If you happen to be in the Netherlands in December, you should not worry that you will miss on the Christmas spirit. From the historic cobblestone alleys of Dordrecht to the vibrant squares of Amsterdam and the cozy corners of Maastricht, the Netherlands is ready to celebrate Christmas. Read further to find out which are the best Christmas markets and festivals in the Netherlands.
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Is Christmas Celebrated in the Netherlands?
Although Christmas is celebrated all over the country, this holiday is not in the focal point during the winter festive season in the Netherlands. Dutch have their own celebrations and they revolve around Sinterklaas. This is also why there are no special traditions around Christmas in the Netherlands, like no typical food eaten at Christmas or other rituals to celebrate. Traditional Christmas markets are also not widely spread.
There are however some local differences. In South Limburg, for example, you will find a bunch of traditional Christmas markets, while in the rest of the country there will be winter fairs or festivals with winter entertainment, like skating rinks, tube gliding, and food and drink stalls.
Historically, Christmas fairs and Carnival celebrations (the last week before Lent starts) have been always connected with the Roman Catholicism, and the most provinces of the Netherlands being strongly protestant have made those celebrations disappear, besides in the Southern provinces of North Brabant, and especially in South Limburg, where those traditions are still alive.
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands
The Dutch festive season begins already in November with the preparations for the Sinterklaas holiday. Sinterklaas is more or less the equivalent of Christmas and Santa Clause. Actually, Santa Clause is based on the figure of Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas on its turn is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra (270-343), a Christian bishop, born in modern-day Turkey, a patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants among others.
In Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas, or Sint-Nikolaas, lives in Spain and arrives in the Netherlands on a steamboat in mid-November. His arrival is celebrated all over the country with parades and special events organized by the city councils in small and large cities.
The culmination of the celebrations is the so-called Pakjesavond on 5 December, when Dutch exchange presents, creatively disguised in humorous packaging, called surprises, and accompanied by a a self-written humorous poem. The day after the celebration, on his name day Sinterklaas says goodbye and off he goes back to Spain.
Best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands you won’t find that many Christmas markets as in Germany or Northern France, but there are still few good ones absolutely worth visiting. Lots of places in the Netherlands would have a weekend-long Christmas market, or some other Christmas celebrations. The largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands are the ones in Maastricht and Valkenburg.
Valkenburg Christmas Market in the caves
13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
In the festive season Valkenburg transforms into a bustling Christmas town. Thousands come to this small southern Dutch town to experience a traditional Christmas: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, and wonderful sights and smells. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery, the historic town of Valkenburg in South Limburg is perhaps the most visited Christmas market in the Netherlands.
There are 3 underground Christmas markets in Valkenburg: in the Municipal Cave, in the Velvet Cave, and in Mergelrijk, a WinterGlow Chirstmas Village where you can indulge in special Christmas treats and meet with friends and family for a mug of gluhwein.
Twice a week there is a Christmas parade (Landal Christmas Parade) through the streets of the town and you can play curling at the foot of Heunsberg hill and then get the chairlift to the top to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Christmas lights.
Tip: Prepare your visit to the Valkenburg Christmas Market with this complete guide.
Maastricht Christmas Market
27 November – 27 December 2026
Christmas in Maastricht is magical! During the winter season, the whole city of Maastricht is festively decorated, which makes it the perfect destination to get into the Christmas mood. Besides for the Christmas Market, Maastricht is also popular among the locals as a shopping destination and the Dutch love to spend the weekend in this beautiful southern city.
The Christmas market is held on the famous Vrijthof square – the perfect setting for any Christmas market with the lovely St. John’s Church and St. Servatius Basilica as a backdrop. Actually the full name of the Christmas market is Magical Maastricht on Vrijthof (Magisch Maastricht op het Vrijthof). Vrijthof is perhaps the most iconic square in the city, lined up with the two beautiful churches on one side and lots of cafes and restaurants on the opposite side. It is the place to be when you visit Maastricht.
The most famous attraction at the market is the gigantic, 45 m high, Ferris wheel. From the top of the Ferris wheel there’s a breathtaking view over the Christmas village and the city. Another super fun thing to do at the Christmas market is skating. It doesn’t matter if you can skate or not. This is the moment to try it and have fun!
Tip: Prepare your visit to the Maastricht Christmas Market with this complete guide.
Dordrecht Christmas Market
10-13 December 2026
Although the Christmas market in Dordrecht lasts only four days, the winter celebrations continue until early January as part of the Dordtse Decemberdagen (December Days in Dordrecht). One of the highlights is Dwaalspoor, a 1.5 km walking route through the historic city centre, past beautiful light installations illuminating some of Dordrecht’s most remarkable buildings and landmarks.
