Planning a visit to the Christmas markets in the Netherlands in 2026? From Valkenburg’s underground Christmas markets to festive squares in Maastricht and Amsterdam, there are plenty of seasonal events to explore. This guide covers the confirmed dates, locations, admission details and highlights to help you plan your visit.
Some markets run for several weeks, while others take place over a single weekend. Therefore, compare the dates below before booking your accommodation or transport.
Our top picks: Choose Valkenburg for its underground Christmas atmosphere, Maastricht for a festive city break, Amsterdam for Christmas shopping and sightseeing, or The Hague for a free Christmas market in a historic setting.
Last updated: October 12, 2026.
Christmas markets in the Netherlands: 2026 dates at a glance
The following comparison makes it easier to plan your visit. Although most markets take place in December, some open as early as November. Consequently, you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere before the busiest weeks of the season.
| Christmas market or event | 2026 dates | Location | Admission | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Market in the Municipal Cave | 13 November to 30 December | Valkenburg | Paid ticket | Underground Christmas atmosphere |
| Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof | 27 November to 27 December | Maastricht | Free entry; attractions cost extra | Winter attractions and city breaks |
| Christmas Village | 3 December to 27 December | Amsterdam | Free entry | Shopping, food and sightseeing |
| Royal Christmas Fair | 3 December to 23 December | The Hague | Free entry | Christmas stalls and festive walks |
| Dordrecht December Market | 10 December to 13 December | Dordrecht | Check organiser for visitor information | Christmas stalls and illuminated streets |
| Haarlem Christmas Market | 11 December to 13 December | Haarlem | Check organiser | A historic city centre and a large market |
| Leiden Christmas Market | 11 December to 13 December and 17 December to 20 December | Leiden | Check organiser | A winter village and historic canals |
| WinterWelVaart | 11 December to 13 December | Groningen | Free event; check programme details | Historic ships and maritime culture |
| Deventer Christmas markets and Dickens Festijn | 10 December to 13 December; Dickens Festijn on 12 and 13 December | Deventer | Market admission and Dickens Festijn tickets differ | Historic streets and literary traditions |
Which Christmas market in the Netherlands should you visit?
Valkenburg for a unique underground experience
Valkenburg stands out because its famous Christmas market takes place inside the Municipal Cave. Instead of walking between stalls in an ordinary town square, you can explore decorated cave corridors filled with Christmas gifts, seasonal treats and festive displays.
The Municipal Cave market runs from 13 November to 30 December 2026. However, it closes on Christmas Day, and its opening hours vary on certain dates. Since admission requires a ticket, check availability and book ahead if you have a specific date in mind.
If this unusual setting appeals to you, read our guide to the Christmas Market in the Caves of Valkenburg for more details about the experience.
Maastricht for a festive city break
Maastricht combines Christmas decorations and winter attractions on the Vrijthof with historic streets, impressive churches and welcoming cafés. As a result, it is a good option if you want more than a market visit.
Magisch Maastricht runs from 27 November to 27 December 2026, with free entry to the event area. Nevertheless, individual attractions and activities may have separate costs. You can also explore the city's historic sights before or after your visit.
Discover more in our Maastricht travel guide, which covers the city's caves, Vrijthof and cathedrals.
Amsterdam for Christmas shopping and sightseeing
Christmas Village returns to Museumplein from 3 to 27 December 2026. In addition to festive stalls and seasonal food, its location makes it convenient to combine a market visit with museums and other Amsterdam attractions.
Admission is free. Furthermore, public transport provides a practical way to reach Museumplein, particularly when the city centre is busy.
If you are deciding whether to explore the capital or travel further afield, our guide to Amsterdam versus the Netherlands for first time visitors can help you plan your trip.
Plan your Christmas market visit
Before choosing a date, consider how much time you have, whether you prefer a traditional market or a larger winter event, and how far you want to travel. For example, a market visit can easily become a full day out when you include nearby attractions, restaurants or a walk through the historic centre.
Most importantly, check the latest opening hours and ticket conditions before setting off. This is particularly important if you plan to visit around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, because special schedules may apply.
Christmas Markets in the Southern Netherlands
The southern Netherlands is home to some of the country's most distinctive Christmas experiences. In particular, Valkenburg and Maastricht attract visitors with underground markets, historic surroundings and festive winter attractions. Fortunately, the two towns are close enough to combine in one trip if you have time for a weekend away.
1. Christmas Town Valkenburg: More Than a Christmas Market
Valkenburg transforms into Christmas Town from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. However, not every attraction remains open for the entire season. The famous Christmas markets inside the caves run from 13 November to 30 December 2026, while several other Christmas attractions continue into January.
Explore the Municipal Cave Christmas Market
The Municipal Cave, known locally as the Gemeentegrot, is one of Valkenburg's main festive attractions. Inside its historic marlstone corridors, you can browse decorated stalls, look for Christmas gifts and sample seasonal food in a setting unlike an ordinary outdoor market.
In 2026, the market is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 19:00 and at weekends from 10:00 to 19:00, with special hours on selected dates. It is closed on Christmas Day. Because entry is ticketed and visitor capacity is limited, booking online in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits.
