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Magical Maastricht: Tips for visiting Maastricht’s christmas market

January 7, 2020 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

Maastricht is such a lovely city and it’s always delightful to have an excuse to revisit Maastricht.   After finding a steal on NS last year, we packed our bags for a weekend to explore Maastricht’s Christmas market, Magical Maastricht.  Needless to say, our weekend in Limburg enjoying Maastricht and Valkenburg was just what we needed.  I recently returned back to Maastricht to revisit Maastricht during the magical Christmas season and I’ve updated this post with more tips for visiting Maastricht during the Christmas season.

• 1 When to visit Magical Maastricht
• 2.0.1 You can read more about what to do and where to eat in Maastricht.
• 2.1 Where to stay in Maastricht
• 3 Maastricht Christmas market
• 4 Ice Skating 
• 5 The Ferris Wheel
• 6 Food and Drinks
• 7 Seeing André Rieu in Maastricht
• 8 Have you been to the Christmas market in Maastricht?

When to visit Magical Maastricht

The Magical Maastricht Christmas Market is open daily between November 29th and December 31st.  (These dates were for 2019 and will update this for 2020.)   Although the hours may differ for certain days, it should be open between 10 am and 10 pm  while the food pavilions will be open later.  The opening hours will be impacted by Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The weekend is the most popular time to visit, however, you might luck out in terms of avoiding the crowds if it pours as it did ….  Avoid the crowds by going during the week if possible!

Tips for visiting Maastricht during the Christmas season

We found a one-day round-trip ticket with NS thanks to a sale, which made it possible to get from Holland to Maastricht for only fifteen euros, including vla ai ( Limburg pie ) and gluhwein.   Be sure to check NS for cheap train tickets as NS often has a special for Maastricht during the holiday period.

If you have the chance, I’d recommend ensuring that you have at least a day to explore Maastricht beyond the market.  On almost every trip to Maastricht, I visit Boekhandel Dominicanen , a beautiful church in a 14th-century church.  This stunning church is a great place to pick up books and other gifts.  Otherwise , head to Festen for unique gifts that you can’t find at the Christmas market.

75% of accommodations in Maastricht were  booked  by early September for the weekends in December.  This Christmas market is a local favorite and people come from all over the Netherlands for it (along with seeing André Rieu live [more about this later!]).  As a result, you’ll need to book your hotel early or hope that someone cancels last minute…

We followed the trail of the lights, however I’d say that the Vrijthof was the most charming in terms of Christmas decorations.  It’s always so romantic walking around Maastricht, so it was nice to have an excuse to see more of the city center around dusk. The sun suns early in winter, which makes the city into a picture book between its beautiful decked out garlands hanging along the streets, beautiful architecture, and lit-up windows. (The photo above is of the Maastricht Tourism Board, which is located in a beautiful building in the heart of the historic Maastricht city center.)

One day in Maastricht during the Christmas market season is certainly not enough as it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the city’s many charming shopping districts filled with independent shops alone. This doesn’t even include seeing the Zonneberg Caves outside of the city center, where The Night Watch was hidden during World War II. Limburg is known for its hospitality and it’s the perfect place for a relaxing whole weekend.

You can read more about what to do and where to eat in Maastricht.

Where to stay in m aastricht.

If you can stay in the city center, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle in terms of the buses.  (If you’re not living in the Netherlands, you won’t probably own an OVchipkaart.)  A well-located boutique hotel in the city center recommended by a friend is the Dutch Maastricht located in the trendy Wyck neighborhood if you’re looking for a cozy boutique hotel with a good location.

We stayed at the affordable B&B Desiree about fifteen minutes outside of the city center by bus.   It was only 99 euros for a clean cozy room, which included a nice breakfast.  If you’re planning to visit Maastricht for the Christmas market, the early bird gets the worm…

Maastricht Christmas market

I’d say that the Magical Maastricht Christmas market was closer to a winter carnival.  There were some stalls, however , it’s more of a market to relax at, wander through, and slow down at.  We ended up spending a while at the Winter Lounge, one of the dedicated indoor lounges, as we sipped on Schrobbelèr and gluhwein as we enjoyed the Christmas music. A lot of people dressed specifically for the occasion with Christmas sweaters although one is certainly not required.

The stalls were typical Christmas market fare: leather goods, hats, and decorations. (I hope that next year’s Christmas fair features more artisanal stalls.) I liked the additional spots for photo spots, including Santa’s House, with staff conversing with visitors.

One of my souvenirs from the Maastricht Christmas market this year had to be their souvenir mug, which was more festive this year. I paid out of pocket just to keep it for myself to remember this trip! I was a bit skeptical of the Magical Christmas showroom, but I saw some really charming miniature Christmas decorations in there out of my budget.

Be warned that you can’t pay with cash at some of the drink stalls, so you will need to acquire tickets at one of the booths for the indoor lounges.  The booth for redeeming NS tickets had a particularly long line, but we managed to minimize our waiting time after getting 8 tickets. There is also a special that includes tickets for ice skating, a ride on the Ferris wheel, and gluhweins (or a non-alcoholic drink) if you plan on taking full advantage of the market.  (1.5 tickets = One Gluhwein!)

Ice Skating 

There’s a lovely decorated rink that becomes even nicer at night.  For parents and weak skaters, there’s a seal available for those who aren’t that talented at ice skating.  The location of the rink is quite convenient for parents who rather just watch their kids as there’s a cafe right next to the rink for picking up a warm beverage.

The Ferris Wheel

I had not been on a Ferris wheel in years before hopping on the one at the Maastricht Christmas market. The view over the market and of the Vrijthof was certainly worth the money if you’re a photographer. I loved how the Christmas market lit up like a Christmas tree or something out of a Christmas card. The ride lasted longer than I expected and we went around a few times before stopping at the top.

Food and Drinks

You’ll find a mix of German and Dutch Christmas foods at Magical Maastricht.  Jacob stopped for a traditional worst although I was particularly tempted by the reibekuchen (German apple dessert) and poffertjes ( little Dutch pancakes ).    On my recent trip back to Maastricht, we stopped near the station at Coffeelovers for a filling lunch with delicious sandwiches.

If you’re on a budget, I recommend stopping off at With Love Burrito close to the city center for vegan-friendly dinner options. For a bit of a splurge and a nice dinner, I recommend walking a bit outside of the city center to visit Bijzonder , an organic vegan-friendly restaurant with great options for both vegans and meat-eaters.

G luhwein is a mulled wine popular in Europe during this time of the year…  Gluhwein is a must if you are visiting Maastricht and drink alcohol. This drink just warms you up from the inside out. I also appreciated the chance to buy a souvenir mug with it.

