Known for its tulip fields, scenic canals, and rustic windmills, The Netherlands is a fantastic year-round destination. But if you want to experience an unforgettable Christmas holiday, there is no better time to visit the country than during this festive season. After all, winter in the Netherlands means spectacular light festivals, bustling ice-skating rinks, and cosy Dutch Christmas markets. Indeed, the Netherlands’ Christmas markets are some of the best in Western Europe.
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Why You Should Explore the Christmas Markets in The Netherlands
The Netherlands Christmas markets are more than just a spot to shop for fancy trinkets and knickknacks. They are a place to cosy up with friends and family over mugs of glühwein (mulled wine) and bites of oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts). Skate your heart out at the ice rink. Marvel at the dazzling light displays. Sample sumptuous holiday delicacies. The Christmas markets in Holland are a must-see winter attraction.
- Christmas markets in the Netherlands are a relatively new trend compared to more established ones in other countries. But they are just as impressive. They are less crowded. Still, they are quieter, less commercialized and not cramped. So, you get to enjoy a genuinely homey Christmas.
- There’s no better place to find delicious seasonal delicacies than in the Netherlands’ Christmas markets. The food is fabulous. Try reibekuchen (fried potato pancakes), pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes) and flammlachs (roasted salmon). Don’t miss the popular gluhwein. For kids, there’s hot chocolate with whip cream.
- The shops are diverse. Whether you are looking for Dutch Christmas decorations, customized gifts, or unique souvenirs, you’ll find them all and more in the various Netherlands Christmas markets.
- The lights are breathtaking. Christmas decorations in Holland are mesmerizing, and you feel the holiday spirit everywhere. No matter what part of the country you go to, Dutch Xmas markets glimmer with lovely fairy lights that are breathtakingly out of this world.
Best Dutch Christmas Markets in 2022
Undoubtedly, the Netherlands will have some of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2022. But where do you find these holiday spots? Here are our top picks:
Amsterdam Christmas Markets
There are some fantastic Christmas markets in Amsterdam. Here are our top picks:
Ice Village
2022 Opening Dates: 14th December – 26th December
Right next to the ice rink in Museumplein, the Ice Village evokes an authentic winter feeling. What’s most Christmassy than the combination of skating and shopping?
Find everything, from clothing to jewellery, Christmas trinkets to Christmas gifts, and hot chocolate to hot waffles. There are fireplaces where you can warm up and snack on delicious delicacies.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
2022 Opening Dates: 15th December 2022 –1st January 2023
Boasting the merriest holiday event in Holland, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the place to enjoy the ultimate Christmas experience. Not only will you find a plethora of Christmas stalls and two ice skating rinks. There will also be new additions to the attractions, including a Boomerang slide and an Après-ski village. Kids will love the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel.
Funky Xmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 4th December | 18th December
If you’re looking for handmade art, accessories, and souvenirs, this Amsterdam winter market will amaze you with its groovy and artsy atmosphere. It may appeal more to adults, but children can still enjoy the array of handcrafted toys and delicious homemade Christmas delicacies.
The Sustainable Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 10th December – 11th December
Everything sold in this Sustainable Market is ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. There are handmade soaps, coffee beans, décors, clothing, and jewellery. Sit by the log fire and enjoy a bowl of hearty snert (pea soup) from the vegan kitchen while soaking up the festive vibes.
Pure Markt Wintermarkt
2022 Opening Dates: 18th December
Pure Markt Wintermarkt is a popular farmers’ market that frequently moves around the capital, Pure Markt will be setting up at Frankendael Park for its winter schedule. Those looking for rare artisan products will find a mishmash of vintage, designer, and locally-made items. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this bazaar, which focuses on food-related local and international goodies.
Where to stay nearby: Looking for an elegant but cosy place to stay with your family on your winter holiday? Check out Ambassade Hotel for spacious and homey accommodations by the canal in the city centre. View Prices and Availability for your dates here>>
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Netherlands Christmas Markets in Other Cities
There are plenty of Christmas markets in The Netherlands to visit outside of Amsterdam. Here are our top picks:
Valkenburg Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 18th November 2022 – 8th January 2023
The charming town of Valkenburg, about three hours from Amsterdam, is home to one of the most amazing Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Located beneath the ruins of the Valkenburg castle, the market hosts more than 50 stalls and miniature village dioramas where you can listen to Christmas stories. Where else will you find an underground Christmas bazaar decked with thousands of fairy lights and historical charcoal drawings on the walls?