Adult tickets are listed at €9.30 from Monday to Thursday and €11.30 from Friday to Sunday, including the stated per-ticket fee. A transaction service charge may also apply. Check the official Municipal Cave market information for current ticket prices and conditions.
Discover the Velvet Cave and other festive attractions
The Municipal Cave is not the only underground experience. The nearby Velvet Cave, or Fluweelengrot, also hosts a Christmas market from 13 November to 30 December 2026. Meanwhile, Christmas Town offers illuminated decorations, seasonal events and other attractions throughout the town.
Consequently, it is worth allowing more than a quick visit if you want to explore several locations. However, check each attraction's schedule separately, because opening dates, admission fees and activities differ.
For a more detailed guide to tickets, cave locations and planning your visit, read our Christmas Market in the Caves of Valkenburg guide.
2. Magisch Maastricht: Christmas on the Vrijthof
If you prefer a festive atmosphere surrounded by historic architecture, Maastricht is another excellent option. Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof takes place from 27 November to 27 December 2026, transforming the city's famous square into a winter destination filled with seasonal decorations and attractions.
What can you do at Magisch Maastricht?
The event features Christmas stalls, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and other winter attractions. You can browse gifts, enjoy seasonal treats and take in views of the square before continuing into Maastricht's historic city centre.
Admission to the event area is free. Nevertheless, individual attractions cost extra, so plan your budget accordingly if you want to skate or enjoy the rides.
The general opening hours are 10:00 to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Special hours apply on certain dates, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The non-food market closes at 22:00, while attractions generally close at 23:00, so check the official visitor information before travelling.
Combine the Christmas market with a city visit
One of Maastricht's advantages is that the festive square is only part of the experience. The surrounding centre offers historic churches, shopping streets, restaurants and cafés. Therefore, you can easily combine the Christmas market with sightseeing or a leisurely meal.
Arriving by train is also practical. Maastricht station is approximately a 15 minute walk from the Vrijthof through the city centre. Since weekends are often busier, consider visiting on a weekday if your schedule allows.
Planning to explore more than the Christmas market? Our Maastricht travel guide covers the city's caves, Vrijthof and cathedrals, helping you build a fuller itinerary.
Should You Visit Valkenburg or Maastricht?
Choose Valkenburg if you want an unusual underground Christmas market and several seasonal attractions in one town. In contrast, Maastricht suits visitors who want a Christmas market combined with historic sights, restaurants and city shopping.
If you have a full weekend, consider visiting both. First, explore Valkenburg's caves and festive streets. Then, spend another day in Maastricht enjoying Magisch Maastricht and the historic centre.
Christmas Markets in Western and Northern Netherlands
Beyond the southern Netherlands, western and northern destinations offer a different festive experience. For example, you can combine Christmas shopping with famous museums in Amsterdam, explore a historic city centre in The Hague, or discover regional traditions in Groningen. Moreover, several markets take place over just one weekend, so checking the dates before planning your journey is essential.
3. Christmas Village Amsterdam: Festive Shopping at Museumplein
Amsterdam's Christmas Village takes place at Museumplein from 3 to 27 December 2026. With more than 50 stalls advertised by the organiser, according to its current visitor information, the market combines Christmas gifts, food, drinks and seasonal decorations in a central location.
What to expect at Christmas Village
Unlike an underground market or a large winter festival, Christmas Village is an outdoor market that you can explore alongside Amsterdam's cultural attractions. Consequently, it works well for visitors who want to combine Christmas shopping with museums and sightseeing.
Admission is free. Opening hours are 12:00 to 21:00 from 3 to 24 December, 12:00 to 19:00 on 25 and 26 December, and 12:00 to 18:00 on 27 December.
Museumplein is accessible by public transport, making it a practical choice during the busy festive season. If you are visiting the capital for the first time, read our Amsterdam versus the Netherlands travel guide to decide whether to spend your time in the city or explore other Dutch destinations.
4. Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague
The Royal Christmas Fair returns to Lange Voorhout in The Hague from 3 to 23 December 2026. This free outdoor market combines wooden Christmas houses, festive lighting, food and drinks with seasonal entertainment.
Why visit The Hague at Christmas?
The market is located in the historic city centre. Therefore, you can combine your visit with nearby museums, shopping streets and historic landmarks. In addition, the city's public transport network makes reaching the market relatively straightforward.
The fair is open daily from 12:00 to 21:00. You can travel from The Hague Central Station by bus or tram, or walk from the station if you prefer to explore the city on foot.
Because the market closes before Christmas Eve, plan your visit early in December if this destination is on your list. Check the official Royal Christmas Fair visitor information before travelling.
5. Haarlem Christmas Market: A Festive Weekend in a Historic City
Haarlem hosts its Christmas market from 11 to 13 December 2026. The market spreads throughout the historic city centre, with nearly 350 stalls advertised across multiple locations. As a result, the experience involves more than visiting a single square.
Opening hours are 10:30 to 20:00 on Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 to 19:00 on Sunday. You can browse seasonal products, look for gifts and enjoy festive entertainment while exploring Haarlem's streets.