Can you write about the Maastricht Christmas market without talking about Schrobbelèr?  Schrobbelèr is a typical Southern beverage popular in the south of the Netherlands.  It isn’t overly heavy (21.5%) and has a sweet, spiced taste to it.  Although the drink comes in a shot glass, you typically just take a sip.  You can get almost everything with Schrobbelèr if you’re wondering what gluhwein or coffee tastes like with an extra kick…

Seeing André Rieu in Maastricht

One of the reasons that I returned to Maastricht this winter was to see André Rieu in person. If you’re not familiar with Andre Rieu, he’s a famous Dutch musician that hails from Maastricht who performs with a full orchestra. Not many people know that I played the violin for almost ten years and I love classical music, especially orchestras. After getting a text from a friend about seeing André in his hometown, I figured that I’d go.

I’ll be writing a full blog about the experience, but simply, I was blown away by his Christmas in my hometown concert from its miniature Christmas market to the performance itself. I paid about 60 euros for my ticket. This concert will sell out, so do not wait to buy a ticket.

Have you been to the Christmas market in Maastricht?

• The best Christmas markets in the Netherlands
• Tips for Maastricht in any season
• Combine your Maastricht trip with the  Valkenburg Christmas Market !
• Tips for visiting Aachen

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

December 7, 2019 at 10:03 am

Hello Can I get address of market? And which place is near by market for parking?

Thanks in advance

December 9, 2019 at 3:11 pm

Look up Vrijthof. There’s parking all around the center. 🙂

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Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof

Be enchanted by magical maastricht vrijthof.

The most atmospheric winter event in the Netherlands is even more magical this year. Visit 'Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof' in December and be enchanted by winter activities, nostalgic attractions, delicious food, the cozy Christmas market, and all the new surprises.

Attractions

The covered ice rink, spanning an impressive 1,000 square meters, has been the crowd favorite at Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof for years. New this year is a smaller replica of the Saint Servatius Bridge, which you can walk over or skate underneath. Venture onto "thin ice" again this year at the street curling rink, where you can challenge friends to a game of "stone pushing". This season, we're introducing the enchanting Lunapark. As tradition would have it, the carousel also makes its return. Another highlight is the new 45-meter-tall Ferris wheel, with enclosed glass gondolas, offering a spectacular view of the Vrijthof and the city of Maastricht.

Eten & drinken

Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof is not only renowned for its splendid attractions but also for its culinary delights. The heartwarming drinks and dishes, so typical for the wintry December month, are abundant. You can grab a bite on the go at one of the many chalets in the Christmas market. For a snack and a drink, you're also welcome in the cozy Grand Café, located right next to the ice rink. Looking for something authentic? Then head over to the Almhütte, where typical Austrian dishes are on the menu. Culinary delights also cater to those who prefer vegetarian and vegan dishes. A new addition this year is the winter café, where visitors can relish even more of the wintry atmosphere.

Christmas market

In the atmospherically lit stalls of the traditional Christmas market, you're surrounded by an enchanting ambiance of wintery joy and festive cheer. Here, you can find beautiful handcrafts, unique and made with love, perfect for gifting or decorating your own home. The dazzling Christmas decorations range from classic ornaments to modern creations, ensuring every visitor finds something to their liking. There's also a broad array of gift ideas for both young and old. As you wander through the Christmas market, you'll come across numerous chalets offering a variety of delicious winter treats. Indulge in crêpes, poffertjes, and waffles, or savor savory flammkuchen and flavorful curry sausages. And what's a visit to a Christmas market without the warm, spicy aroma of mulled wine? A glass of that, or a creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, completes the experience. Take a moment to sit, soak in the surroundings, and cherish the togetherness, warming up with these wintery beverages.

Entertainment

Various events and activities will be organised during Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof. You can regularly enjoy live performances at the Österreichische Almhütte. Fun guaranteed!

Maastricht Christmas Market – Pure Magic and More (2023 Edition)

One of the loveliest and most fun Christmas markets in the Netherlands is the Maastricht Christmas Market. Maastricht in itself is absolutely worth the visit but if you want to experience an amazing Christmas market, you should for sure go to Maastricht. Magical Maastricht (the way the Christmas village is called) will bring you in the perfect mood for the holidays.

Unlike the most Christmas markets in Germany, which end before Christmas Day, the Christmas market in this Southern Dutch city is open until New Year’s Eve. This makes it a perfect destination for some winter fun during the winter break.

Tip: If you want to stay longer in Maastricht, there’s a lot to do around. Check out my post about the best day-trips from Maastricht . Read also here which are the best things to do in Maastricht if you are visiting the city only for a day .

Where is held the Maastricht Christmas market?

Maastricht christmas market 2023, magical maastricht attractions, shopping at the christmas market in maastricht, food and drinks at the christmas market, how to get to maastricht, practicalities about the christmas market.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

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 .

The dates for the 2023 edition of the Maastricht Christmas Market are 30 November – 31 December.

There’s no entry fee for the Christmas Market, but you need to pay for the attractions. You can buy your tickets either at place or in advance online.

My favorite attraction on the market is the gigantic Ferris wheel. It is 45 m high and from the top there’s a breathtaking view over the Christmas village and the city. My advice is to go in the Ferris wheel when it starts getting dark. The Christmas lights are simply magical from above. In 2022 the Ferris will be with closed cabins.

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! You don’t need to bring skates with you, although you can. There are skates for rent at the rink.

If you are visiting with kids, there’s also a gigantic slide. Well, the slide is not only for kids, though. Kids would also love the House of Santa. There’s also a Christmas train and a merry-go-round for the kids.

Most of the attractions, like the slide, the skating rink, the shopping paradise are covered. So if it is raining, which does quite often in winter in the Netherlands, you can still do some fun things without getting completely soaked.

If you are visiting with a group of friends or with the family you will love the curling rink. You can play a set of curling and have lots of fun. It could be a good idea to reserve the curling rink in advance so that you don’t need to wait for a free slot.

In 2023 there will be a new attraction – Luna Park.

The Maastricht Christmas Market is also the perfect place to buy Christmas decorations, ornaments and small presents for family and friends. There’s a covered market – Magic Christmas World , that’s just like the Christmas version of the Ali Baba’s cave.

When at the Christmas market you should try poffertjes – miniature pancakes served with butter and dusted with sugar. There’s a great variety of Belgian waffles freshly baked at place. The smell that comes from the Belgian waffles stall is simply irresistible!

Another Dutch treat that you have to try at the Christmas market is the oliebol . Oliebollen (plural for oliebol ) are a type of deep fried dough balls and are typical for the holiday season. They are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve, but you can find them on the dedicated stalls throughout December all over Netherlands.

There’s lots of German influence on the Christmas in Maastricht. You can try the traditional German bratwurst (grilled sausage), reibekuchen (potato pancake) and baked champignons.

Friet (French fries) are also to be found everywhere on the market with the whole variety of Dutch toppings: curry ketchup, mayo, onions, peanut butter sauce…

The almighty mulled wine is also present, but people mostly tend to drink beer. You should try the Dutch hot chocolate with whipped cream ( warme chocomel met slagroom )! It’s absolutely yam!

For those who love fish there are also lots of fish snacks, which is not quite popular for a Christmas market, but in Maastricht you can have the typical Dutch kibbeling (battered deep-fried chunks of fish) and even smoked salmon, which is being smoked at place.