Where to stay nearby: A cosy bed and breakfast located in the town centre, B&B No. 42 offers all the comforts and conveniences of a home away from home. View Prices and Availability for Your Dates Here >>>
Maastricht Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 1st December – 30th December
Set in Vrijthof Square, this enthralling Christmas market features stalls of holiday items and delicious food along its gorgeous alleys. Be sure to sample savoury bratwurst, warm glühwein, or a cup of local coffee with a splash of Schrobbelèr liqueur. It also has a giant Ferris wheel, a brightly-lighted carrousel, and a sheltered skating rink.
Where to stay nearby: After a long day of shopping, unwind at The Dutch, a full-service, self-service hotel in the bustling Wyck district. View Prices and Availability for Your Dates Here >>
Haarlem Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 9th December – 11th December
In Haarlem’s city centre, you will find the quintessential European Christmas market, with cosy wooden chalets weaving through the streets, a church tower blazing with lights, and carols filling the air. Browse through the Haarlem Christmas Market stalls selling gourmet gifts and lovely handicrafts. Then warm up by the fire pit and relish classic holiday favourites. The giant Christmas tree in the city square is a scene stealer.
Where to stay nearby: The Rose is a quaint bed and breakfast perfect for families travelling with kids. It features a kitchen, a private bathroom, and a seating area. View Prices and Availability for Your Dates Here >>>
Deventer Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 10th December – 20th December
From Ebenezer Scrooge to Oliver Twist to the Ghost of Christmas Past, you’ll meet them all in the Dickens Festival as the city steps into 19th-century England in Charles Dicken’s books. Stroll down the historic quarter lined with open carts selling roasted chestnuts, filling soups, baked potatoes, and mulled wine. At the end of the route is Deventer Christmas market with over 75 stalls and shops.
Where to stay nearby: FINCH is a charming boutique hotel in downtown Deventer. It features spacious family rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and a complimentary American or vegetarian breakfast. View Prices and Availability for Your Dates Here >>>
Delft Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 15th December – 17th December
Delft Christmas market lies along a scenic canal and stretches into the city square. Wooden chalet stalls flank the alleys, offering a wide range of holiday décors, handcrafted souvenirs, and delicious food. Enjoy the Christmas music as carolers perform on the streets.
Where to stay nearby: An old cigar factory in the city centre, Hotel Johannes Vermeer Delft, features luxurious family rooms with stunning views of the canal.
Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague
2022 Opening Dates: 8th December – 23rd December
One of the country’s biggest and busiest holiday celebrations, the Royal Christmas Fair takes place in some of the Hague’s most famous landmarks, including museums, churches, the Binnenhof, and the Noordeinde Palace. The Christmas market, located in Lange Voorhout, features over 110 Christmas stalls, lit up with thousands of glittering LED lights. You’ll find unique gift ideas, lovely decorations, fashion jewellery, and holiday food favourites.
Where to stay nearby: Located in the heart of the Hague, the Collector features comfortable family rooms and stunning city views. View Prices and Availability for Your Dates Here >>>
Leiden Floating Christmas Market
2022 Opening Dates: 16th December – 28th December
Built on top of pontoons on the Rijn River, this floating winter village of brightly-lit chalets is hands down the most unique among all the Netherlands Christmas markets. It has over 90 stalls where handcrafted items, winter garments, décors, food, and drinks are available. The market also features a floating ice rink, a Sinterklaas house, and a stage for Christmas performances.
Where to stay nearby: B&B Hart van Leiden is a family-friendly bed and breakfast a short distance from the city centre. It features expansive family rooms with a kitchen, dining area, and seating area. View prices and availability for your dates here >>>
Winter Village Amstelveen
2022 Opening Dates: 3rd December – 8th January
Amstelveen lies six miles south of Amsterdam and boasts a magical winter wonderland of snow-covered treetops, beautifully-lit streets, natural ice-skating rinks, and a bustling Christmas market with over 60 stalls. Shop for handcrafted gifts, sip a cup of chocolate milk, or watch a figure skating competition.
Where to stay nearby: Delve into the town’s history and stay at Station Amstelveen, a hundred-year-old train station converted into a modern bed and breakfast with five spacious rooms.
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