The best Christmas markets in the Netherlands

Dutch Christmas markets are a delight, from Dickensian festivals in Deventer to subterranean celebrations in the caves of Valkenburg. Soak up the seasonal atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets with a festive trip to the Netherlands. 

What is so special about Christmas markets in the Netherlands?

There is something about the Netherlands that makes it perfect for the special atmosphere of a Christmas market – the crisp northern winter nights, the historic architecture of its canalside cities, and its hearty food and drink. Dutch Christmas markets are also gloriously distinctive, full of individuality and character, from the caves of Valkenburg to the period recreations of Haarlem and Deventer. Nothing says Christmas more in the Netherlands than sipping a warming mug of glühwein, munching on bitterballen, a stroopwafel or kerststol (a Dutch sweet bread), as Sinterklaas greets wide eyed children and choirs sing seasonal music.

The canals of Amsterdam could not be prettier than at Christmas

Where are the best Dutch Christmas markets – at a glance guide

The best Dutch Christmas markets to visit

Skating at the Amsterdam Christmas market

Amsterdam Christmas markets

Open between 3rd –  27th December 2026

The main Christmas market in Amsterdam is the ‘Christmas Village’ held at the Museumplein. Market stalls take over the square in front of the Rijksmuseum, as the smells of hot food and glühwein waft over the magical scene throughout December. There are also indoor and outdoor ice rinks, and specialist markets adding to the festive atmosphere. The Funky Xmas Market, held on the Sunday before Christmas, is the place to shop for unique fashion and design items, while the Pure Markt Wintermarkt is a travelling farmers market that you’ll find in Park Frankendael, offering fresh farm produce from all over the Netherlands. The Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the city canals with impressive light installations between the end of November and early January. 

Haarlem Christmas Market

Open between 11th – 13th December 2026

Short but incredibly sweet, Haarlem’s festive market takes place over just one weekend in December, but there lies its appeal. The cobblestone streets of this picturesque small city near Amsterdam are thronged with locals and visitors over the market weekend. It’s one of the biggest seasonal markets in the country, with 350 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to jewellery and luxury homeware. One of the highlights is the transformation of Schagchelstraat into the 19th-century ‘t Straatje van Emma, full of people in period dress and shops decorated as they would have been at the time of Queen Emma’s reign in the Netherlands.

Maastricht Christmas market

Magical scenes in Maastricht

Open between 27th November – 27th December 2026

Vrijthof Square in Maastricht is transformed into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Take a tour in the giant Ferris wheel, sip champagne from one of the enclosed glass gondolas, go skating on the ice rink or try a game of curling on the street curling rink. It’s a sparkling scene, with decorations hanging from the trees, and stalls selling an array of winter treats, from hot chocolate topped with whipped cream to poffertjes and waffles. You’ll definitely get all the festive feels in Maastricht! 

Valkenburg Christmas market caves

Do some subterranean shopping in the Valkenburg caves

Open between 13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

There have been a network of caves underneath the castle in the southern Dutch town of Valkenburg since medieval times, and they are a tourist attraction in themselves. Two of the caves, the Velvet and the Municipal, are turned into underground Christmas markets. The marlstone tunnels are a unique place to explore if you’re in the Maastricht area, and they are even more enticing at Christmas, with stalls, cafés and a fairy tale atmosphere amid the caves that will delight the children. It’s like an elf kingdom down there! The tunnels twinkle, and there is a cosy and warm atmosphere. The only thing to be aware of is an admission charge to the Valkenburg Christmas market caves, so booking in advance is recommended. 

The Royal Christmas Fair at The Hague

Open between 3rd – 23rd December 2026

The Royal Christmas Fair in the coastal city of The Hague takes place along the atmospheric Lange Voorhout, a historic avenue in the heart of the old town. Rows of Christmas stalls, lights, and food and drink outlets create a traditional festive atmosphere. Savour mulled wine, schnapps and German beer at the three themed bars, and listen to the choirs, musicians and storytellers on the Royal Christmas Stage. Children's activities add to the festive entertainment.

The Hague is also a good choice if Christmas shopping is high on your list of priorities. After visiting the Royal Christmas Fair, you can explore The Hague's boutiques and independent shops before settling down for dinner.

Deventer Dickens Festival

Deventer provides a (Oliver) Twist on the traditional Christmas market

Open between 12th – 13th December 2026

Yes, this small Dutch city does hold a Charles Dickens weekend every Christmas! Deventer has no connection with the Victorian author, but that didn’t stop some imaginative shop owners with an interest in Dickens from donning fancy dress in the early 1990s to drum up Sunday trade. The festival in the old town or Bergkwartier attracts around 125,000 visitors, with almost 1,000 volunteers taking part, parading through the streets and staging scenes from the novels. Market traders sell Victorian hot punch, while chestnuts gently roast away. Expect to see Scrooges rather than Santas, and lots of bonnets! Don’t worry though, it’s not just gruel on offer – plenty of 21st-century-fare is available at the Dickens Festival.

Dordrecht December Days

Open between 10th December 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Another small city that takes great pride in its seasonal celebrations! Dordrecht is near Rotterdam, in the south of the Netherlands, the oldest city in the Holland region and a thriving port. Leading the festive attractions in Dordrecht is the ‘Dwalspoor’ light trail, a 1.5 km walking route featuring illuminations that sparkle off the canalside waters. The Dwalspoor runs for over 3 weeks right through the holiday period, and a December Market is held from  10th – 13th December in the Grotekerk and Groenmarkt squares. 

Leiden Winter Wonder Weeks

It’s a joy to browse the chalets at Leiden 

Open between 5th December 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Leiden has the distinction of a floating ice rink during its Christmas celebration, the ‘Winter Wonder Weeks’. The rink sits on a floating platform in the Nieuwe Rijn canal, and is open from 10am – 9pm each day from early December until the New Year. The ‘Nostalgic Christmas Market’ in Leiden runs over two long weekends, from December 11th-13th and 17th-20th . Wooden chalets line the quayside along the  Hooglandse Kerkgracht, and there is also a vintage fairground with rides that will take you back in time. 

Driving to Dutch Christmas markets from the UK

All of these Christmas markets in the Netherlands are within easy driving distance of the UK. The closest to the LeShuttle terminal at Calais is Dordrecht, only 3 hours 15 minutes drive away. If you’re taking a pre-Christmas break in Amsterdam, you can combine trips to both the Amsterdam and Haarlem markets. The same goes for Maastricht and Valkenburg. It’s also a great way to discover new places in the Netherlands that you wouldn’t otherwise think of visiting, such as Deventer, Leiden and Dordrecht. 

Book a special festive trip to the Netherlands with LeShuttle

Take a pre-Christmas road trip and discover some delightful Dutch Christmas markets with LeShuttle.