Maastricht is easily accessible as it’s the biggest most southern city in the Netherlands. It has its own airport, but it’s used mostly for summer charters, so this won’t help for the winter. Other nearest airports are the low-cost hub Eindhoven (95 km), Schiphol near Amsterdam (210 km), Charleroi (115 km) in Belgium, and the Cologne airport (115 km) in Germany. Some distances:

• Amsterdam – Maastricht: 215 km
• Brussels – Maastricht: 120 km
• Cologne – Maastricht: 100 km
• Dusseldorf – Maastricht: 110 km
• Luxembourg City – Maastricht: 180 km
• Paris – Maastricht: 400 km

The best way to find out how to travel from A to B in the Netherlands is to use the Glimble app. You can buy your tickets in the app and travel hassle-free. The app is absolutely free to download .

• Click here to download Glimble for Android
• Click here to download Glimble for iPhone

If you are travelling by public transport, there are good train connections with other big cities. For those who are arriving by car, the city center of Maastricht is car-free. You can park in one of the following parking places: Sphinxterrein (I personally use this one), Q-Park Bonnefantenmuseum , or Q-Park Hoogfrankrijk . It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk to Vrijthof Square.

The Maastricht Christmas market Magical Maastricht on Vrijthof is held annually between the end of November and the end of December.

The dates for 2023 are 30 November-31 December . The market is open daily:

• Sunday – Thursday – from 10:00 to 00:00
• Friday – Saturday – from 10:00 to 1:00
• 24/12 – 10:00 – 18:00
• 25/12 – 11:00 – 18:00
• 26/12 – 11:00 – 00:00
• 31/12 – 10:00 – 18:00

Maastricht is such a lovely place! The whole city is festively decorated, which makes a perfect destination to get into the Christmas mood. Maastricht is also popular among the locals as a shopping destination and the Dutch love to go for the weekend to this beautiful southern city.

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  Confirmed dates

From 1st December to 31st December 2023

Experience a magical winter in Maastricht

This winter, you can once again enjoy the breathtaking charm of Magical Maastricht in the Netherlands. With a grand winter event on Vrijthof square, Magical Light Routes, a rich cultural calendar, and the many restaurants and shops, you have plenty of reasons to visit this city for one or several days. Get ready for a magical winter.

Follow the lights

If you visit Maastricht between mid-November to mid-January, you will be welcomed by the cosy, charming lighting in the streets. The enchanting ribbon of light takes you through all of the neighbourhoods that make up Maastricht’s city centre, from trendy Wyck and modern Céramique to the industrial Sphinxkwartier and romantic Jekerkwartier neighbourhoods. The Magical Light Routes will guide you to the many historical, cultural, and culinary treasures that Maastricht has to offer. Of course, you will also pass the finest shops and boutiques along the way to do your Christmas shopping.

Immerse yourself in Magical Maastricht on Vrijthof square

The magic on Vrijthof square is not to be missed. In December, Vrijthof square will be completely enveloped in a magical winter atmosphere. In addition to a Ferris wheel, a nostalgic carousel, and an authentic Austrian Almhütte, there will be a square showcasing local products with more than 250 different products from the region. A new addition this year is the replica of the Sint Servaasbrug (St Servatius Bridge) over the large indoor skating rink. Just like in Paris, you can hang a padlock on the bridge as a romantic reminder of your stay. Basilica of St. Servatius (Sint Servaasbasiliek) located on the square will also be open. Here, visitors can light a candle and enjoy a moment of peace.

Be wowed by the culture

In Maastricht, you can do a different cultural activity every day. Examples include a beautiful concert, a special theatre performance, or an impressive exhibition. With cultural highlights such as the FASHIONCLASH festival (25-27 November) and the exhibition of German top photographer Werner Mantz at the Bonnefanten museum (until 26 February inclusive). As of 16 December, Stichting Cultura Mosae foundation will be showcasing musical performances and street theatre that are sure to amaze at various locations in the city.

Stay a night in a romantic setting

Maastricht is the place to meet and celebrate winter. A perfect opportunity for a midweek or weekend break. Spending the night in Maastricht will certainly be a magical experience. After a romantic stroll past the many lights and a delicious dinner, a comfortable bed awaits so that you can completely unwind. Have a lie-in before heading off to discover the city without a care in the world!

The above is just a selection of what you can expect during Magical Maastricht. For more information and the full programme, visit www.visitmaastricht.com .

Hotels & Apartments

In maastricht.

Hotel Britannique  ★★★★

The Christmas market is 200 m away

The rooms are decorated in a luxurious style

Bouteaque Hotel

The Christmas market is 400 m away

Great Food: Meals here are highly recommended

Fitz Roy Urban Hotel  ★★★★

The Christmas market is 300 m away

This hotel has an excellent location score of 9.6

Christmas in Maastricht

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Maastricht Christmas Market | 2024 Dates, Locations & Must-Knows!

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Welcoming over a million visitors each year, the Maastricht Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas market events in the Netherlands.

Offering a beautiful selection of Christmas market chalets to shop at, along with a covered skating rink, Ferris Wheel and live performances, this is one Dutch Christmas market you don’t want to miss.

So whether you’re currently planning your own trip, or simply curious about what Maastricht Christmas Market is like, then we’re here to help.

Read on for an overview of Maastricht Christmas Market, with official dates, hotel recommendations, and locations.

NOTE: This is a Christmas market we haven’t personally visited yet, so all the information below is taken from official sources for your reference! If you have any personal tips from first-hand experience to add, let us know in the comments so we can improve this guide!

Maastricht Christmas Market Dates 2024

2024 Dates : TBA (Previous year’s event: November 30 – December 31)

Note: Visit Official Website

Maastricht Christmas Market Locations

You can typically find Christmas market stalls in Maastricht at the city’s central Vrijthof square.

Maastricht Christmas Market 2024 Hotels

Looking for a place to stay nearby while you visit Christmas markets? Here are some recommendations:

• Budget: Click here to check prices and availability
• Mid-Range: Click here to check prices and availability
• Luxury: Click here to check prices and availability

Official Maastricht Christmas Market Website

For the most up-to-date information and announcements, be sure to visit the event’s official website.

Help Us Improve This Maastricht Christmas Market Guide!

We’re constantly striving to make articles on this site more informative for our readers, so let us know in the comments if you’ve been to Maastricht Christmas Market and if there are any tips or must-knows you’d like to share.

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• Christmas Markets

A Tour of the Maastricht Christmas Market

It’s #ChristmasMarket season, and we’re enjoying exploring the different markets across the region. Not two markets are alike since each blends their local foods and traditions into the fold. This time, we head to Maastrict Christmas Market, located in the Limburg province of The Netherlands. Maastricht is a lively university city situated on the border with Belgium and less than an hour’s drive from Aachen, making it a city where different cultures and languages come together. 

