The best Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in 2023

Twinkling lights, Christmas trees and beautiful decorations! From November 17 to January 8, Valkenburg is once again transformed into a magical Christmas city. In Valkenburg you can enjoy the atmosphere not only above ground, but also in the caves. Slide down the toboggan run, be charmed by the route of lights, stroll along the many Christmas stalls and enjoy the endless variety of delicacies. At the Landal Christmas Parade, the floats once again pull out all the stops to put on a fairytale parade. You don't want to miss this!

Important: Plan your visit in advance. Tickets for the caves can be booked on the site from €8 each. Above the ground, your pet is more than welcome, but not inside the caves. The Christmas markets in the Municipal Cave and the Velvet Cave are the only ones that are wheelchair accessible.

After that, of course, you will spend the night at Stayokay Maastricht.

From December 7 to 23, our political capital will once again be fully immersed in the Christmas spirit. Sing your lungs out during the musical performances or get carried away by the best Christmas stories. This Christmas market is also a magical experience for children. The one and only Santa Claus has smoothed out his suit and loves to be photographed. Warm up in The Hague with a delicious mulled wine by one of the many fireplaces. We can't wait! Festive, atmospheric and colourful; it will be one big celebration! Dogs are allowed and entrance is absolutely free.  

End this fairytale day at Stayokay The Hague.

Maastricht, a world of winter experiences! Put on your ice skates, because at the indoor skating rink on Vrijthof you can pirouette until you drop. Have you always wanted to admire Maastricht from above? This is your chance! In the giant Ferris wheel, you can count every light in this Christmas city. For a fairytale experience, take a walk along one of the beautiful light routes or enjoy warm delicacies at Place d'Amour. Maastricht has never been so beautiful! What are you waiting for? 

An overnight stay at Stayokay Maastricht will make your day complete. 

 If you're looking for a truly impressive Christmas market, you've arrived at the right place. In Wintelre, near Eindhoven, on 16 and 17 December, the streets will be completely transformed into the fairytale world from the famous stories of Charles Dickens. Experience the days of the past with the many characters, take part in special activities or stroll around the unique Dickens-style Christmas market. Along the way, enjoy delicious food and drinks made by the Old Dutch craftsmen of the 19th century. Step through the gate and be amazed by the history of 150 years ago! 

Looking for cosiness this winter? In and around Stayokay Gorssel's hunting lodge, a winter fair will take place on 9 December. Here you will find the nicest stalls with delicious smells of various local products and delicacies. The best Christmas hits will be playing and there will be many activities for children. Everything has been thought of! Warm yourself up with snert, oliebollen or hot chocolate by the crackling fireplace. Bad weather? No worries! There is enough indoor space for everyone.   

Can't get enough of Christmas in Gorssel? We totally understand! Come spend the night during Christmas at Stayokay Gorssel and enjoy a fully catered Christmas celebration. 

For true Christmas lovers, Brussels is the place to be! The Belgian capital is home to the largest Christmas market in the country. With more than 240 stalls all over the city, you will not be bored for a second! Go ice-skating on the ice rink, take a spin on the Ferris wheel or take a stroll through the city and simply enjoy the beautiful lights. You'll be amazed! Besides decorations for the Christmas tree and unique Christmas gifts, you can also find delicious food and drinks. Don't forget to pay a visit to Manneken Pis either, maybe he is dressed up? 

Let yourself be enchanted by the Nostalgic Christmas market in Leiden. From 13 to 17 December, the Hooglandse Kerkgracht will be the scene of this unique Christmas spectacle. Browse around the cosy wooden stalls and shop for the best Christmas presents, eat all you want at the food trucks or relax on the cosy winter terrace with hot mulled wine. Show off your skating skills on the Floating ice rink or stroll through the illuminated streets and enjoy the ultimate Christmas atmosphere!  

Leiden is a half-hour drive from Stayokay The Hague! 

One of Germany's biggest Christmas markets is taking place in Oberhausen again this year. With more than 150 Christmas stalls, lighted Christmas trees and fragrant delicacies, walking around this place is a real fairy tale. Drink hot chocolate by the fireplace, sing along to the best Christmas classics or rollerblade down the snowy slopes with a snow band. Children can even take a spin on the carousel. Grünkohl, curry sausage, roast chestnuts, reibekuchen... it will be mouth-watering with all those local specialities! There is a Christmas market in the large Westfield CentrO shopping centre and there is one in Oberhausen's old town, the Weihnachtswald. 

The preparations for one of the largest Christmas markets Christmas markets in the Netherlands are already in full swing! From Friday 8 to Sunday 10 December, hundreds of traditional Christmas stalls will be waiting for you with the best Christmas deals in Haarlem. Score the cutest gadgets, lovely warm slippers or bring the Christmas spirit into your home with a beautiful Christmas tree and sparkling lights. Christmas hits will be blaring from the speakers and mince pies will be prepared with love. Sing along with the wonderful choirs performing in various monumental locations.

Experience the ultimate Christmas experience at the Netherlands' cosiest Christmas market in Haarlem city centre. Entrance is free and the Christmas market is fully wheelchair accessible. Stayokay Haarlem is easily accessible from the city centre! 

If you are looking for the ultimate Christmas spirit, you will find it at the Country & Christmas Fair! IThe largest Christmas market in the Netherlands will take place on the grounds of Slot Zeist from 21 to 26 November. Here you will find the nicest stalls with Christmas gifts, jewellery, the finest brocante, wines and fine treats. The Dickens Choir will sing the stars from the sky and the smell of hot waffles will be unmistakable. In short: lots of Christmas fun at this fairytale location at the most beautiful time of the year.   

Slot Zeist is a 20-minute drive from Stayokay Utrecht Centrum and Utrecht Bunnik. Perfect for ending your day! 

Celebrate Swedish Christmas in Groningen on 9 and 10 December! This amazing Christmas market takes place at the most unique location in the city: the old Suikerfabriek. Whether you are looking for an original Christmas present, love cosiness or are secretly a bit in love with Sweden or Scandinavia, the Swedish Christmas Market is something you want to attend! The Christmas market consists not only of more than 100 shopping addresses, but also live music, workshops and a fun programme of activities. Tickets can be bought online from €8.50. 

Go ice skating! We also collected the most special, fun or beautiful skating rinks in the Netherlands ⛸️