Yes, it’s that time of year (again), and as someone who grew up with winters full of actual snow, I have to say the Dutch version does feel like it’s missing a key festive ingredient. But enough expat moaning — there are things that make up for this meteorological injustice, and Christmas markets are right at the top of that list.
I know some of you may be rolling your eyes because not every market delivers the promised dose of holiday magic. Some are, frankly, a bit tragic — I get it, I’ve been there. But don’t give up just yet. Here’s my curated selection of Christmas markets in the Netherlands you’ll genuenly love.
Castle Christmas Fair, Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg Estate, Santpoort-Noord
26 November to 30 November
And if that’s still not special enough, how about a Christmas fair in an actual castle tucked away in the woods? This year, the Duin & Kruidberg estate, a historic property dating back to the Dutch Golden Age, will turn into a festive market complete with music, food, a programme of activities, a Ferris wheel and the usual seasonal extras. If that doesn’t give you a fairytale feeling, I’m not sure what will.
Just don’t leave it too late — it’s only on for five days at the end of November.
This is a private estate, and tickets start at 12 euros and you can get yours here. There are also dining offers, as well as overnight stays.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 26/11 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Thursday 27/11 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday 28/11 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday 29/11 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday 30/11 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Christmas Town, Valkenburg
14 November to 5 January
I don’t think I’ve ever met a single person who visited the Christmas market in Valkenburg and didn’t come back saying it was the most special one they’d ever seen. And if praise from strangers isn’t enough, here are the facts: Christmas Town Valkenburg has collected an impressive list of awards over the years. In 2024 alone it won Best Christmas Parade in Europe, Best Christmas Market in the Netherlands, and even ranked No. 7 in the competition for Europe’s Best Christmas Market.
So what makes it so special? For starters, the market takes place inside the caves of Valkenburg (yes, actual caves) while the entire town transforms into a full-scale Christmas spectacle. Add to that a packed programme, from culinary walking routes to street theatre, and it’s easy to see why people love it.
Check the full agenda online and make sure to book your tickets in advance — tlhis one gets busy for a reason.
Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 am to 7 p.m. on weekends. Specific holiday hours include shorter days on 24 December and 30 Decenber, closed on December 25, and shorter hours on 31 December and 4 January.
Magical Maastricht
28 November to 29 December
Maastricht down south in Limburgh Province is an international little city with university and a different vibe than cities in the north. It draws people from nearby Germany and Belgium looking for a lively weekend of shopping and dining. Magical Maastricht, its Christmas Market, reflects that Below the Rivers insouciance … relaxed and mellow.
Magical Maastricht has the usual Christmas Market attractions, though the goods for sale tend to be of a higher quality. For example, we bought leather goods years ago including backpacks and computer bags that still look new today. And they were a serious bargain.
The Christmas Market is held in the Vrijthof, the largest square in the city, so there’s room for a really large enclosed skating rink and lots of food booths with Dutch and German delicacies. But at the peak of the season, it gets really crowded.
Magical Maastricht is open Sunday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight.
– Terry Boyd
Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague
4 December thru 23 December
If you prefer to stick to city locations, your best bet is to head to one of the major Dutch cities, like The Hague.
The Royal Christmas Fair takes place right in the historic centre, surrounded by the Binnenhof (the Dutch Parliament), Noordeinde Palace, embassies, museums and some of the city’s most atmospheric streets. Expect Christmas houses, choirs, storytellers, children’s activities and a full line-up of musical performances.
A small but important bonus: dogs are officially welcome, so feel free to bring your four-footer along for the festive chaos.
The Royal Christmas Fair is open Sunday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
13 December – 3 January
And since no Christmas fair guide is complete without the capital, consider stopping by the Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI, which is rolling out a range of brand-new experiences and shows this year including a Light Parade (check out the website for details). You might not get any real snow (again), but that shouldn’t stop you from ice-skating, trying the sliding slope or even stepping into the snow garden — because the Christmas fair in Amsterdam Zuid south of the centrum has it all.
Amsterdam Winter Palace is open every day from 9 a.m. to midnight.
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See more about Christmas Markets here in Dispatches’ archives.
Oxana Skibun
Oxana Skibun is a fashion and lifestyle editor who has crafted her stories for print and digital media outlets across Europe, the Middle East and Russia. Raised in Moscow, she now lives in Amsterdam, where she continues writing for international audiences.