About the Maastricht Christmas Market

The Maastricht Christmas Market is small yet cozy with activities for the whole family. Take in the holiday lights from above on the giant Ferris wheel or go for a spin on the ice skating rink. Indulge on all the Dutch treats such as stroopwafels, oliebollen, and Poffertjes. And, of course, make some space for mulled wine. The Maastricht Christmas Market is smaller than its neighbors in Brussels and Aachen, yet it has enough to see, do, and eat for the whole family to spend a fun afternoon. 

Shop with Local Producers

We also had the pleasure to meet local makers from the Limburg region at the Streekproducten-Limburg chalet, which offers an array of products from the local area. From goat milk yogurt to chocolate truffles, there are plenty of locally-made items you can buy for gifts or yourself! I purchased a home mushroom-making kit that I am super excited to try during my upcoming days off. I loved meeting local influencer  Asrin-Sepideh Daoudi , who recently launched her line of vegan and gluten-free chocolates, Luxury DadelBonBons. She gave us a tour of the Streekproducten-Limburg Chalet and met several of the local vendors. 

Practical Info for the Masstricht Christmas Market 2021

Due to the current  COVID-19 restrictions in The Netherlands , the Maastricht Christmas Market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. I highly recommend you visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Also, make sure to bring your Digital EU COVID-19 pass and ID as they check at the entry. 

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Blogs to inspire you - Get to know Maastricht

Starred and gourmet restaurants in maastricht.

Discover Maastricht's culinary treasures: French finesse, Thai flavour explosions and exotic fusion. Sample seasonal, local ingredients and global delicacies. Six starred restaurants, four Bib Gourmand ratings. A tasty adventure!

Evening entertainment in Maastricht

Stroll along the river Meuse, enjoy cosy terraces, feast on local delicacies, and be absorbed by live music and theatre. Maastricht is bustling in the evening, too. Quickly discover where your evenings in Maastricht could take you.

The 6 best workspaces in Maastricht

Instead of from home or in the office, why not work from a flexible workspace in the city? You have a variety of options in Maastricht. From a cosy cafe to a trendy work hub! Here’s a few recommended places where you can enjoy yourself while working.

Find out more

Wellness and spa near Maastricht

Enjoy relaxation in the South Limburg hills: sauna, outdoor pool, massages, beauty products, yoga. Luxury wellness centres with natural and historical features, high-quality facilities to compare with international names. Discover more here!

Wonderful world of wines in Maastricht

If you were to think of sprawling vineyards, the south of France would probably instantly come to mind. But did you know that Maastricht also has countless wineries and vineyards? Yes, really! The city also owes its eternal joie de vivre to them.

Two itineraries for Magical Maastricht

Magical Maastricht, a true winter adventure. The city shines with beautiful lights and Christmas decorations. Explore two atmospheric districts with handy parking tips and fascinating activities.

The best places in Maastricht for refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks

With summer very much upon us, we’re all in the mood for an al fresco drink. Let’s enjoy the sun and the foodie heaven that is Maastricht with a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink! Here are some of the best places to go to.

Maastricht Store

You’ll find the Maastricht Store in the ‘Dinghuis’ building on Kleine Staat 1. This used to be the VVV office, but now has so much more to offer. The Maastricht Store can provide all kinds of information and inspiration about your trip to Maastricht. You can also buy maps with the most fantastic hiking and cycling routes, as well as local souvenirs and beautiful gifts. The friendly team at the Maastricht Store would love to tell you all about Maastricht!

Top 10 - Our favourite things to do in the city

Fort sint pieter.

You are sure to enjoy both the view from the fort and the stories told by your guide, mixing history with anecdotes and humour. The fort dates from around 1700 and is largely still intact, with parts recently restored.

Basilica of Our Lady

The spot where the Basilica of Our Lady now stands was the site of a small church as early as the fifth century AD. This was probably the oldest Christian church in the Netherlands and may have been built on top of the remains of a Roman temple.

Vrijthof square

The heart of the city is home to the beautiful Vrijthof square. In the 19th century, Vrijthof square was given its current appearance: a paved square surrounded by trees. The wealthy bourgeoisie enjoyed takin strolls in this area.

ENCI quarry

After being closed for a long time, the decision was made on 5 October 2017 to reopen the ENCI quarry to the public.

Bonnefanten

Maastricht's cultural hotspot. An impressive collection of old masters and modern art.

The districts of Maastricht

Maastricht is a city where old and new come together, with famous as well as many hidden places. Here is a list of our favourites. Discover which district is your favourite.

Better known as the historic centre of Maastricht, this shopping paradise is surrounded by the most beautiful squares: Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Markt, and Vrijthof.

The cutting-edge area of Maastricht, this district is an architectural gem, with a vast square, city library, and fine coffee shops.

A warm welcome as you step off the train: the Wyck District. Local entrepreneurs, fine dining, and the best views of the Meuse. The bridges separate Wyck from the city centre.

Stokstraatkwartier

A chic area of Maastricht: exclusive clothes shops, hidden places, and romantic squares such as Op de Thermen.

Sint Pieter

Walk from the centre via Stadspark through Sint Pieter and discover this beautiful residential area overlooked by the majestic St. Pietersberg hill.

Jekerkwartier

Here you can soak up Maastricht's French vibes. This special part of the city centre is named after the tranquil Jeker river that flows through it.

Sphinxkwartier

A place of innovation and regeneration, this district is in full bloom and is far from finished flowering. Backdropped by the historic city harbour and home to the Sphinxpassage, an ode to its rich past.

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Ultimate Christmas Markets

A Guide to Europe and Beyond

Maastricht Christmas Market 2023: Vrijthof in December

Last Updated: 12 October 2023 No Comments

The Maastricht Christmas Market takes place in the city’s historic centre from early December until the end of the year.

You’ll find a range of food and drink, including Dutch treats like oliebollen and poffertjes, glühwein and Dutch gin. The market also features artisanal crafts and gifts from across the Netherlands. Beyond the market, Maastricht has many historic landmarks and cultural attractions to explore.

In this guide, I share all you need to know about visiting the Christmas markets, including confirmed dates for 2023, opening times, locations and regional specialties.

As you stroll through the streets of Maastricht during the holiday season, you’ll feel a palpable sense of warmth and festivity.

The city’s historic squares and picturesque alleyways are transformed by twinkling lights and cheerful decorations.

Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or simply looking for some seasonal cheer, there’s plenty to enjoy in Maastricht at Christmas.

Maastricht Christmas Market 2023

As you wander through the Christmas Market in Maastricht, you’ll be treated to a festive feast for the senses.

The market is known for its impressive array of food and drink stalls, offering everything from traditional Dutch treats to international delicacies.

In addition to the food and drink, the market also features a wide range of artisanal crafts and gifts at the Regional Products Square, making it the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs or Christmas presents.

And don’t miss the enchanting 1000 square metre ice rink, where you can take a spin on the ice and view the stunning winter scenery. You can also enjoy curling and riding the 45-metre Ferris wheel.

