From mid-November through late December, the Netherlands transforms into a winter wonderland.
City squares sparkle with lights, giant Christmas trees appear across town centers, and every weekend brings a new festive market somewhere in the country.
While Dutch Christmas markets tend to be smaller and shorter than those in Germany or Belgium, they’re full of charm — and spread all across the Netherlands.
Here’s the updated list of 2025 Christmas markets and holiday events.
Use it to plan your winter outings!
- Christmas Market Guide: The Netherlands 2025
- Nov 14 – Dec 30: “Christmas Caves” in Valkenburg
- Canceled in 2025: “Country Christmas Fair” in Vijfhuizen
- Nov 26 – Nov 30: “Castle Christmas Fair” in Velsen-Zuid
- Nov 28 – Dec 29: “Magical Maastricht” in Maastricht
- Nov 29 – Dec 14 (Weekends Only): “Fortress Christmas Market” in Bourtange
- Dec 4 – Dec 23: “Royal Christmas Fair” in The Hague
- Dec 11 – Dec 15: “Castle Christmas Market” in Middachten Castle
- Dec 12 – Dec 14: “Citywide Christmas Market” in Haarlem
- Dec 12 – Dec 14: “Noble Christmas” at Cannenburch Castle
- Dec 12 – Dec 14: “Farm Christmas Market” in Wezup
- Canceled in 2025: “Cheese City Christmas Market” in Alkmaar
- Dec 12 – Dec 21: “Student City Christmas Market” in Leiden
- Dec 12: “Candlelight Night” in Gouda
- Dec 13: “Cozy Christmas Market” in Schiedam
- Dec 13th -14th, “Christmas Market” in Dordrecht
- Dec 13 – Dec 14: “Dickens Festival” in Deventer
Christmas Market Guide: The Netherlands 2025
We’ve rounded up 15+ Christmas markets and events from across the Netherlands — from famous classics to quirky local gems.
If tickets are required, book early, as many events sell out fast.
Nov 14 – Dec 30: “Christmas Caves” in Valkenburg
Down in the southern countryside, the town of Valkenburg (about 3 hours by train from Amsterdam, or 10 minutes from Maastricht) hosts one of Europe’s most magical Christmas events — a Christmas market held inside real caves!
The markets take place in two separate caves: Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave) and Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave).
It feels like stepping into the world of Harry Potter or exploring a secret underground world — full of twinkling lights, decorations, and cozy stalls.
Valkenburg’s Christmas Market was even voted Best European Christmas Market in 2018, and it’s still one of the most atmospheric holiday experiences in the Netherlands.
Note: Entry is ticketed by time slot. Book your tickets online in advance.
Date：Nov 14 to Dec 30
Hours：11-19
(10-19 on Sat and Sun)
*December 25th: Closed
*December 24th, 26th, 30th: until 18pm
Tiket：€ 10〜
Map：Cauberg 4, Valkenburg
URL：Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot
Canceled in 2025: “Country Christmas Fair” in Vijfhuizen
The Country & Christmas Fair, usually held in historic locations like Zeist Castle, will not take place in 2025.
It’s typically one of the earliest holiday events of the year — opening about a month before Christmas — and is known for its festive market full of Christmas décor, mulled wine, hot chocolate, poffertjes, and cozy holiday cheer.
Tickets usually sell out weeks in advance, so keep an eye out if it returns in 2026.
Date：
Hours：
Tiket：
Map：Stelling 1, 2141 SB Vijfhuizen
URL：Country Christmas Fair
Nov 26 – Nov 30: “Castle Christmas Fair” in Velsen-Zuid
The Castle Christmas Fair moves to a new location each year.
After being canceled in 2023, it made a strong comeback in 2024 — and it’s returning again in 2025 at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, a stunning estate about 20 minutes by train from Haarlem.
It’s a fairy-tale market in a real castle, with elegant lights and festive stalls — definitely one to watch!
Date：Nov 26 to Nov 30
Hours：11-22 (11-18 on Sun)
Tiket：€ 11.50~
Map：Duin- en Kruidbergerweg 60, Santpoort-Noord
URL：Castle Christmas Fair
Nov 28 – Dec 29: “Magical Maastricht” in Maastricht
The southern city of Maastricht, about 2.5 hours from Amsterdam by train, transforms into a glowing old-town Christmas village each winter.
Expect a giant Ferris wheel, ice rink, log-cabin stalls, and twinkling lights stretching across the historic squares.
Santa Claus usually appears on one special day during the season (2025 dates TBD).
Date：Nov 28 to Dec 29
Hours：10-24 (10-25 on weekend)
＊24th: 10-18, 25th: 11-18, 26th: 11-25
Free entry
Map：Vrijthof, Maastricht
URL：Magical Maastricht
Nov 29 – Dec 14 (Weekends Only): “Fortress Christmas Market” in Bourtange
In the far north, near the German border, the Vesting Bourtange Fortress (about 2 hours from Groningen or 4+ hours from Amsterdam) hosts a unique Christmas market inside a 16th-century fort.
The whole fortress is illuminated after dark, so it’s best to visit in the evening for the lights.
If you’re coming from afar, stay overnight inside the fortress hotel for the full experience.
