caves. Slide down the toboggan run, be charmed by the route of lights, stroll along the many Christmas stalls and enjoy the endless variety of delicacies. At the Landal Christmas Parade, the floats once again pull out all the stops to put on a fairytale parade. You don't want to miss this!

Important: Plan your visit in advance. Tickets for the caves can be booked on the site from €8 each. Above the ground, your pet is more than welcome, but not inside the caves. The Christmas markets in the Municipal Cave and the Velvet Cave are the only ones that are wheelchair accessible.

After that, of course, you will spend the night at Stayokay Maastricht.

Sing your lungs out during the musical performances, or get carried away by the best Christmas stories. This Christmas market is also a magical experience for children. The one and only Father Christmas has smoothed his suit again and loves to have his picture taken. Warm up at the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague with a delicious mulled wine by one of the many fireplaces. We cannot wait! Festive, atmospheric and colourful; it will be one big party! Dogs are allowed and entrance is absolutely free.

End this fairy-tale day at Stayokay Den Haag.

Magical Maastricht is an atmospheric highlight every year during the festive season. The Vrijthof is transformed into one of the Netherlands' most famous Christmas markets, where you can find craft gifts, handmade decorations and local delicacies. And don't forget to put on your skates, because the indoor skating rink on Vrijthof will have you turning pirouettes until you drop. Have you always wanted to admire Maastricht from above? This is your chance! In the giant Ferris wheel, you can count every light in this Christmas city. For a fairytale experience, take a walk along one of the beautiful light routes or enjoy warm delicacies at Place d'Amour. Maastricht has never been so beautiful before! What are you waiting for?

An overnight stay at Stayokay Maastricht will make your day complete!

From 13 to 31 December, Dordrecht transforms into an atmospheric winter paradise! Stroll through the illuminated city centre, visit the cosy winter garden at the Grote Kerk with local delicacies, or shop the cutest Christmas gifts at the December Market on 14 and 15 December. Don't forget the magical Dwaalspoor route, which lights up the city from 17:00 to 22:00. December is the perfect month to experience Dordrecht in full winter splendour!

After a long day strolling through this winter paradise, you can spend the night at Stayokay Dordrecht!

Imagine yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of Dickens' Victorian England, complete with towering Christmas trees, atmospheric lighting and the delicious smells of roasted chestnuts and hot punch. On the weekend of 14 and 15 December, Deventer's historic Bergkwartier district will be the setting for a Christmas party just like in the 19th century: the Dickens Festival! During this annual spectacle, as many as 950 characters from Charles Dickens' stories will stroll through the atmospheric streets. Meet the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge, the poor Oliver Twist, and sing along to the carols of the Christmas Carol Singers. Entrance to the Dickens Festival is free!

Stay in the winter atmosphere and stay overnight in a Norwegian hunting lodge just 15 minutes' drive from Deventer!

A magical start to your holidays in a breathtaking setting, who wouldn't want that! This year, the Castle Christmas Fair can be found at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg. From 28 November to 1 December 2024, this historic location will be transformed into a winter wonderland, where you can enjoy a unique Christmas experience. Stroll past atmospheric gift stalls, taste delicious delicacies and enjoy live entertainment. The historical atmosphere of the estate makes the fair a unique, magical experience for young and old alike.

Make a weekend of it and stay overnight in Haarlem!

Be enchanted by the Nostalgic Christmas Market in Leiden. On 14 & 15 and 18 to 22 December, the Hooglandse Kerkgracht will again be the setting for this unique Christmas spectacle. Browse among the cosy wooden stalls and shop the best Christmas presents, eat your fill at the food trucks or relax on the cosy winter terrace with hot mulled wine. Show off your skating skills at the Floating Ice Rink or stroll through the illuminated streets and enjoy the ultimate Christmas atmosphere!

Leiden is a half-hour drive from Stayokay Den Haag!

Always wanted to take a look inside Gouda's Sint-Jan? Here's your chance! Step inside this historic church, known for its world-famous stained glass windows, during the Winter Fair on 13 and 14 December and prepare for a day of winter cosiness. Stroll past Christmas stalls and enjoy delicious snacks on the. On Friday, you can enjoy live musicians during the atmospheric Gouda by Candlelight. For the curious among us, you can experience the Christmas story in a special way during the winter fair, from treasure hunts and read-alouds to a mini-exhibition. Entry to the market is free and with every purchase you make at the market, you support several charities!

From Gouda, it's just a short trip to a weekend in Rotterdam!

In Haarlem, preparations for one of the biggest Christmas markets in the Netherlands are already in full swing! From Friday 13 December to Sunday 15 December, hundreds of traditional Christmas stalls will again be waiting for you with the best offers for the holidays. Score the best gadgets such as lovely warm slippers, a beautiful Christmas tree or sparkling Christmas lights for your home. The Christmas hits sound from the speakers and the snert is lovingly prepared for you. Sing along with the most atmospheric choirs performing in various monumental locations.

Experience the ultimate Christmas experience at the Netherlands' cosiest Christmas market in Haarlem city centre. Admission is free and the Christmas market is fully wheelchair accessible. Stayokay Haarlem is easily accessible from the city centre!

From 14 to 17 November 2024, Soestdijk Palace will transform into a true winter paradise. Enjoy four days of festive atmosphere, fun workshops and the cutest Christmas stalls. From marshmallow roasting to biscuit decorating, to cake decorating workshops and etiquette lessons from a real butler, Spirit of Winter is the perfect place to let creativity run wild. Experience winter cosiness With thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and atmospheric Christmas stalls surrounded by the splendour of Soestdijk Palace, the estate exudes a magical Christmas atmosphere you won't soon forget!

After a day full of winter fun, you can spend the night in Soest.

Are you looking forward to the cosiest month of the year as much as we are? Then, in all the enthusiasm, don't forget to prepare well for a visit to one, or more, of these amazing markets. Pack thick and wear several layers, put on comfortable shoes, plan your route to perfection, maybe there will be another Christmas market on the way! That way you really won't miss anything. Feel like unwinding after the market? Continue the winter atmosphere in one of our 21 atmospheric hostels.

Go ice skating! We also collected the most special, fun or beautiful skating rinks in the Netherlands ⛸️