Dates and Location

Maastricht Christmas Market dates: 30th November to 31st December 2023. Location: Vrijthof, Maastricht. Opening times: 10am to 10pm. Food stall opening times: Monday to Thursday: 10am to midnight. Friday to Saturday: 10am to 1am. Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm. Christmas Day: 11am to 6pm. Boxing Day: 11am to 10pm. Admission: Free. Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 30th November 2023. Santa: No. Ice skating: Yes. Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options. Vegan: Yes, plenty of options. Gluten-free: Yes, but limited. Accessible: Yes. Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are not advised. Reason to visit:  The Christmas market uniquely combines tradition, sustainability and local artistry. Specialities: Appelbeignet, banketstaaf, bischopswijn, duivekater, Jan Hagel cookies, speculaas, and many other food specialties listed below. Where to stay: Cousins Boutique Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel located 4-minutes from the Christmas market.

Hotels near Maastricht Christmas Market

To stay in a hotel near Maastricht Christmas Market, I suggest staying in the historic city centre.

I suggest staying at Cousins Boutique Hotel as it’s in a great location near Vrijthof, the Christmas market location.

Location of Maastricht Christmas Market

Christmas in Maastricht

Christmas specialties in maastricht.

If you’re visiting Maastricht or the Netherlands during the Christmas period, here are some traditional dishes you can try:

• Kerststol: A Christmas loaf made with raisins, currants and candied fruit, typically served with butter and jam.
• Banketstaaf: A long pastry filled with almond paste and shaped like a log, often served with coffee or tea.
• Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, often eaten as a sweet treat during the Christmas season.
• Appelbeignets: Slices of apple coated in batter and deep-fried until golden brown, served with powdered sugar or cinnamon.
• Vegetarian erwtensoep: A thick, hearty pea soup made with potatoes, carrots, onions and celeriac, often served with rye bread and mustard.
• Vegetarian kaasstengels: Crispy cheese sticks made with puff pastry and Gouda cheese, perfect for snacking on while wandering around the Christmas market.

These delicious treats are a must-try during your winter visit to Maastricht or the Netherlands!

Maastricht Christmas Market is known for its impressive array of street foods, offering both traditional Dutch treats and international delicacies.

Some of the must-try street foods at the market include:

• Poffertjes: Tiny, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.
• Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, often filled with raisins and apples.
• Churros: Fried dough pastry sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, served with a variety of dipping sauces. These originate from Spain but are popular in Maastricht.
• Bratwurst: Grilled German sausage served in a roll with sauerkraut and mustard.
• Stroopwafels: Thin, crispy waffle-like cookies filled with caramel syrup.
• Currywurst: German sausage smothered in curry ketchup, typically served with fries.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious street foods you’ll find at the Christmas market in Maastricht.

This guide to the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands can help you plan or expand your Dutch travel itinerary.

Visit Maastricht is the city’s official website and a useful resource for anyone planning to visit Maastricht, including practical tips, cultural insights and information about events and activities.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

If you’re looking to make your Christmas in Maastricht more sustainable, here are some ideas to consider.

Travel using sustainable transport: Consider using Maastricht’s extensive cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly zones for your Christmas trip. Hire a bike or simply walk to enjoy the sights. Public transport options, such as buses and trains, use green technologies. For longer journeys, electric car rental services provide a lower-impact alternative.

Choose a renewable energy-powered accommodation: In your search for a place to stay, opt for accommodations that use renewable energy. Maastricht has numerous eco-friendly hotels using solar power and other renewable energy sources to minimise their carbon footprint.

Adopt a sustainable diet: Indulge in locally sourced meals to reduce the environmental impact of your food. The Christmas market in Maastricht has a variety of stalls providing delicious, local, seasonal and plant-based food, helping you maintain a sustainable diet while enjoying Dutch cuisine.

Practise ethical consumption: Buy gifts and souvenirs from local artisans at the Christmas market to support the local economy and promote ethical consumer practices. Maastricht is renowned for its handcrafted products, which reduce the environmental impact of mass-produced goods.

Reduce food waste: Be mindful of the amount of food you purchase at the market to avoid waste. Dutch tradition emphasises not wasting food, and vendors in Maastricht are adept at portion control, helping you to eat sustainably.

Each of these points allows you, as a visitor to Maastricht, to play a part in promoting sustainable tourism. Embrace these practices and enjoy a green Christmas holiday in Maastricht.

Maastricht Christmas Market 2023 dates are 30th November to 31st December 2023.

The Christmas market in Maastricht is held at Vrijthof, Maastricht’s centre square.

The Christmas markets are open 10am to 10pm. Food stall opening times: Monday to Thursday: 10am to midnight. Friday to Saturday: 10am to 1am. Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm. Christmas Day: 11am to 6pm. Boxing Day: 11am to 10pm.

Yes, Maastricht Christmas Market is open from 11am to 6pm on Christmas Day.

If you would like to leave a review of Maastricht Xmas Market, comment below.

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Maastricht, Netherlands. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.

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Ultimate Christmas Markets A guide to Christmas in Europe and beyond.

Written by Andrea Anastasakis PO Box 205 Fremantle WA 6959

Hours: Mon – Thu 9am to 5pm Email:  [email protected]

Maastricht Christmas Market

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Maastricht Christmas Market - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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The Christmas Market of Maastricht: Magic Maastricht

Written by Sam Van den Haute aka CheckOutSam

Are you fond of the Christmas season and the Christmas markets associated with it? Then it might be time to visit the Christmas market in Maastricht. This cozy city is located near the Belgian and German border and is transformed into a winter paradise full of sparkling lights during the cold winter months. Tasty snacks, joyful Christmas tunes and beautiful decorations brighten up the whole city and hypnotize you during the fantastic winterland that Maastricht becomes during Christmas.

Hi, I'm Sam , the blogger behind CheckOutSam !

What will you read in this blog?

From the station to the inner city the Christmas spirit prevails. In order not to miss a second of all this beauty, I like to show you the most beautiful places of Magic Maastricht!

Christmas market Maastricht

Year after year, the cozy Christmas market in Maastricht is organized at the Vrijthof. This central square is located in the middle of several nice restaurants (with nice warm terraces!) and some of the most beautiful sights of Maastricht. On the other side of the square lies the Basilica of Saint Servaas and the University of Maastricht. Normally these two buildings are already a beautiful view, but during Christmas they get even more spectacular! And that also has to do with the unique panorama that you now get over it.

From the Ferris wheel you can admire everything from up high. As you slowly spin around in this gigantic attraction, you get a phenomenal view of Magical Maastricht. In the distance you see the cute houses in miniature format and just below you can see all other Christmas activities of Maastricht. Wooden huts that sell all sorts of trinkets and foods, a big skating rink for the daredevils and once it gets darker, the whole city starts to light up because of all the magical Christmas lights.

And if you’re going on the ferris wheel, why not wave to your neighbors while you’re at it?

