Dutch Christmas markets are one of the most glorious Christmas markets in Europe, enjoy the coziness of the holiday atmosphere where all kinds of Swiss Christmas and New Year’s events help brighten the festive season. Enjoy the best part of the Christmas season, viewing Christmas decorations all over the streets, twinkling lights, enticing aromas, Christmas music and a fairytale ambience.

The much anticipated arrival of Sinterklaas marks the most important event in the Netherlands leading up to Christmas. The popular Dutch holiday figure arrives by steamboat at the end of November, and together with his band of helpers, give kids a reason to celebrate on the 5th of December. After which, the whole country makes its preparations for Christmas, and the Christmas markets are a definite must-see this winter season.

Discover the best part of the Christmas season, white Christmas with snowflakes, twinkling lights by strolling through the city. Marvel at the Christmas lights and festive decorations, walking through the romantic main squares and towns, embrace the romance and Christmas atmosphere in the shadow of mediaeval churches, and enjoy the light show on the bustling streets decorated with Christmas lights in the evening.

With additional Christmas events, the Netherlands is an excellent place to share in the Christmas spirit. In many Dutch cities, temporary ice rinks are set up so that locals can practice their favorite hobby in winter: ice skating. Rinks to celebrate winter with the family, many chalets offering handcrafted objects, clothing, accessories and pop-up restaurants. Christmas markets are often found around the rinks, which you will find all the ingredients you need to prepare your festive meals there, also something to have a good time.

Enjoy Christmas delights such as glühwein (mulled wine) and oliebollen (deep fried Dutch doughnuts). The return of the famous Christmas markets with tasting sessions, gift ideas, and many more magical and enchanting discoveries. With sparkling lights, Christmas trees full of bright decorations, munch on roasted chestnuts, and sample delicious sausages, cheese and chocolates while shopping for arts and crafts, festive Christmas decorations, regional food specialties, candies, and other gifts…

The christmas towns adorned with thousands lights with magnificent Christmas illuminations, just like put on the most beautiful finery of the. Rain of stars, twinkling garlands, luminous fireflies, shimmering fir trees and multicolored balls animate. Cinnamon scenting the air,, sample the sausages, biscuits and all manner of melted cheese, listen to musical sounds and enjoy this magical atmosphere.

Christmas markets
According to the Dutch cultural tradition, christmas markets in the Netherlands are still a relatively new concept. A rising number of cities are organizing impressive Christmas markets in their historic city centers in preparation for the Christmas season. Christmas markets during this period will appear in the city, selling Christmas-themed or special items. Around the end of the year celebrations, Christmas markets with tasting sessions, gift ideas, and many more magical and enchanting discoveries.

Amsterdam
There’s plenty of opportunity to get festive in Amsterdam, first with the Amsterdam Light Festival, and later with Christmas markets. From mid-December until just after Christmas, Ice Village Amsterdam fills Museumplein with merriment. With a combination of ice skating and shopping, it really doesn’t get more Christmassy. The ever-popular Funky Xmas Market is a one-day Christmas market in the trendy Westergasfabriek venue at Frankendael Park. Expect local foodies, home-made crafts, music, and art, you could wade through the stalls full of homemade sweets, original gifts, festive interior accessories, and savory food.

During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the canals of Amsterdam are illuminated with works created by the best light artists in the world. During Christmas, the City adorning itself with its finest sparkling finery. See these mesmerizing pieces by foot or by boat. Get out of the city center and visit Winter Village Amstelveen. This Christmas market takes place in the suburb of Amstelveen, just south of Amsterdam. Despite being further out of the big city, it’s still an exciting occasion.

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Deventer
A full Christmas market can also be found in Deventer as part of the Dickens Festival. One weekend in December sees the historic city center transform back to the time of Charles Dickens. Over 900 characters from his books come to life here, helps you plunge into the atmosphere of the 19th-century world. As a further part of the festival, a Christmas market is held in Deventer’s central square with roughly 200 stalls. Stroll along 75 different stalls around St Lebuinus Church, that sell joyful Christmas toys, decorations, garments, and handiworks. On the indoor terrace, you can taste delicious snacks and drinks.

Dordrecht
The Dordrecht Christmas market is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, with close to 300 stands spread over 2.5 kilometers. Numerous handmade, high-quality articles are offered here. Test your skills on the skating rink or simply sit back and enjoy a glass of glühwein (mulled wine) and join a Christmas sing-a-long.

Gouda
Gouda’s city center radiates in the glow of thousands of candles during “Gouda by candlelight”. The candle-lit evening takes place on the city’s central market square.

Haarlem
Grote Markt in Haarlem is a estive Christmas market, located at the center of Haarlem transforms into a winter wonderland full of Christmas delicacies, holiday sounds, and magical twinkling lights.

Haarzuilens
Taking place at Castle De Haar, Country & Christmas Fair in Haarzuilens is one more Christmas market full of excellent Christmas entertainment, such as a water show, Santa’s house, different workshops, and a lot of delicious food.

Hague
Royal Christmas Fair The Hague is one of the Netherlands’ most magical Christmas markets. It’s located in the tree-lined Lange Voorhout, a perfect place for a winter wonderland. The historic center of The Hague (Den Haag) turns into a wonderland with 110 Christmas houses, thousands of dazzling LED lights, ambient fires, Christmas songs, and numerous cups of mulled wine. The Lange Voorhout is filled with various market stalls that offer mouth-watering snacks and drinks. It has over a hundred Christmas stalls to buy decorations and gifts, a bar, and even a stage where you can be entertained by talented performers and carollers.

Maastricht
Maastricht is a fascinating city to visit no matter the time of year. The city is filled with plenty of splendid landmarks and excellent places to shop. Over the Christmas period, Maastricht receives an extra magical touch, the town turns into a winter fairytale, featuring a warm atmosphere and thousands of twinkling lights all over the streets. Visit Maastricht’s Christmas market at the Vrijthof features lots of stalls, an ice rink and carousel, with glühwein and oliebollen galore. Numerous stalls with bratwurst and Glühwein, an outdoor ice rink, a cup of coffee with Schrobbelèr liqueur, the illuminated Ferris wheel with a breathtaking view of the market, many decorated alleys. You can also go ice skating or check out the panoramic sights from the Ferris wheel.

Valkenburg
Valkenburg is a charming town in South Limburg, its unique christmas experience unlike any other where underground christmas markets can be found in the Fluwelengrot and the Gemeentegrot. Well known as the No.1 Christmas city in the Netherlands, Valkenburg christmas markets features over 50 amazingly decorated stalls along with historical charcoal drawings on the walls, and festively decorated corridors feature hundreds of small lights and stalls with Christmas gifts. Enjoy Christmas parades or the Route d’ Amuse culinary route in Valkenburg’s city center. Visit the Velvet Cave and Municipal Cave for all the festive happenings while the Wilhelmina Caves are home to the sand sculpture nativity scene.

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