The most beautiful Christmas markets in our country

Last updated: November 6, 2025.

Are you already in the Christmas mood? Here are at least some tips for the best Christmas markets in our country. After all, you don’t have to go abroad at all to enjoy cozy and beautiful Christmas markets!

Christmas City Valkenburg

In Valkenburg, Limburg, they do it up big every year. The Christmas markets in the Gemeentegrot and Fluweelengrotten are breathtakingly beautiful and have won many awards. Valkenburg therefore turns into Christmas Town Valkenburg in winter! There is plenty to experience, both above and below ground. For example, twice a week (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) the Landal Christmas Parade comes through the old streets of Valkenburg, there is street theater, and there is plenty of Christmas celebration at Amusement Park Kabelbaan Valkenburg. In the underground marl caves of the Wilhelminagroeve, the Christmas story is told in the most beautiful nativity scene in Europe, and in MergelRijk, the Christmas story is told in a miniature of up to 30 meters long! There are also magical Christmas villages on display and new this year are the 3D cave paintings. The Christmas activities in Valkenburg are from November 14 to January 4.

Nostalgic Christmas market in Leiden

From December 12 to 21, Leiden’s nostalgic Christmas market (except Monday and Tuesday) can be found again on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht. Buy all your Christmas presents at the cozy market stalls, relax on the winter terrace and enjoy hot chocolate, glüwein or all the goodies from the many food trucks. Admission is free.

The Dordrecht December Days

During the Dordt December Days from Jan. 12 through Jan. 4, various winter activities will be organized, including a cozy and intimate Christmas market on Dec. 13 and 14. In addition, from December 13 to 30 (with the exception of December 25), there is the Dwaalspoor Wandellichtjesroute, which takes you through the magically lit historic downtown area between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily. And from December 26 to 30, the garden of the Grote Kerk is set up as a winter square where Dordrecht (catering) entrepreneurs show what they have to offer.

Swedish Christmas market in Groningen

On December 13 and 14, the Swedish Christmas Market will be held again at the Suikerfabriek in Groningen. Experience Christmas the way the Swedes do: full of passion, handmade products, good food and drink and fine music. At this Christmas market you won’t find thirteen-in-dozen products, but all kinds of special gifts, accessories and much more. With these gifts under the Christmas tree, it won’t be your average Christmas.

Christmas market in Bourtagne

We stay a little longer in Groningen for the Christmas Market in Bourtagne. The Christmas markets in Vesting Bourtagne are one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands. The whole fortress is decorated with thousands of lights during the Christmas markets. On the ramparts are dozens of illuminated Christmas trees making this a truly unique experience. Around the large Christmas tree on the Market Square, the atmosphere is cozy and in various places there are stalls: about 100 in total! In addition, there is live music and of course the hot chocolate and mulled wine cannot be missed. This Christmas market will be held on November 29 and 30, December 6 and 7 and December 13 and 14.

Magical Maastricht

All the way on the other side of the country, the Netherlands celebrates Christmas at the Vrijthof. Magical Maastricht has been a household name for years with its Ferris wheel and indoor skating rink. The Christmas market is very atmospheric, cozy and you can buy the cutest Christmas presents. Magical Maastricht is from November 28 to December 29 and is daily from 10:00 am. The non-food Christmas market closes at 22:00.

Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague

In The Hague, you can enjoy the challenging Royal Christmas Fair. This Christmas market combines the best of both worlds: it is a classic Christmas market with charm, but with a twist of luxury and elegance. You’ll find exceptional handmade products, delicious culinary treats and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Perfect place to pick out your Christmas presents and pamper yourself with beautiful items and delicious food.

Christmas market of Haarlem

Haarlem ‘s cozy Christmas Market will be celebrated this year from December 12 to 14. The Christmas market will be open daily from 10:30 am. The Christmas Market of Haarlem is one of the largest and coziest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. You will find the stalls of the Christmas market throughout the historic center making the atmosphere even better!

Photos: Facebook Christmas Market Haarlem, Facebook Christmas Market Bourtagne, Facebook Dordt December Days and www.canva.com