Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands?
Christmas in the Netherlands has a quieter, more understated charm than in neighbouring countries. While the country is known for its canals, museums, and cycling culture, it is less known for Christmas markets. This goes back to the more puritan attitude to the festive season. Unlike the grand, centuries-old German Weihnachtsmärkte, Dutch Christmas markets are a recent tradition.
Having said that, it is still possible to find festive markets throughout the country, especially if you know where to look. Markets to the south (below ‘the rivers’) will tend to be more traditional and be closest in feel to a typical ‘German market’.
This guide introduces the most notable Christmas markets in the Netherlands, what you can expect when you visit, and practical advice for planning your winter trip.
Are Christmas Markets Popular in the Netherlands?
It is important to note, Christmas markets are not a historic Dutch tradition. For many Dutch people, Sinterklaas, not Father Christmas, is the main festive present-giver in the Netherlands. His arrival on the 5th of December brings more of the festive holiday excitement than Christmas itself. So you will not find the vast, centuries-old markets that are typical in Germany and Austria in the Netherlands.
As a result, the Christmas markets tend to be fewer in number, smaller, or very themed. However, they are growing in popularity, and several Dutch cities now host well-organised winter markets.
What to Expect
- Mulled wine (“glühwein”) and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) are common in many of these markets.
- Ice skating rinks often accompany the markets, especially in city squares.
- Many markets are free to enter, though the cave markets in Valkenburg and the RAI Winter Paradise charge an admission fee.
The Best Christmas Markets to Visit in the Netherlands
Here are some of the best places to visit if you’re in the Netherlands during the festive season.
Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, the festive markets are less traditional but still enjoyable:
- Ice Village (4th – 28th December), held at Museumplein, features around 45 chalets, food & drink, craft stalls, and an ice-rink
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise (13th December – 3rd January), at the RAI convention centre, is a large winter event with both indoor and outdoor skating, fairground rides, live performances, and festive food. This is a ticketed event.
- Funky Xmas Market (21st December), a quirky, fun Sunday market at Westergas with food and handmade gifts.
Haarlem
12th December – 14th December 2025
Just a short train ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem’s Christmas Market around the Grote Kerk is one of the largest in the country. Over 300 stalls sell local crafts, decorations, and treats, while choirs and street musicians add to the tradition.
The Hague
4th December – 23rd December 2025
The Royal Christmas Fair, located along the Lange Voorhout has over 100 festive huts offering mouth-watering snacks, delicious drinks and a variety of gifts and Christmas novelties.
Utrecht
13th December – 14th December 2025
For something more intimate, there is a winter windmill market in Utrecht at Molen de Ster (the Star Windmill). The market features over 45 stalls from local craftspeople, a playground for children, a goat petting area, and classic Dutch winter treats like hot chocolate and pea soup.
Leiden
12th – 14th December and 18th – 21st December 2025
Leiden’s historic city centre hosts Winter Wonder Weken, where stalls line the canal, and there is even a floating ice-rink on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht. It is a nostalgic and elegant market, ideal for strolling, buying handcrafted gifts, or simply soaking up the festive ambience.
Deventer
13th – 14th December 2025
Deventer does not host a conventional Christmas market, but rather a Dickens Festival. The city transforms into a 19th-century English town with more than 900 characters from Charles Dickens’ novels walking around the town centre. Around the Grote Kerk (St. Lebuinus Church), you will find a market with about 75 stalls offering decorations, toys, and festive food.
Dordrecht
13th – 14th December 2025
Dordrecht has a December market that winds through its historic centre along the waterfront. With more than 200 stalls, it is one of the more traditional-feeling Christmas markets in the Netherlands. The ice-rink is present throughout December.
Valkenburg
14th November – 30th December 2025
Valkenburg in Limburg is home to one of the most unique Christmas experiences in the Netherlands. The town’s marlstone caves (the Gemeentegrot and the Fluweelengrot) are transformed into fairy tale underground markets with stalls, lights and seasonal decorations. The ambience is unlike any other market in Europe. Entry is ticketed, and the caves can become busy, so early visits are recommended.
Maastricht
28th November – 29th December 2025
In Maastricht, the Vrijthof Square comes alive as “Magisch Maastricht.” There is an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, festive lights, and stalls offering regional delicacies, crafts, and seasonal treats such as mulled wine. It is one of the more atmospheric and internationally minded Christmas markets in the Netherlands, combining Dutch, Belgian, and German styles.
Tips for Visitors
- Plan for the weather. Dutch winters can be chilly, damp, and windy. Dress in layers and bring a warm and waterproof coat, scarf, and gloves.
- Go midweek or early in the season. Some of the more popular markets, like Deventer, Maastricht or Valkenburg caves, can become crowded on weekends.
- Combine with other winter attractions. Around many markets, especially in bigger cities, you can also enjoy light festivals, historic walking tours, or ice skating.
