Top Christmas Markets in The Netherlands
As the temperature drops, the coziness factor increases in the Netherlands. This magical season is marked by vibrant Christmas markets, sparkling lights adorning city streets, and a rich tapestry of traditional festivities. In the Netherlands, the holiday spirit is a time of togetherness and merriment, with unique Dutch customs adding a touch of charm to the global celebration of Christmas.
Christmas in the Netherlands is a time of enchanting traditions and festive celebrations. While the Dutch have their own unique customs, such as the Sinterklaas celebration on December 5th, they also embrace the joy and magic of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas.
The country comes alive with twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets, and a warm holiday atmosphere, inviting both locals and visitors to share in the Dutch holiday spirit.
Most of these are free to enter with the exception of anything with *
Dutch Christmas Traditions
Sinterklaas: The Dutch celebrate St. Nicholas' Day (Sinterklaas) on December 5th. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands from Spain and brings gifts and sweets for children. The main gift-giving day is December 5th, rather than Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Christmas Eve (Kerstavond) and Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag), Second Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag) are also celebrated, with festive meals and the exchanging of gifts.
Dutch Holiday foods
Christmas in the Netherlands brings a delightful array of seasonal treats and dishes.
One beloved Dutch tradition is the 'kerststol,' a Christmas bread filled with marzipan, raisins, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Oliebollen, deep-fried dough balls, are a popular snack during the holiday season. You'll find them in bakeries and food trucks throughout the various cities and villages.
In some parts of the country, you'll also find gourmetten, a DIY grill meal, enjoyed by families as they gather to celebrate.
Christmas Markets to Visit in the Netherlands
Amsterdam Christmas Markets
Amsterdam doesn't have a traditional Christmas market per se. But there are a few Christmassy and wintery markets and activities to do in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
*The Winter Paradise is an indoor and outdoor event at the RAI convention center from 14 December 2023 - 30 December 2023. It's super easy to get to by metro, tram, and bus.
Funky Xmas Market
The (themed) Sunday Market might just be my favorite market in Amsterdam. It's very local, and has good food, warm drinks, and a great atmosphere! You'll find it at Westergasfabriek with the Sinterklaas edition on 3 December and the Funky Xmas edition on 17 December.
PureMarkt
Another great one, not just because it's 70% food, is PureMarkt. It's like an upgraded farmer's market from producers all over the country. This winter version is on 17 December in Park Fankendael.
Haarlem Christmas Market
8-10 December | Haarlem City Center
For a smaller town center, this Christmas market is massive! You'll find almost 350 stalls from food to crafts. It's busiest on Saturday and Sunday, but you'll also find the most entertainment as well.
Gouda Christmas Market (Gouda by Candlelight)
15 December | Gouda City Center
Gouda turns magical as people gather around the Christmas tree in the square and, at 7pm, the festivities really get going. But, if you want to experience the opening concert and the whole day of events, be sure to be at the Goudse Schouwburg by 2pm.
Leiden Christmas Market (Kerstsfeer in Leiden)
13-17 December | Hooglandse Kerkgracht
Food, warm drinks, and wood chalets all combine to create a cozy Christmas market to buy your gifts.
The Hague Royal Christmas Fair
7-23 December (closed Monday 18th) | Het Lange Voorhout
The Royal Christmas Fair is one of my favorite Christmas markets in the Netherlands. It's well-organized, completely pedestrianized, with a lot of variety. Everything about it felt cozy and Christmassy!
Dordrecht Christmas Market
15-31 December | throughout the city
This market is spread out over the days listed. On 16 & 17 December, you'll find a smaller market in the Grotekerksbuurt for Christmas presents from Dordrecht and of course, there are food stalls, as well. Foodies will appreciate 26-30 December when the food trucks from the area will be highlighted. Check the website and the agenda for all fun things to do.
Valkenburg Christmas Markets
17 November 2023 - 7 January 2024 | throughout town
There are so many things to do in Valkenburg that it's impossible to summarize! But probably the most popular thing to do is the unique underground markets in the Velvet Caves* and Fluweelengrot*.
Maastricht Christmas Market (Magical Maastricht)
30 November - 31 December | Maastricht Vrijthof
Between the lights, ice rink, and winter snacks, the Vijthof in Maastricht is designed for maximum winter vibes. You can get an incredible view from the tall Ferris Wheel that's 45 meters high, or relax with a gluhwein. Local producers will have their products available to treat yourself or a loved one.
Groningen Christmas Market (Winter Welvaart)
15, 16, 17 December
Holiday market with a twist! There will be 20 historical ships, plenty of food trucks, and local exhibitors at this unique market.
Deventer Dickens Festival*
16 & 17 December | Entrance at Keizerstraat
Step back in time to a 19th-century English city and have a Dickensian Christmas while being surrounded by over 900 characters from his stories. This is an experience in itself (more than a Christmas market, but I had to include it!). It's incredibly popular, so there may be a queue for up to 1.5 hours. Plan accordingly.
Where to Stay for Netherlands Christmas Markets
Amsterdam Hotels
For an Amsterdam hotel, I'd suggest staying outside of the city center to save on cost, but also, it's easy to get around by public transportation (like I do!).
I'm a big fan of the Van de Valk brand, so I recommend this one next to the RAI convention center with easy access to trains, metro, trams, and buses.
Amsterdam (RAI) - Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
Not too far outside the center, but a great hotel and great ethos, this is by Vondelpark. So even in the winter, you'll have a nice place to take daily walks.
Amsterdam (Vondelpark) - Conscious Hotel
For a splurge and a hotel that REALLY gets into the Christmas spirit, look no further than the Waldorf Astoria. They even have an afternoon tea with a holiday theme.
Amsterdam (Center) - Waldorf Astoria
Central Hotels in the Netherlands
For markets and events outside of Amsterdam, I'd recommend staying in Utrecht. It's in the middle of the country and a huge hub for the train system. It's so central and I've picked a hotel close to the station and not too expensive.
Utrecht - Hampton by Hilton
Other Activities
The Amsterdam Light Festival is my favorite thing to do in Amsterdam in the winter. From 30 November - 21 January, you can see incredible light art from the canals. It's the perfect time to board a boat with a loved one, grab a hot drink, float through the iconic canals, and view a light spectacle.