Date：Nov 29, 30, Des 6, 7, 13, 14
Hours：Sat 11-21, Sun11-18
Ticket：€ 5
Map：Willem Lodewijkstraat 33, Bourtange
URL：bourtange.nl
Dec 4 – Dec 23: “Royal Christmas Fair” in The Hague
Held along the elegant Lange Voorhout boulevard, the Royal Christmas Fair is often called the most beautiful Christmas market in the Netherlands.
By day, the market sparkles beneath tree-lined streets; by night, it glows under festive lights.
There are choir performances, theater acts, and kids’ activities throughout the fair.
Date：Dec 4 to 23
Hours：12-21
Free entry
Map：Lange Voorhout
URL：Royal Christmas Fair
Dec 11 – Dec 15: “Castle Christmas Market” in Middachten Castle
At Middachten Castle (about 2 hours from Amsterdam), the “Kerst op Middachten” market is known for its floral Christmas arrangements and elegant local crafts.
It’s a small but charming event, and after dark, hundreds of candles light up the castle gardens — a magical atmosphere for an evening stroll.
Date：Dec 11 to 15
Hours：12-20 (12-19 on Sun)
Tiket：€ 13.50
Map：Landgoed Middachten 3, STEEG
URL：Kerstopenstelling Middachten
Dec 12 – Dec 14: “Citywide Christmas Market” in Haarlem
Just 15 minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands.
For three days only, the entire city center becomes one big Christmas festival, with over 300 stalls, live performances, and a joyful holiday atmosphere that fills every square.
This one’s a must-visit!
Date：Dec 12 to 14
Hours：10:30-20 (1≈
Free entry
Map：Grote Markt, Haarlem
URL：Haarlem Christmas Market
Dec 12 – Dec 14: “Noble Christmas” at Cannenburch Castle
The Cannenburch Castle Christmas Market takes place at an elegant 16th-century noble residence.
Inside, you’ll find grand decorations and towering Christmas trees, while the outdoor market stretches across the castle gardens.
Date：Dec 12 to 14
Hours：Fri 13-21:30, Sat 11-21:30, Sun 11-17
Tiket：€ 15
Map：Maarten van Rossumplein 4, Vaassen
URL：kerstmarkt-vaassen
Dec 12 – Dec 14: “Farm Christmas Market” in Wezup
The Wezup Christmas Market, near the German border, has been running since 1990.
It’s a nostalgic event held among old farms and thatched barns, with cobblestone streets and glowing lights creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Date：Dec 12 to 14
Hours：Fri 19-22, Sat 14-21, Sun 11-17
Free entry
Map：Wezuperstraat 12, Wezup
URL：kerstmarktwezup.nl
Canceled in 2025: “Cheese City Christmas Market” in Alkmaar
The Alkmaar Winter Wonderland Christmas Market will not be held in 2025.
In past years, the event included small local stalls and festive visits from Santa Claus (3–5 PM) and even Elsa from Frozen!
Hopefully, it’ll return soon.
Dec 12 – Dec 21: “Student City Christmas Market” in Leiden
About 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Leiden once hosted Europe’s only floating Christmas market, but since 2022 it has moved onto land.
The good news? The move allowed it to grow in size and variety, making it one of the most vibrant markets in South Holland.
Date：Des 12~14, 18~21
Hours：12~21 (12~18 on 21st)
Free entry
Map：Hooglandse Kerkgracht
URL：Kerstmarkt Leiden
Dec 12: “Candlelight Night” in Gouda
The Candlelight Night in Gouda, the famous cheese town, celebrates its 70th edition in 2025.
Around 1,500 candles illuminate the main square in front of the town hall, while choirs and church concerts fill the air with music.
It’s so beautiful it’s broadcast on national TV — but be warned, it gets very crowded, so arrive early and bundle up!
Dec 13: “Cozy Christmas Market” in Schiedam
The neighboring town of Schiedam (next to Rotterdam) hosts a one-day-only Christmas market along its canals and inside local churches.
There’s a tree-lighting ceremony in the evening and a cheerful local vibe — it’s small, cozy, and full of community spirit.
Date：Dec 13
Hours：21-17
tree-lighting ceremony: 18:45
Free entry
Map：Grote Markt Schiedam
URL：sdam.nl
Dec 13th -14th, “Christmas Market” in Dordrecht
The Christmas market held in Dordrecht, a city 15 minutes by train from Rotterdam, was the largest in the Netherlands. In recent years, the scale has shrunk due to a lack of operating funds, but various events are planned.
The whole city will be decorated with illuminations from December 12th until the end of the year. Last year, a 3km marathon was held in which people ran in Santa costumes. Many events are planned for this year as well.
Date：Dec 13th to 14th
Hours：Sat10-22, Sun12-20
Free entry
Map：Grotekerksbuurt, Dordrecht
URL：dordtsedecemberdagen.nl
Dec 13 – Dec 14: “Dickens Festival” in Deventer
The Dickens Festival in Deventer is one of the most unique Christmas events in Europe.
Over 950 costumed characters bring Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life in the streets.
The event draws 150,000 visitors each year, and entry is free (though the wait to enter can take up to 2 hours).
Even so, it’s worth every minute — a surreal experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into Victorian England.
Date：Dec 13 to 14
Hours：11~17
Tiket：€ 6
Map：Keizerstraat, Deventer
URL：dickensfestijn.nl
Many events fall on the same weekend (Dec 12–14, 2025).
Always check official websites for the latest updates before your trip, as dates and details may change.