Activities

The best Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany

10 October 2022

The wool sweaters come out, the fireplace crackles softly and the hits of Sky Radio boom from the speakers. You guessed it: Christmas is here again! Are you looking for a nice getaway this winter? We've put together the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany for you.

1. Christmas markets in Valkenburg

Lights, Christmas trees and beautiful decorations! From November 18 to January 8, Valkenburg is once again transformed into a magical Christmas city. In Valkenburg you can enjoy yourself not only above ground, but also in the caves. Enjoy hot mulled wine, countless treats and the many Christmas stalls this Christmas town has to offer. The ancient Christmas story is told from the most beautiful Christmas crib in Europe. 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 can be booked from €8.50 each.

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

2. Royal Christmas Fair in Den Haag

From December 8 to 23, our political capital will once again be immersed in Christmas atmosphere from head to toe. With 110 Christmas booths, this edition is bigger than ever! Sing your lungs out at the Christmas caroling, or dance along at the gospel night. This Christmas market is also a great adventure for children. The one and only Santa Claus has his suit back on and loves to be photographed. Warm up in The Hague with a delicious mulled wine by one of the many fireplaces. We can hardly wait! Admission is free.

End this fairytale day at Stayokay The Hague.

3. Magical Maastricht

Picture: Maastricht marketing | Eight8things

Maastricht, where the Christmas lights sparkle and love goes through the stomach. Put on your skates, because this year again the Vrijthof has been transformed into the most beautiful ice rink in the city. No excuses, because there is more than enough space for everyone! Have you always wanted to admire Maastricht from above? This is your chance! In the Ferris wheel you can count every light in the Christmas city. Besides, the Ferris wheel is a great place for great photos. Maastricht has never been so beautiful! A walk on one of the beautiful light paths completes the day. What are you waiting for?

Stay with us at Stayokay Maastricht

4. The Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Photo: Nooij Photography

Yes, Amsterdam's winter paradise is back! From December 15 to January 1, Amsterdam's RAI will once again be covered in snow. This Amsterdam Christmas market is anything but traditional. It will be a huge spectacle with no less than 3,400 m2 of ice. Browse the numerous Christmas stalls or sing your heart out at Tino Martin ! Do you dare to go down the brand new boomerang run? The après-ski village is open again this year, even Anton from Tyrol will be there. Winter fun for young and old! Advance ticket sales begin at €14,50 euros.

Don't feel like going home after this winter spectacle? Stay at Stayokay in Amsterdam Oost or Amsterdam Vondelpark

5. Winter Heerlijckheid in Diepenheim

Let yourself be enchanted at the fairytale Christmas market in Diepenheim. From November 11 to 13, the beautiful Warmelo estate will once again be the scene of this Christmas spectacle. In the smallest town of Twente you can hardly believe your luck, because here you will find the most delicious wines, delicacies, brocante decorations and beautiful art. Be sure to dress warmly, because this Christmas market is held outdoors. Dogs are welcome at this Christmas market.

Tickets are already available from € 7.50. Children under 6 years have free admission.

6. Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt

When you think of the most fabulous Christmas markets, Germany naturally comes to mind! Aachen is also the place to party this year. The Aachen Christmas Market attracts more than a hundred thousand visitors every year, which doesn't surprise us. With 115 Christmas stalls and festive lights, it's a fairy tale to walk around. Buy the best Christmas gifts for the whole family here or send a Christmas card to your dear grandma. Aachen is only half an hour's drive from Maastricht, so sleep well in our Stayokay!

7. Winter Market Molen de Ster in Utrecht

In Utrecht, preparations for the winter market are already in full swing! At Molen de Ster you will be welcomed with open arms. Shop here at the many stalls with products from local producers. You will not find a more unique Christmas gift! Millers will also be present to show off their woodworking skills. Warm up with mulled wine, pea soup or a hot chocolate. This winter market in Utrecht is a lot of fun. An overnight stay at Stayokay Utrecht will make your day complete.

8. Winterland Hasselt

Our southern neighbors really know how to celebrate Christmas! In Hasselt, you can enjoy all the winter coziness of this city from November 18 to January 8. On the 1000 m2 covered ice rink you can pirouette until you fall over! The Ferris wheel is also working overtime in Hasselt. From this fantastic photo spot you can overlook the whole city! For the little ones, there's the real Santa Claus. A ride on the little train is an absolute highlight and in the maze of Santa you have to do your best not to get lost. Christmas fun guaranteed!

9. The Haarlem Christmas Market

Haarlem is this year the scene of one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. No less than 350 stalls await you from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 December. Get a nice warm sweater or bring the Christmas spirit into your home with a beautiful Christmas tree. Christmas hits will be blaring from the speakers and mince pies will be prepared with love. Sing along with the beautiful choirs that perform at various monumental venues. The Oude Groenmarkt offers fun activities for the kids. From Haarlem city center you can easily reach our Stayokay!

10. Country and Christmas Market at Kasteel de Haar

If you are looking for the ultimate Christmas spirit, you will find it at the Country & Christmas Fair! In the gardens of Kasteel de Haar you will find the most beautiful stalls with Christmas gifts, jewelry, the most beautiful junk, wines and 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 in this fairytale location. The fair will be held from November 22 to 27. Kasteel de Haar is a half hour drive from Stayokay Utrecht center and Utrecht Bunnik! Perfect to end the day.

11. Swedish Christmas in Groningen

Celebrate Swedish Christmas in Groningen! Whether you are looking for an original Christmas gift, love conviviality or are secretly a little in love with Sweden or Scandinavia, the Swedish Christmas Market is something you want to attend! The Swedish Christmas formula was conspicuous by its absence for three years, but returns to the Suikerfabriek Groningen on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11. The Christmas market consists not only of 100 shopping addresses, but also live music, cabaret and a fun activity program. Tickets can be purchased from €8.50.
 

Can't get enough of Winter?

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