You will not starve during Christmas in Maastricht. Beignets, churros, escargots (snails!), fries, hot dogs, hamburgers… you name it. Tasty sweet, bitter or sour snacks await you here impatiently. If you would like to take a present home for family and friends, you should definitely take a look at the stalls. Cute chocolate penguins, sticky stroopwafels (a Dutch delicacy. A sort of waffle with a syrup in between. Delicious!) and other edible Christmas presents are also offered at the Christmas Market of Maastricht. If you’re busy doing some Christmas shopping, then of course you don’t just have to stick to the edible things. Warm sheepskins, wooden toys, silky cuddly toys and shiny Christmas decorations are just some of the nice Christmas presents that I saw here.

To easily shake off all those calories, you can walk around the Christmas market of Maastricht a few extra times, or you can twirl some pirouettes on the big skating rink of Magic Maastricht. From ten o’clock in the morning until eleven o’clock in the evening you can prepare yourself here for the Olympic winter games. Anyone who has only just began learning how to ice skate doesn’t need to despair either. Some cute (plastic!) seals ensure that you remain stable on the ice.

For anyone who never wants to forget Maastricht during Christmas there is also the house of Santa Claus. The little ones and the not so little ones can take a photograph with this friendly man from ten to eight o’clock. If you don’t like selfies, you can just wander around in one of Santa Claus’ rooms! That way you immediately see how he and his elves are carrying and packing all those presents. Pfooh… What a hard job he must have!

Take in the Christmas atmosphere from up high in the ferris wheel.

Warm yourself up in one of the cozy stands on the Christmas market of Maastricht.

These seals will gladly help you if you’re not so great at ice skating.

Light route of Magical Maastricht

The inviting winter landscape of Maastricht will become even more beautiful when the sun slowly starts to set. Once it gets dark enough, thousands of lights illuminate at the same time and become a breathtaking spectacle throughout the city.

The entire luminous path is several miles long, but you don’t have to cover it completely. You can start the light route from wherever you want.

Along the way you’ll not only see gleaming light decorations by the way. During this lighted walk you’ll also encounter some other sights of Maastricht, such as the Basilica of Saint Servatius, the Dominican bookshop, the beautiful city hall, the inner harbor and the Sint-Janskerk. Of course, the focus of the Magical Maastricht light route is on the unique light installations. Luminous icicles that seem to melt from the bridges of Maastricht, a gigantic Christmas bauble that is very popular for selfies, big snowballs hanging between the trees … One thing is certain: it won’t get boring! Maastricht looks amazing during the Christmas season.

The light route of Magic Maastricht is truly… Magical!

These spheres of light look a bit like illuminated snow balls, don’t you think?

Christmas shopping in Maastricht

Do you want to end your visit to Maastricht during Christmas even better? Then you should also do some Christmas shopping! The luminous streets of Maastricht are packed with fun, trendy shops or big brands. Do you still need some Christmas presents, or are you still looking for an outfit for Christmas Eve? Then there’s -fortunately!- a lot of choice in the shopping streets of Maastricht!

Around the Vrijthof you’ll also find the biggest shopping streets of the center, and here you’ll never be far away from some nice bargains or discounts. At the Xmas market in Maastricht itself you’ll also find some nice stalls where you can buy presents. Just in front of the Sint Servaas Basilica there is a small pop-up shop which only sells Christmas trinkets. Nice clothes, cute dolls, beautiful chocolate figures, snow-spitting chimneys, … Everything that has to do with Christmas can be found here.

Another tip for doing some Christmas shopping in Maastricht is the ‘Dominicanen bookstore’. In an old church, a beautiful bookshop is housed, and during the Christmas period it looks even more magical than usual. You can find thousands of books here between the high church towers, and at the back of this bookstore you can also relax or sip from a nice hot chocolate. Christmas shopping can be exhausting, you know!

Bookshop ‘Dominicanen’ is always pretty, but during the Christmas period I really recommend to visit this store.

Christmas markets nearby

With one day in Magic Maastricht you have more than enough time to discover and explore everything. If you’re looking forward to visiting some more Christmas markets, you are in luck. Because in the neighborhood of Maastricht there are many other winter markets to see. If you stay in the Netherlands , I can highly recommend Valkenburg. If you cross the border to Belgium you can commute to Liège.

The Christmas market of Valkenburg

It can’t get much more unique and magical than the Christmas market of Valkenburg. This city is only a ten minute commute from Maastricht, but it’s an absolute world leader in ​​Christmas cosiness.

This city has three impressive Christmas markets and many more activities so that you’ll never forget this place. NEVER! The above-ground Xmas market is not very big, but very cozy. But what matters here are all of the the underground activities.

Valkenburg has many marl caves. During winter they are transformed into cozy underground Christmas markets. The Gemeentegrot is the oldest Xmas market and the Velvet Cave is the longest one. Charming timber stands and stalls seem to fit perfectly together with the stone walls and the constant temperature also makes the visit much more pleasant.

If you would like to plan some other activities besides Christmas markets, I also recommend visiting Mergelrijk during Christmas and certainly not skipping the Christmas parade on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Want to read more about Christmas in Valkenburg? Read this article with tips, info and beautiful photos.

The Christmas market of Valkenburg is located very close to Maastricht, and you should really not skip this one! Pure magic!

The Christmas market of Liege

Half an hour from the Dutch border, you’ll find the Belgian Liège or Luik. This city has the oldest and biggest (I really doubt that…) Christmas market of Belgium. From the central station (Liège-Guillemins) it’s a long walk to the Christmas village, but once you have arrived you’ll be overwhelmed by conviviality and joyful scenes.

Here you’ll also find dozens of stalls with winter delicacies such as escargots, beignets, churros, cheese fondue and raclette, meats and lots of gin. But also for those who are not so hungry, you can have a nice time here. For the children there is an amazing toboggan, and afterwards they can also enjoy themselves on a skating rink a little further. The Christmas market in Liege is perfect to combine with a bit of Christmas shopping, because the many shops in the area often stay open longer during the Christmas period.

The Christmas market of Liège lies just over the Belgian border.

You probably already noticed: a visit to Maastricht during Christmas is a great idea! Even if you don’t just want to visit Christmas markets, there is more than enough to do in this city.

The Xmas market of Maastricht is the perfect destination for a winter city trip!

Related Post

Amsterdam to bruges day trip: how to get there and what to see, the mysterious marl caves of maastricht, canal boat tour amsterdam: what to expect.

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Quickly into the center of Maastricht on Christmas

The holidays and busy December month are coming up again. So we help you with travel and parking tips so you can visit Maastricht city center quickly, stress-free and safe.

Opening hours stores

• Christmas Eve Monday 24 December 2024, stores open until 17.00*.
• Christmas Day Tuesday 25 December 2024, stores closed.
• Boxing Day Wednesday 26 December 2024, stores closed.

*The closing time and/or a store being open may vary. 

Maastricht has good public transport connections, locations are within cycling distance and there are closest parking locations from all directions that are within walking distance of the city center. We'll help you with travel and parking tips so you can visit Maastricht's city center quickly, stress-free and safely.

Choose the bicycle

If you live within cycling distance, come by bike and get off in the city center. Park your bike in one of the free parking facilities  near the Market, the train station (first 24 hours free of charge), Kesselskade or Vrijthof.

