Haarlem Christmas Market

Experience one of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets, which takes place over a single weekend in this picturesque small city near Amsterdam.

What is so special about Haarlem’s Christmas market?

Like a fleeting festive firework, Haarlem’s Christmas market sparkles into life and illuminates the dark Dutch December. Its magic is in the way it completely takes over the historic city for a weekend, bringing joy and happiness, a little like Sinterklaas himself – the Dutch Santa. With over 350 stalls spread right across Haarlem’s old town, it’s one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, attracting visitors from across the country as well as overseas. 

The cobblestone streets are thronged with shoppers over the market weekend, making the most of the gift and craft stalls, and indulging in the food and drink, as the sound of choirs and live Christmas music fill the air. Some say Haarlem is the perfect place for a Christmas market, especially if the weather is cold and crisp, and snow starts to fall on the medieval gables, towers and spires.

See Haarlem sparkling into life (Image courtesy of Haarlem Christmas market)

Where is the Haarlem Christmas market?

While most Christmas markets are clustered in one or two city squares, in Haarlem it is different. Stalls spring up all over the old town, spilling out from the main Grote Markt to side streets and little squares. 

Haarlem itself is in the North Holland province of the Netherlands, about 35 minutes drive from Amsterdam. 

When is the Haarlem Christmas Market open?

Every year Haarlem Christmas Market runs for just one weekend. In 2026 these dates are Friday 11th to Sunday 13th December. 

The opening hours are: 

•    Friday 11th December, 10.30am to 8pm 

•    Saturday 12th December, 10.30am to 8pm 

•    Sunday 13th December, 10.30am to 7pm 

Haarlem highlights 

Haarlem’s Christmas market takes over the city for a weekend (Image courtesy of Haarlem Christmas market)

Seasonal entertainment

It’s not just about the shopping, eating and drinking at Haarlem’s Christmas market – though that is still very important! As you stroll from stall to stall, all the family will be entertained by street theatre, Christmas music, roaming orchestras and brass bands. Look and listen out for the wandering Dickens orchestra, and the stage in the Grote Markt where local and regional choirs sing. There is a programme of performances throughout the weekend, but you might just be surprised by a musician starting to play from a balcony. It’s all part of the magic of Haarlem’s Kerstmarkt!           

Find the angel of Haarlem – and other Christmas treats

With so many Christmas markets in Europe, it can be easy to become a bit blase about the types of things you can buy. But in Haarlem there are some wonderfully unique independent stalls, where you’ll often be buying from the person who made the product itself. Look out for locally made handmade ceramics, knitted woollen scarves and gloves, wooden toys, clogs and colourful glass tree decorations – gifts that capture the culture and character of the Netherlands. 

Beyond the market Haarlem offers plenty more opportunities for Christmas shopping. The city is known for its independent boutiques, fashion stores and smaller specialist shops, especially in ‘de Gouden Straatjes’ (the streets of gold).

Grab some warming glühwein as you browse the stalls (Image courtesy of Haarlem Christmas market)

Charming period recreations

One of the loveliest aspects of Haarlem’s Christmas market is the street near the Grote Markt that steps back in time. On Saturday and Sunday Schagchelstraat is transformed into ‘t Straatje van Emma, from the Victorian era – actually the ‘Emma’ regency era – when Queen Emma was on the throne of the Netherlands. It’s a long held tradition, organised by the city’s Victorian Society, featuring shopkeepers, tradesmen and customers in 19th-century dress, as well as all the many types of people you might see from the period, from washerwomen to ladies of the night! 

Hearty food and drink

No one goes hungry at Haarlem’s Christmas market. There’s all the familiar street food you would expect, but it’s good to go out of your comfort zone and taste something distinctively Dutch too. Here are just a few ideas on what to savour as you wander the stalls:

• Oliebollen – fluffy deep fried warm doughnuts dusted with sugar 
• Poffertjes – bite-sized thick mini pancakes, often topped with chocolate sauce 
• Erwtensoep – a thick pea soup with pork cuts and smoked sausage 
• Stroopwafel – thin round waffles with a sweet caramel filling. Perfect for snacking as you shop

Plan your visit to Haarlem Christmas Market

Haarlem is a special place for a pre-Christmas break

How long does it take to drive to Haarlem from the UK? 

Haarlem is near Amsterdam in the central-west of the Netherlands. Driving to Haarlem from the LeShuttle terminal in Calais takes around 4 hours 20 minutes.  

Where can I park in Haarlem?

The closest multi-storey car parks to the city centre are De Kamp, De Raaks, Appelaar and Stationsplein. These have significant numbers of spaces and charge a maximum daily rate of around €38. 

Alternatively, and a cheaper solution, is to park on the outskirts of Haarlem and use trains or buses to get to the Christmas market. Use the Park and Ride at Haarlem Spaarnwoude railway station, where there are 100 free spaces, or the Expo Haarlemmermeer, where parking costs €13 per day and the bus journey to central Haarlem takes 12 minutes. 

Can you combine Haarlem Christmas Market with Amsterdam?

Yes – and that is what many people do on a short break to Amsterdam. Haarlem is only 35 minutes drive or 17 minutes by train from Amsterdam. If you’re travelling by train, the central station in Haarlem is just 10 minutes walk from the Grote Markt. Visiting  Haarlem Christmas Market on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday of your pre-Christmas trip to Amsterdam is a brilliant thing to do. 

Discover the magic of Haarlem’s Christmas market with LeShuttle

Experience the wonder and festive atmosphere of Haarlem. It’s just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. Leave plenty of space in the boot for all those gifts you’ll be bringing back from your seasonal escape to the Netherlands!