From 10 to 13 December, the Decembermarkt (Christmas Market) takes place around the Grote Kerk, Grotekerksbuurt and Groenmarkt. Here you’ll find traditional wooden Christmas stalls selling handmade gifts, seasonal decorations and festive treats. There are also food stalls serving winter specialities, live music at Stadhuisplein and Christmas sing-alongs on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the Wintertuin (Winter Garden) opens in the garden of the Grote Kerk, with cosy wooden chalets offering hot drinks and typical Dordrecht treats. For the kids, there’s a nostalgic swing carousel with free rides, Christmas crafts and storytelling by Santa Claus. There are also live music performances throughout the five days.
Practical info:
- Dwaalspoor: 10 December 2026 – 3 January 2027, daily from 17:00 to 22:00
- Decembermarkt: 10–13 December 2026
- Wintertuin: 26–30 December 2026, daily from 14:00 to 22:00
Haarlem Christmas Market
11-13 December 2026
If you want to go back in time then you should visit Haarlem in December! During the weekend-long Christmas Market the Schagchelstraat is transformed into the Street of Emma, where you go back in time to a real 19th-century Christmas fair and the Kleine Houtstraat is completely decorated in the style of the Middle Ages.
The Christmas market in Haarlem takes places in the historical centre of the city. There are 350 stalls spread over 12 locations in the city centre. Winter entertainment on the streets, as well as many shows are happening all over the city.
Tip: Prepare for your trip with our Haarlem Travel Guide.
Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague
3-23 December 2026
Do you want to spend Christmas like a royal, then you should head to The Hague. The Royal Christmas Fair takes place at Lange Voorhout, the historical heart of The Hague, surrounded by the Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace, and various museums.
There is Bar Berlin, Bar Munich, and Bar Dusseldorf, where you can have a mug with mulled wine or hot chocolate with friends and family, watch the shows and have fun. There is also the Royal Christmas House, where you can grab a bite, and the Royal Christmas Stage with daily performances.
Around 100 wooden Christmas chalets line Lange Voorhout, offering everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to traditional winter treats.
The whole city of The Hague is festively decorated which makes a perfect weekend-trip destination for a bit of Christmas magic.
Practical info:
- Location: Lange Voorhout
- Opening times: daily, from 12:00 to 21:00
Bourtange Christmas Market
5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 December 2026
Bourtange is one of those places where you can almost forget which century you’re living in. This tiny fortified village in Groningen, with its cobbled streets, old bridges and star-shaped ramparts, is lovely at any time of year. But during the Christmas market, with hundreds of lights illuminating the old fortress, it looks especially beautiful.
Around 100 stalls are spread across the historic Marktplein and the surrounding streets. You’ll find Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, winter treats and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm. There are also choirs, musicians and street performers adding to the atmosphere.
Practical info:
- Opening times: Saturdays 11:00–21:00; Sundays: 11:00–18:00
- Tickets: 4,50 EUR online or 5 EUR at the entrance; children up to 5: free
- Tickets: www.bourtange.nl
Nostalgic Christmas Market Leiden
11–13 and 17–20 December 2026
Leiden is another Dutch city that looks particularly lovely dressed up for Christmas. The Nostalgische Kerstmarkt (Nostalgic Christmas Market) takes place in the historic centre, around the Hooglandse Kerk, where wooden chalets line the streets and squares. You can browse the stalls for Christmas gifts and decorations, enjoy some winter treats and listen to Christmas choirs, all surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.
Leiden used to be famous for its floating Christmas market on the Nieuwe Rijn, which was quite a unique attraction. Unfortunately, the market no longer floats, but you can still enjoy a rather unusual winter experience on the canal: a floating ice rink! There’s also a nostalgic fairground as part of Leiden’s Winter Wonder Weken.
Practical info:
- Location: Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Hooglandse Kerkplein and Nieuwstraat and De Burcht
- Opening times: 1, 12 and 17–19 December: 12:00–21:00; 13 December: 13:00–21:00; 20 December: 13:00–18:00
- Floating ice rink: 5 December 2026 – 3 January 2027, on the Nieuwe Rijn
Christmas and Art in Ootmarsum
12–13 December 2026
Ootmarsum, a small town in Twente, is known for its art galleries and picturesque historic centre. During Kerst en Kunst (Christmas and Art), the town brings these two things together in a rather lovely way. The narrow streets are decorated for Christmas, artists open their galleries, and more than 60 market stalls fill the centre.