In Maastricht you can also easily get from a to b with Arriva's  shared bicycles  or OV-fiets. You can then park at a distance or do the first part of your journey by public transport and continue by bike. Want to know where to find these bikes? See the map of Maastricht with all locations and information about the rates.

Let yourself be driven by public transport

Don't get behind the wheel yourself and opt for a driver. Maastricht is easily accessible by train and bus.

• From the north Amsterdam/Eindhoven/Roermond/Sittard-Geleen via NS or Arriva trains.
• From Heerlen/Valkenburg and Aachen by train from Arriva. From the south Eijsden/Visé/Liège by SNCB stopping train or TEC buses.
• By bus from Aachen and the route along the N278 with bus line 350.
• By the buses of De Lijn from Belgium to the station or at the Markt

With Arriva's Euregioticket you travel easily with one ticket by bus and train through the Maas-Rhine area for € 19 per day. There is a weekly or weekend ticket available from the bus driver, vending machines at stations or public transport service points and online.

Parking tips and the shortest route to the parking locations

Coming by car ? The parking garages in the city center often fill up quickly, especially on weekends. The tips below will help you save travel time looking for a parking space and therefore have more time in the city center. You can also choose to park nearby, but keep in mind that the parking location of your choice might be full and you will have to deal with long(er) queues and extra travel time.

• From the A2 or A79: park for free at P+R Maastricht Noord. You can get to the city centre on bus number 10 for €2.40 (day return), or take bus number 30 to the main railway station/Wyck. Bus line 3 runs via Nazareth, Groene Loper, city centre to Wolder. A group ticket for groups of three to five people costs €5.95. Up to two children between the ages of four and eleven can travel for free with a paying adult.
• It’s cheaper to pay for parking on a P+W site on the outskirts of Maastricht – Vrijthof square or Markt square are just fifteen minutes’ walk away. If you’re coming from the north, park at P Bonnefanten. At the weekend, you can also park at the Gouvernement car park for €12 (all-day parking) if P Bonnefanten is full.
• Choose a parking location on your route: De Griend, P+R Station, De Colonel, Plein 1992.  To access these parking locations, follow the parking routes ‘Wyck-Station’ and ‘Céramique-Wyck’.
• Park for free at P+R Maastricht Noord . You can get to the city centre on bus number 10 for €2.40 (day return), or take bus number 30 to the main railway station/Wyck. Bus line 3 runs via Nazareth, Groene Loper, city centre to Wolder. A group ticket for groups of three to five people costs €5.95. Up to two children between the ages of four and eleven can travel for free with a paying adult. Take the N2 tunnel northbound from Akersteenweg/John F. Kennedybrug and then take exit 1 Bunde onto Nieuwe Limmelderweg.
• Choose a parking location on your route: Plein 1992 or De Colonel.  To access these parking locations, follow the parking routes ‘Wyck-Station’ and ‘Céramique-Wyck’.
• Follow the A2 tunnel to the north and park for free at P+R Maastricht Noord . You can get to the city centre on bus number 10 for €2.40 (day return), or take bus number 30 to the main railway station/Wyck. Bus line 3 runs via Nazareth, Groene Loper, city centre to Wolder. A group ticket for groups of three to five people costs €5.95. Up to two children between the ages of four and eleven can travel for free with a paying adult. Take exit 1 Bunde northbound and turn left onto Nieuwe Limmelderweg.
• It’s cheaper to park at P+W Stadspark or Frontenpark (fixed, all-day parking rate: €12) Vrijthof square or Markt square are just fifteen minutes’ walk away.
• If these car parks are full, check out the car park at Bonnefanten – it costs €12 a day at the weekend and €27.50 a day on weekdays.

Pay attention! There will be a limited number of parking spaces available at P Frontenpark from 25 September 2023 to June 2024.

• If you’re coming from Belgium, follow Brusselseweg in Smeermaas and enter Maastricht via Belvédèrelaan. You’ll get to Maastricht faster, and you won’t have to wait at the ramp meter on Bosscherweg. Take the same road on your way back – it’s just as quick.
• P+W Frontenpark offers low-cost parking (fixed, all-day parking rate: €12). Vrijthof square or Markt square are just fifteen minutes’ walk away.
• You could also park on the outskirts at P+R Maastricht Noord , or park on the east side of Maastricht at P de Griend, P+R Station, Colonel, or Plein 1992. 
• Check the  Smart Map  for all parking locations in Maastricht city centre.
• If you’re coming by motorcycle or are driving a long-distance coach , please check our website for parking information.

Christmas Markets in the Netherlands (2023 Guide)

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.

Is Christmas celebrated in the Netherlands?

Sinterklaas in the netherlands, valkenburg christmas market in the caves, maastricht christmas market, dordrecht christmas market, haarlem christmas market, royal christmas fair in the hague, dickens festival deventer, amsterdam light festival, amsterdam winter paradise, winter time in heerlen, winter efteling, final words.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

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.

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.

17 November 2023 – 7 January 2024

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 Santa’s 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 Wilhelmina Tower and then get the chairlift to the top to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Christmas lights.

If you are staying in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague you can visit the Christmas Market in Valkenburg with a special day tour:

• Valkenburg Christmas Market from Amsterdam
• Valkenburg Christmas Market from Rotterdam
• Valkenburg Christmas Market from The Hague

Tip: Prepare your visit to the Valkenburg Christmas Market with this complete guide .

30 November – 31 December 2023

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!

If you are staying in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague you can visit the Christmas Market in Maastricht with a special day tour:

• Maastricht Christmas Market from Amsterdam
• Maastricht Christmas Market from Rotterdam
• Maastricht Christmas Market from The Hague

Tip: Prepare your visit to the Maastricht Christmas Market with this complete guide .

16-17 December 2023

Although the Christmas market in Dordrecht is held in the weekend before Christmas, the celebrations continue a month long with lots of winter entertainment. There’s 1,5 km long walking route along artworks from light in the historical city centre, called Dwaalspoor .

Then there is the weekend-long Christmas market with traditional Christmas stalls, gluhwein and lots of artisanal goods, traditional treats, and seasonal decorations.

Between Christmas and the New Year’s Eve there is the Winterplein (Wintersquare) in the church yard of the Grote Kerk, with cozy wooden chalets offering hot drinks and typical Dordrecht-made treats. For the kids there is a nostalgic carousel.

Practical info:

• Dwaalsppor – 15-30 December 2023
• Christmas Market – 16-17 December 2023
• Winterplein – 26-30 December 2023

8-10 December 2023

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.

7-23 December 2023

Do you want to spend Christmas like a royal, then you should head to The Hague. The Royal Christmas Fair takes place at Laange 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 Chirstmas House, where you can grab a bite, and the Royal Christmas Stage with daily performances.

The whole city of The Hague is festively decorated which makes a perfect weekend-trip destination for a bit of Christmas magic.