- Use public transport. Many of these towns (Leiden, Haarlem, Maastricht, Deventer) are easily reachable by train.
Final Thoughts
If you are a tourist in the Netherlands and hoping to find a classic Christmas market scene, you may be surprised, but know that the Dutch version tends to be more modest and local than what you might see in Germany or Austria. Christmas markets are not yet a tradition here, but they offer a warm, friendly, and often creative festive experience.
From underground cave markets in Valkenburg to a floating skating rink in Leiden, and from the Dickensian streets of Deventer to the lights of Maastricht, there is enough variety to satisfy many tastes. Whether you are looking for handcrafted gifts, seasonal food, or simply a cosy winter atmosphere, the Netherlands has something to offer, just don’t expect the massive Christmas market spectacles of other European countries.
2025 Christmas Markets & Winter Events in the Netherlands at a Glance
Here are some of the main Christmas markets and festive winter fairs happening across the Netherlands in 2025:
| Location | Event | Dates 2025 |
| Valkenburg (Limburg) | Christmas Town Valkenburg – the underground cave markets | 14th November – 30th December 2025 |
| Maastricht | Magisch Maastricht (Vrijthof) | 28th November – 29th December 2025 |
| The Hague | Royal Christmas Fair (Lange Voorhout) | 4th December – 23rd December 2025 |
| Haarlem | Nostalgic Christmas Market in the city centre | 12th December – 14th December 2025 |
| Leiden | WinterWonderWeken / Christmas market on Hooglandse Kerkgracht | 12th – 14th December and 18th – 21st December 2025 |
| Deventer | Dickens Festival | 13th – 14th December 2025 |
| Gouda | Gouda bij Kaarslicht | 12th December 2025 |
| Santpoort-Noord (near Haarlem) | Castle Christmas Fair (Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg) | 26th November – 30th November 2025 |
| Uddel (Gelderland) | Wintermarkt Uddel | 21st November – 22nd November 2025 |
| Zeist | Winter Wonderland Zeist | 21st November 2025 – 4th January 2026 |
| Vaassen (Gelderland) | Kerstmarkt Vaassen | 12th – 14th December 2025 |
| Middelburg (Zeeland) | Middelburg Winterstad | 26th November 2025 – 10th January 2026 |
The Christmas markets in Belgium are larger and have a more traditional, historical feel than the Dutch ones. You can find out more about Belgian Christmas Markets here.
Exploring the Netherlands’ Christmas markets is even more rewarding with a private guide who knows where to find the most atmospheric spots and the stories behind them. Our private tours in Holland and the Netherlands can be tailored around the finest winter destinations the country has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas markets in the Netherlands open?
Most Christmas markets in the Netherlands open in late November, typically in the last week of November, and run through to around 26 December. Some larger markets extend into early January. The Amsterdam Museumplein market is one of the last to open, usually starting in mid-December, while markets in cities like Gouda and Maastricht open earlier in the month.
What is the best Christmas market in the Netherlands?
Maastricht is widely considered to host the best Christmas market in the Netherlands, with its medieval city centre providing an exceptional backdrop and a large selection of artisan stalls and international food. In Amsterdam, the Museumplein market is the most atmospheric, set in front of the illuminated Rijksmuseum. The floating market on the Amstel and the Amsterdam Winter Paradise in the RAI are also popular.
Are Netherlands Christmas markets free to enter?
Most outdoor Christmas markets in the Netherlands are free to enter and browse. You pay only for food, drinks, and any items you purchase. Some indoor markets or ice skating rinks attached to market sites may charge a separate entry or skate hire fee. The major city-centre markets in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague are all free to visit.
What should I buy at a Dutch Christmas market?
Dutch Christmas markets are known for their stroopwafels, oliebollen (traditional Dutch doughnuts sold from December onwards), hot chocolate, and glühwein. Artisan stalls often sell handmade ceramics, wooden decorations, candles, and Delftware. For souvenirs with a genuine Dutch connection, look for hand-painted items, local cheeses, and traditional wooden toys rather than mass-produced goods.
How do I get to the Christmas markets in the Netherlands from Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has good train connections to most major Dutch cities with Christmas markets. Maastricht is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal; Utrecht is 30 minutes; The Hague is 50 minutes; Gouda is 45 minutes. Day trips from Amsterdam to Maastricht, Utrecht, or The Hague for Christmas market visits are entirely practical by train.
Is it cold at Netherlands Christmas markets?
Yes, December and January in the Netherlands are cold, typically ranging from 0°C to 8°C. Rain is common. Dressing in warm, waterproof layers is strongly recommended. Most outdoor market stalls are open-air, though many have overhead heating or fire pits nearby. Comfortable waterproof boots are better than dress shoes given the cobblestone surfaces.