Alongside the usual Christmas decorations and seasonal treats, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, handmade crafts and other original gifts. There are choirs and musicians performing in the streets, too. If you enjoy smaller Christmas markets and browsing local art, Ootmarsum is a nice alternative to the bigger events in the Netherlands.
Practical info:
- Location: Historic centre of Ootmarsum, Overijssel
- Opening times: Both days, 12 noon–6 pm
Castle Christmas Fair in Santpoort-Noord
24–29 November 2026
A Christmas fair in the grounds of a historic country estate sounds rather nice, doesn’t it? The Castle Christmas Fair takes place at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, near Haarlem. The stately mansion, the surrounding gardens and the Christmas decorations give this fair a very different setting from the usual market in a city square.
With more than 200 exhibitors, there’s plenty to browse, from Christmas decorations and handmade gifts to home accessories, clothing and delicacies. There’s live music throughout the day, several places to stop for something to eat and drink, and even a Ferris wheel. The fair stays open into the evening, when the illuminated estate is especially atmospheric.
Practical info:
- Location: Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, Santpoort-Noord
- Opening times: Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00–22:00; Sunday: 11:00–18:00
- Tickets: Paid admission; prices vary depending on the day, starting from 12,50 EUR
Christmas Fair at Kasteeltuinen Arcen
25–29 November 2026
For the first time in 2026, the beautiful castle gardens of Arcen in Limburg are organising their own Christmas Fair. If you’ve visited the gardens in summer, you’ll know how lovely the grounds are. Now imagine the paths and centuries-old trees illuminated with Christmas lights, wooden stalls along the way and the smell of winter treats in the air.
The fair brings together exhibitors selling Christmas decorations, gifts, clothing and other seasonal goodies. There are musical performances and a light-and-fountain show, while Arcen Castle itself is decorated in the style of a 19th-century Christmas. I think the combination of the gardens and the historic castle makes this one particularly appealing, especially if you’re looking for a Christmas market in a more unusual setting.
Read more: Discover the most beautiful Castles in the Netherlands
Practical info:
- Opening times: Wednesday–Saturday: 11:00–21:00; Sunday: 11:00–19:00
- Tickets: Adults from 12,95 EUR online; children aged 5–17 from 6,45 EUR; children up to 4 enter free
Winter Festivals in the Netherlands
Every town and city in the Netherlands will have some entertainment before Christmas or in the week between Christmas and the New Year. Quite popular are the skating rinks, as Dutch love to skate. So there will be usually a skating rink with a place to have some drinks a grab a sandwich with a German-type of sausage.
These are the most popular winter festivals in the Netherlands:
Dickens Festival Deventer
12-13 December 2026
The Dickens Festival in Deventer is one of the most popular winter festivals in the Netherlands, attended by more than 125,000 visitors each year. During the Dickensfestijn (Dickens Festival) the 19th-century English city of Charles Dickens is revived in all its glory.
In the historic Bergkwartier, more than 950 characters from the famous books of this English writer come to life every year: from Scrooge to Oliver Twist, from Mr. Pickwick to the Christmas Carol Singers, from orphans to office clerks and posh people.
New for 2026, the Dickens Festival has introduced timed-entry tickets to reduce the famously long queues. When booking online, you choose an entry time, and visitors are admitted in groups via the Keizerstraat, near Hotel Finch. Regular tickets cost €7.50 (plus a small service fee), while a limited number of tickets are available at the entrance for €9. Children aged 7 and under can enter for free. Although the organisers hope to keep waiting times to a maximum of one hour, you should still expect some queuing.
Practical info:
- Route: Walstraat, Golstraat, Damstraat, Roggestraat, Bergstraat, Bergkerkplein, Kerksteeg, Bergschild and Menstraat
- Entry: Keizerstraat
- Opening times: 10:00–18:00 (Last admission is at 16:00)
- Tickets: dickensfestijn.nl
Dickens in the Castle
27-29 December 2026
Dickens in the Castle is another winter festivals in the Netherlands in the spirit of the Dickens’ Christmas Carol. With the Castle of Limbricht (South Limburg) as a backdrop, this festival is truly magical and heartwarming. There’s tons of entertainment: music bands, carol singers, theatre shows, magicians, and all this in the style of 19th-century England!
There’s also a market with local produce and local crafts. And if you get hungry or thirsty, and believe me you will get both, there’s even mini food truck festival with winter-licious food!