The railway station provides a convenient starting point for visitors arriving by train. Furthermore, the compact city centre makes it possible to combine the market with cafés, shops and historic architecture.
6. Leiden Christmas Market: A Winter Village in the City Centre
Leiden's nostalgic Christmas market takes place on 11 to 13 December and again from 17 to 20 December 2026. Its winter village features wooden chalets, food stalls and festive terraces around locations including Hooglandse Kerkgracht and Hooglandse Kerkplein.
The market is part of Leiden's wider Winter Wonder Weeks. Therefore, you can combine your visit with other seasonal activities around the historic centre.
For the precise daily schedule, consult the official Leiden Christmas Market website before making travel arrangements.
Discover Christmas Markets in Groningen
7. WinterWelVaart: A Northern Dutch Winter Tradition
WinterWelVaart takes place in Groningen's A Quarter from 11 to 13 December 2026. This free event focuses on the city's maritime heritage, with historic vessels moored along the canals, festive lighting and cultural activities.
Although it is not simply a conventional Christmas market, it offers an appealing alternative if you want to discover a different side of the Dutch festive season. Moreover, Groningen's historic streets and winter programme provide further reasons to explore the city.
Check the official WinterWelVaart information for the latest programme and locations.
Planning tip: If you prefer a longer market season, consider Amsterdam or The Hague. However, if you enjoy exploring historic cities during a specific festive weekend, Haarlem, Leiden and Groningen offer worthwhile alternatives. Always verify the latest event information before travelling.
Smaller Christmas Markets and Regional Winter Events
Although the largest Dutch Christmas markets attract plenty of attention, smaller destinations can offer a more local experience. In addition, some towns combine Christmas stalls with historic architecture, cultural events and illuminated streets. Therefore, if you prefer exploring beyond the most famous destinations, these regional alternatives are worth considering.
8. Dordrecht December Market: Christmas in a Historic City
Dordrecht is an appealing option if you want to combine Christmas shopping with a winter city break. Its December Market takes place from 10 to 13 December 2026 in the historic centre, around Grotekerksbuurt and Groenmarkt.
What makes Dordrecht special?
The market features wooden Christmas chalets selling festive gifts and seasonal products. In addition, food stalls and musical performances contribute to the atmosphere around the city centre.
The confirmed opening hours are:
- Thursday 10 December: 12:00 to 20:00
- Friday 11 December: 12:00 to 22:00
- Saturday 12 December: 10:00 to 22:00
- Sunday 13 December: 12:00 to 20:00
The December Market is one part of the wider Dordtse Decemberdagen programme., which runs from 10 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Consequently, you can also explore Dwaalspoor, a light art trail through the historic centre, or enjoy seasonal activities along the water.
Admission to the Decemberdagen event is free. For the latest programme, visit the official Dordtse Decemberdagen website.
9. Deventer Christmas Market and Dickens Festijn
Deventer offers something different from a conventional Christmas market. During its Christmas programme from 10 to 13 December 2026, the historic city centre hosts several festive activities, including Christmas markets and the famous Dickens Festijn.
Step into the world of Charles Dickens
On 12 and 13 December, the historic Bergkwartier becomes a theatrical recreation of nineteenth century London. Characters inspired by Charles Dickens's stories appear in the streets, accompanied by performers, musicians and Christmas singers.
The Dickens Festijn requires a ticket. The organiser lists admission at €7.50, with free entry for children aged seven and under. Visitors use timed entry slots, and queues may still occur. Therefore, check the official Dickens Festijn website before travelling.
Deventer also has separate Christmas markets. A market at the Lebuinus Church runs from 10 to 12 December, while the Christmas market on the Brink takes place on 13 December, with free admission. These are distinct events, so check their individual opening hours.
Because the programme is spread across several locations, allow enough time to explore the historic centre. Arriving by train is a practical option, especially during this busy weekend.
10. Look Beyond the Best Known Markets
If you have already visited the major Christmas destinations, smaller events can provide another reason to explore the Netherlands in December. However, not every winter festival is a traditional Christmas market, so it is worth checking the event format before making plans.
- Gouda: Look for the Winterfair and the annual Gouda bij Kaarslicht celebration. Check the official programme for confirmed 2026 dates and activities.
- Utrecht: Explore smaller seasonal markets and winter events around the city. Verify individual organisers' announcements before travelling.
- Regional villages: Local Christmas fairs can be useful alternatives if you prefer a smaller event. However, some operate for only one day or weekend.
These smaller events are best treated as additional options rather than substitutes for confirmed markets. Before publishing or booking, check the organiser's website for dates, opening hours, admission and any changes to the programme.
Which Regional Christmas Market Should You Choose?
Choose Dordrecht if you want Christmas shopping combined with illuminated streets and a historic city centre. In contrast, Deventer is particularly suitable if you enjoy literary traditions, theatrical performances and several festive events in one weekend.
Whichever destination you choose, plan around the confirmed dates rather than assuming every market remains open throughout December. Finally, check transport arrangements and ticket requirements before setting off, so you can spend more time enjoying the festive atmosphere.