• Location: Laange Voorhout
• Opening times: daily, from 12 pm to 9 pm, closed on 18 December

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:

The Dickens Festival in Deventer is one of the most popular winter festival 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.

• Route: Walstraat, Golstraat, Damstraat, Roggestraat, Bergstraat, Bergkerkplein, Kerksteeg, Bergschild and Menstraat
• Entry: Keizerstraat
• Opening times: 11 am – 5 pm

31 November 2023 – 21 January 2024

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 year, the festival revolves around a central theme, inspiring artists to create unique and innovative light artworks that enchant and captivate audiences of all ages. The ’23/’24 theme of the festival is Revealing Art, AI and Tech , so I expect some mind-blowing light creations this year.

• Lights are on: from 5 pm till 10/11 pm

14-30 December 2023

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 3400 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.

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.

• Address: Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam
• Opening hours: from 9 am till 11 pm (some days till midnight)

14 December 2023 – 7 January 2024

Wintertijd (Winter TIme) is a winter-themed festival in the Southern Dutch city of Heerlen. For almost a month the city center is transformed into a winter fun zone, with a Christmas market, ice skating rinks, light displays, musical performances, and other seasonal attractions.

There’s also a Winter Cafe to enjoy drinks with friends and family in an après-ski -like atmosphere. The spirit of the winter season is everywhere and although Heerlen is not a very touristy city, it is quite popular among the locals with its winter festival.

13 November 2023 – 4 February 2024

Winter Efteling is a real winter Wonderland. As if the whole theme park puts his winter clothes on – all attractions get special winter decoration. There’s artificial snow and you can warm up your hands at the bonfires at each square. There’s this cheery wintery atmosphere everywhere. Although some of the rides aren’t open in winter (like the Piraña or the Flying Dutchman ), there is a huge skating rink at the Ice Palace , as well as daily entertainment shows.

I love how they perfection details at the Efteling. For example, all street lights get icicles hanging from them, the young goats from the The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats get winter pullovers and wrapped in shawls and there are tiny skis propped outside on the house, the bird in the front of the Bird Rok dark ride gets a shawl 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 decoration actually is – nothing over the top, as it naturally blends with the snow.

Tip: Prepare your visit to the Efteling with this complete guide .

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.

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Maastricht christmas market.

It’s the time of the year when all the Christmas markets start to appear and there is such a great choice of places to go. This year, we chose to go to Maastricht Christmas Market and you can find out more below.

The Christmas markets originated in Germany, Austria, the South Tyrol and Alsace, but they have now spread throughout Europe and between the end of November and the end of December, you can shop for local arts and crafts, drink mulled wine, eat local specialities and soak up the festive atmosphere at one of many ‘Christkindlmarkts’.

Whilst Germany, Belgium and Austria are perhaps the most well-known Christmas markets, with markets such as Aachen, Berlin, Nuremberg, Brussels, Antwerp, Vienna and Salzburg, some of the lesser known markets, such as Maastricht in Holland are also well worth a visit.

Maastricht is the capital of the Dutch province of Limburg and this small city becomes transformed at this time of year with Christmas markets and ice-skating all under the collective title of ‘Magical Maastricht’.

This is a small but atmospheric Christmas market, which is convenient for visitors to explore on foot. You can combine a trip to the markets with visiting the old town, shopping, eating local specialities and skating on the temporary ice-rink that is put up in the Vrijthof square for the duration of the market. There are also some festive attractions unique to the city such as the ‘Festival of Lights’.

Visit the old town

The historic town centre is easy for visitors to explore on foot, and Maastricht also has many historic highlights, such as the ‘Basilica of Our Lady’ and the ‘Basilica of Saint Servatius’.

The ‘Basilica of Our Lady’ (which can be found in Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein) is a renowned Roman catholic basilica dating back to the 11th century. There are plenty of outdoor cafés in the square where you can take a break and admire the lights from the 200 mistletoe-shaped lamps in the trees.

The ‘Basilica of St. Servatius’, which is located on the famous Vrijthof Square, is dedicated to Saint Servatius, an Armenian missionary who died in Maastricht in 384, and the saint’s relics are kept in a box, which is on display in the Treasury of Saint Servatius Church.

  Enjoy the Festival of light (until January 3rd)

During the festive period countless artists are given the opportunity to decorate the city with their own unique light projects and the ‘magical light route’ connects all the squares, streets and alleys in the historic old town.

Shopping in Maastricht

Numerous artisan stalls make up the Christmas markets, but you can also find a range of shops in the ‘Jekerkwartier’ neighbourhood, and if the weather is disappointing there are a range of indoor shopping options in department stores or shopping centres.

One of the best known department stores is ‘De Bijenkorf (Achter het Vleeschhuis 26), which stocks many well-known fashion, furniture and perfume brands. For further information, have a look at their website

The Entre Deux Shopping centre is located between the ‘Vrijthof’ and ‘Markt’ and has a range of fashion, beauty, sport and toy shops, as well as a brasserie. You can find out more here

Finally, the ‘Mosae Forum’ lies between the ‘Markt’ and ‘Maasboulevard’ and this covered shopping centre houses various shops and also restaurants. Have a look at their site for further information.

Ice-skating and amusements

Besides a great many stalls there is also a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a temporary ice skating rink in the ‘Vrijthof’ square, so you can soak up the wonderful Christmas atmosphere while skating around.

Eat outdoors

Despite the time of year, it is still possible to eat outdoors and many of the restaurants’ terraces are heated.

Practical information

The Maastricht Christmas market takes place from November 28th to December 29th 2015. It is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 11am to 8pm, Thursdays through Saturdays from 10am to 10 pm and Sundays from midday to 6pm.

The ice skating rink is open daily from 10am to 10 pm except on 24th and 25th December, (when it is open from 10am to 6pm.)

For further information, look at this site and have a look below for places to stay.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about  the Maastricht Christmas Market , and have a look  here for more of our travel guides.

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What a wonderful and scenic way to shop for Christmas! I am so happy you shared this! xx, Elle http://www.theellediaries.com/

Thank you Elle! It is nice to have the scenery and the Christmas atmosphere while shopping 🙂

So Beautiful and can’t wait for christmas. 🙂

http://www.kangkanrabha.com

Thank you! Me neither! 🙂

Maastricht is a lovely city! Such a wonderful atmosphere!

Yes, it does have a wonderful atmosphere, especially at this time of year. 🙂

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ABOUT JULIA

I’m Julia, and I am the owner and founder of The Velvet Runway and the Senior Managing Editor for The Code of Style magazine. I was born in the UK but I have lived in France for the last thirty years, so I guess I’ve acquired the “French touch”. I love fashion and travelling whenever and wherever I can. E-mail me for press enquiries and collaborations.

Welcome to The Velvet Runway, “Where dreams take flight”.

Welcome to The Velvet Runway, a modern online publication to inspire you to live the life of your dreams by sharing with you style and lifestyle tips, travel inspiration, travel guides and the best travel destinations, as well as inspiring interviews with people who have created the life they love.

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About hannah rees: contributor.

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