Practical info:
- Address: Castle of Limbricht, Allee 1, 6141 AV Limbricht
- Tickets: you need to reserve a ticket in advance (dickensophetkasteel.nl)
- Opening times: your ticket has a starting time but you can stay till the end of the evening. Starting times are every 30 minutes from 16:00 till 19:00
Amsterdam Light Festival
26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
The Amsterdam Light Festival is another popular winter festival. Lasting for around two months, typically from late November to late January, the festival showcases a diverse range of light art, ranging from mesmerizing sculptures to immersive projections on buildings and bridges.
Visitors can explore the installations by walking, cycling, or taking a boat tour along the illuminated canals, experiencing the city in a completely transformed and magical light, which I can highly recommend.
Read more: How to spend one perfect day in Amsterdam
Each edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival has its own theme, giving artists the opportunity to create some truly imaginative light installations. The 2026–2027 edition marks the festival’s 15th anniversary, with around 20 artworks and a completely new route through Amsterdam.
Practical info:
- Lights are on: from 16:30 till 23:00 daily, except for 31 December.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
17 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
Amsterdam Winterparadijs (Winter Paradise) is a winter fair that takes place in and outside RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. It is the largest winter event in the Netherlands.
There is plenty to do both during the day and in the evening. You can skate under a blanket of lights on the 4400 m2 indoor and outdoor skating rink, enjoy the view of Amsterdam from the gigantic Ferris wheel or the high swing ride and slide down the tube slide on real snow! Kids will also love the Winter Paradise. There is a children’s skating rink, a mini Ferris wheel, and a Kids Silent Disco.
Read more: How to spend one perfect day in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Winterparadijs is the ultimate place for winter entertainment in Amsterdam! There’s even real snow and you can ski between the Christmas trees or have a snowball fight with your friends or family. For some nostalgia you can roast marshmallows over a crackling fire or go to the Winter Cinema for a classic Christmas movie.
Practical info:
- Address: Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam
- Opening hours: from 9:00 till 23:00 (some days till midnight)
Winter Time in Heerlen
10 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
Wintertijd (Winter Time) is a winter festival in the southern Dutch city of Heerlen. For almost a month, the two main squares, Pancratiusplein and Bongerd, are transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and plenty of activities. There’s a covered ice-skating rink, a 30-metre-long slide, curling and even Magic Wintergolf, where you can play miniature golf among glowing decorations. The Winterparade, with its illuminated figures, dancers and music, brings even more Christmas cheer to the city.
On two Sundays, 13 and 20 December, there’s also a winter market in the shopping streets, with stalls selling handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, local treats and other seasonal goodies.
After all that winter fun, you can warm up with a drink at the Wintercafé or visit the Lexor Spiegeltent (mirror tent), where there’s live music and entertainment throughout the festival. Heerlen might not be the first place that comes to mind for a Christmas trip to the Netherlands, but Wintertijd is a lovely local tradition and a good excuse to discover a different side of the city.
Winter Efteling
16 November 2026 – 31 January 2027
Winter Efteling is a real winter wonderland. It’s as if the whole theme park puts on its winter clothes, with beautiful winter decorations, artificial snow and bonfires where you can warm up your hands. There’s this cheerful, wintry atmosphere everywhere. Most attractions remain open, although some rides may close because of the weather or maintenance.
This year, there’s a brand-new, partly covered ice-skating rink called De Gladde Piste on the Warme Winter Weide (Warm Winter Meadow). There’s also plenty of winter entertainment, including the new musical and acrobatic show Cirque Miragio and a nostalgic fairground ride called Cirque Papillon.
I love the attention to detail at Efteling. For example, all the streetlights get icicles hanging from them, the young goats from The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats wear winter pullovers and scarves, and there are tiny skis propped outside their house. Even the bird in front of the Vogel Rok dark ride gets a scarf and a Santa hat.
And when it does snow on those rare occasions in the Netherlands, there isn’t a place more magical than the Efteling. Then you can see how real and subtle the winter decorations actually are. Nothing over the top, as everything blends so naturally with the snow.
Tip: Prepare your visit to the Efteling with this complete guide.
WinterWelVaart Groningen
11–13 December 2026
WinterWelVaart is quite different from your typical Christmas market. During this three-day festival, the historic canals in the centre of Groningen are filled with beautifully illuminated old ships. You can step aboard some of them, listen to music, enjoy theatre performances or simply wander along the quays and admire the boats.
The festivities take place in the A-kwartier, one of the loveliest parts of Groningen, with its old warehouses and narrow streets. There are market stalls selling handmade goods, Christmas presents and winter treats, while musicians and performers bring the streets to life. It’s a lovely way to experience Groningen in December, especially in the evening when the lights reflect in the canal.
