Your 2025 Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands and Beyond

13.11.2025

Explore Europe’s Top Christmas Markets This Holiday Season

The festive season in Europe is synonymous with Christmas markets: historic town centres and modern squares transform into sparkling winter wonderlands filled with seasonal foods, artisan gifts, ice rinks, and cosy mulled drinks. From traditional Dutch markets to charming spots in Belgium, Germany, France, and Estonia, there’s no shortage of places to celebrate the holidays in style.

Whether you are looking to browse local crafts, enjoy seasonal treats, or simply soak in the atmosphere of twinkling lights and festive music, these markets are perfect for international students and staff looking for a memorable winter experience.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the best Christmas markets in and around the Netherlands for 2025.

Valkenburg – A Christmas Market Underground

Valkenburg in Limburg offers a unique underground market inside the historic Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave), the largest of its kind in Europe. Explore over 50 festive stalls before stopping at Santa’s Village for oliebollen, waffles, crêpes and churros, all paired with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

14 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
€8.50 – €10 depending on attractions
Valkenburg

Amsterdam Winter Paradise – A Seasonal Wonderland

More than a market, Amsterdam Winter Paradise is a winter extravaganza with festive booths, live music, an ice rink, Ferris wheel rides and even indoor skiing. Note: events after 21:00 are 18+ and a dress code applies.

13 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
From €24
Amsterdam RAI

Haarlem – The Heart of Dutch Festivity

The centre of Haarlem transforms into a festive wonderland with seasonal gifts, mouthwatering treats, choirs and the atmospheric Dickens Orchestra.

12 – 14 December 2025 (10:30 – onwards)
Free
Haarlem city centre

Magical Maastricht – Limburg at Its Most Festive

Maastricht’s Vrijthof Square comes alive with a Christmas market full of local products, festive treats, and illuminated walking paths. Warm up with a mug of glühwein at the cosy Almhütte chalet after skating.

28 November – 29 December 2025
Free
Vrijthof, Maastricht

WinterWonderWeken Leiden – Christmas on the Canals

Leiden’s market along the Hooglandse Kerkgracht features a floating ice rink, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours, offering a picturesque winter stroll above the canal.

December 2025 (check official schedule)
Free
Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden

Winter Market at Molen de Ster – Utrecht’s Coziest Market

Enjoy a Christmas market in the courtyard of a historic windmill. Browse handmade goods, let children play in the mill playground, pat a goat, enjoy hot chocolate and warm snert (pea soup), and take a free windmill tour.

13 – 14 December 2025 (11:00 – 17:00)
Free
Molen de Ster, Utrecht

Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague

Over 100 stalls and a cultural programme, plus light shows, ice sculptures and a children’s Christmas fair. A perfect family-friendly festive outing.

4 – 23 December 2025
Free
Lange Voorhout, The Hague

Gouda by Candlelight – Old-World Charm

Thousands of candles illuminate the historic city centre while live music, theatre performances, artisan products and gifts create a magical ambience.

12 December 2025 (opening concert 14:30)
Free
Gouda city centre

Dickens’ Festival – Deventer

Step back in time with over 900 characters from Charles Dickens’ novels roaming the streets, alongside 75 stalls of handmade and artisan goods, and performances including the play Alles is Dickens.

13 – 14 December 2025
Free
Deventer city centre

Midwinter Fair at Museumpark Archeon – Alphen aan den Rijn

Celebrate Yule traditions at this Renaissance-style fair with live music, fantasy markets, medieval activities like archery and sword fighting, and plenty of food and drinks. Museum cardholders receive discounts.

6 – 7 December 2025
€19.50 – €34.90
Museumpark Archeon, Alphen aan den Rijn

Christmas Markets Beyond the Netherlands

Winterland Hasselt – Belgium

An alpine winter village with over 50 stalls, an ice rink, Austrian-style chalet, and a New Year’s Eve party.

14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Free
Kolonel Dusartplein, Hasselt, Belgium

Winter Wonders – Belgium

One of Europe’s most famous markets, with 200+ chalets, a giant ice rink, light & sound shows, and activities for all ages.

28 November 2025 – 1 January 2026 (check local extensions)
Free
Grand Place & city centre, Brussels

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market – Germany

Set in the shadow of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this market features 150+ stalls, handicrafts, gifts, seasonal food, and 100+ free stage events.

18 November – 23 December 2025
Free
Roncalliplatz, Cologne, Germany

Mosel Wein Nachts Markt – Germany

An underground Christmas market in a 16th-century wine cellar, featuring wine, artisan products, jewellery and antiques.

21 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Free
An der Mosel 25, Traben-Trarbach, Germany

Metz Christmas Market – France

Historic squares filled with artisan chalets, seasonal gifts, wine tastings, a Ferris wheel and a giant ice rink in this charming Lorraine city.

21 November – 28 December 2025
Free
Metz, Lorraine, France

Tallinn Christmas Market – Estonia

A fairy-tale market in Town Hall Square featuring Estonia’s oldest Christmas tree (since 1441), traditional cuisine, handicrafts, merry-go-rounds, and a full festive programme.

21 November – 28 December 2025
Free
Raekoja plats, Tallinn, Estonia

Practical Tips for Visitors:

Many markets are accessible by train or short flights.
Overnight stays are recommended for markets further afield in Germany, France and Estonia.
Carry local currency for small vendors.
If you have a Museum Card, check for discounted entries at Dutch markets like Archeon.
Visit early in the day or during the week to avoid peak crowds.