Practical info:
- Location: Hoge der A, Lage der A and surrounding streets
- Winter market opening times: Friday and Saturday: 12:00–22:00; Sunday: 12:00–20:00
Tip: Prepare for your trip with our Groningen travel guide
Gouda by Candlelight
11 December 2026
For one day in December, Gouda celebrates Christmas in a very special way. During Gouda bij Kaarslicht (Gouda by Candlelight), the historic city centre fills with music, choirs and Christmas activities. There are performances in churches and other beautiful old buildings throughout the day, so it’s worth arriving early and exploring the city before the evening celebrations begin.
The highlight comes after dark, when thousands of candles illuminate the windows around the Markt. At 7 pm, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings everyone together for an evening of music and Christmas carols. It’s a tradition that goes back many decades and one of the reasons Gouda is such a lovely place to visit before Christmas.
Fun fact: In 2025 Gouda by Candlelight celebrated its 75 anniversary!
In 2026, the ceremony will take place near the historic Waag (Weigh House), as Gouda’s Town Hall is undergoing restoration.
Practical info:
- Location: Markt and the historic city centre of Gouda
- Date: Friday, 11 December 2026
- Christmas tree ceremony: 19:00
Winter in de Vesting Elburg
11–12 December 2026
The little fortified town of Elburg is already a wonderful place to visit, with its straight cobbled streets, historic houses and old city walls. During Winter in de Vesting, the town goes back in time to around 1900. Residents dress in period costumes, the streets fill with music and theatre, and there’s something happening everywhere you look.
You’ll find nostalgic market stalls, traditional games, old-fashioned entertainment and plenty of opportunities to warm up with a hot drink. What makes this festival so charming is that the historic town itself becomes part of the experience. With the old buildings, costumes and Christmas lights, you really get a sense of what winter celebrations might have looked like more than a century ago.
Practical info:
- Location: Historic fortified centre of Elburg, Gelderland
- Opening times: Friday: 16:00–22:00; Saturday: 13:00–21:00
- Tickets: Free admission
- Parking: 7,50 EUR per car
Delft Verlicht
8 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
Delft is one of my favourite Dutch cities, and I think its historic centre is particularly beautiful in winter. During Delft Verlicht (Delft Illuminated), the city is decorated with thousands of lights, and there are various Christmas and winter activities throughout December.
The festivities begin on 8 December with Lichtjesavond (Evening of Lights), a lovely Delft tradition. The Christmas tree on the Markt is illuminated, there’s music in the streets and churches, and the whole historic centre joins in the celebrations. It’s a wonderful excuse to wander along the canals, admire the illuminated buildings and stop at one of the cosy cafés for a hot chocolate.
Tip: Read our Delft Travel Guide
The Christmas lights remain on throughout the festive season, so even if you miss Lichtjesavond, Delft is still worth visiting in December.
Practical info:
- Location: Historic city centre of Delft
- Lichtjesavond: Tuesday, 8 December 2026
De Lumineuze Nachten at De Haar Castle
4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
De Haar Castle near Utrecht looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, with its towers, turrets and beautiful gardens. During De Lumineuze Nachten (The Luminous Nights), the castle grounds become the setting for a spectacular light festival.
You follow an illuminated walking route through the gardens, with light installations, music and projections telling a story along the way. Even the castle itself becomes part of the show, with colourful images projected onto its walls and towers. The route takes around 60–90 minutes, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the lights and the atmosphere. There’s also a winter terrace where you can stop for a warm drink.
Read more: Everything you need to know about De Haar Castle
It’s a very different experience from visiting the castle during the day, and one that combines beautifully with a winter trip to Utrecht.
Practical info:
- Location: Kasteel de Haar, Haarzuilens, near Utrecht
- Dates: 4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Opening times: Evening visits, starting from 17:15 pm
- Tickets: Adults 24,50 EUR; children aged 4 and over 19,50 EUR; children up to 3 enter free
- Parking: A separate parking ticket is required. Parking address: Parkweg 5, Haarzuilens
Final words
Although there are not that many Christmas markets in the Netherlands compared to Germany or Northern France, still the Netherlands can be your Christmas market destination, especially the Southern province of South Limburg. On the other hand winter festivals and winter entertainment is quite popular in the Netherlands with skating rinks in almost every town and village.
Do you need some extra help to plan your trip to the Netherlands? Join the dedicated Exploring the Netherlands Facebook Group, where you can get tips from other travellers and locals. Or perhaps you have questions or comments? Join the group and I’ll be happy to answer them.
