Top 10 Christmas markets in the Netherlands and Belgium
Christmas markets are for us an important part of the Christmas experience, as Christmas cards. And you really do not need to to Bremen, Cologne and London. In the Netherlands and Belgium there are many nice Christmas markets in December. So in the Benelux taste the Christmas atmosphere, mulled wine and Currywurst. These Christmas markets top 10 you’ll find the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands and Belgium. Besides information on the Christmas markets itself we also mention the distance in kilometers from Utrecht. Convenient for people who do not like long distances.
1. Christmas City, Valkenburg
Christmas Gemeentegrot, Valkenburg
- Distance from Utrecht: 182 km
- Opening days: November 18 to January 8
‘Valkenburg Christmas City “is the name of the Christmas spirit submerged Limburg town of Valkenburg, with its Christmas events. There is a large Christmas Market in the City Cave (also largest underground Christmas market in Europe!) And a little cozier Christmas market in the Velvet Cave. There are many other Christmas events and concerts in Valkenburg in Valkenburg Christmas City. For more information: Kerststadvalkenburg.nl
2. Winterland, Hasselt
- Distance from Utrecht: 159 km
- Opening Days: 19 November to 8 January
Winterland, Hasselt
For most Dutch Hasselt in Belgium is closer than Valkenburg. But that is not why the Christmas Hasselt in Belgian Limburg is so high on this list. Winterland Hasselt has been a recurring Christmas ritual which has become quite large and popular event. So Santa has his abode are in the middle winter country, and children can visit him. In addition, there is an ice rink with transparent roof, in order to skate under the canopy. For more information: Winterland.be
3. Magic Maastricht
- Distance from Utrecht: 180 km
- Opening days: December 2 until January 1, 2017
Maastricht, Limburg capital, called in the month of December Magical Maastricht and it’s not for nothing. The Vrijthof is wrapped in a thick blanket of Christmas including Santa and also a skating rink with a transparent roof. Now hope that it is not snowing, or do they? 😉
What makes Magic Maastricht Also unique is the “Magic light route, a long path in which numerous (182,000) lights show you the way. For more information: VVVmaastricht.nl
4. Winter Wonder Weeks, Leiden
Winter Wonder Weeks, Leiden
Distance from Utrecht: 59 km
- Opening days: December 16 t / m December 28
The Christmas market in Leiden takes place at the Nieuwe Rijn. And we do not mean a street that happen so hot, but the water of the Nieuwe Rijn. This Christmas is the only floating Christmas market in the Netherlands! Over 70 Christmas chalets you find this Christmas, as well as an ice rink and a nostalgic fairground. For more information: Visitleiden.nl
5. Leuven Christmas, Leuven
- Distance from Utrecht: 189 km
- Opening Days: 8 t / m December 21
The university city of Leuven also scores high with its Leuven Christmas market. It’s not a Christmas market in the beaten path, because a major issue is the Provence. Leuven succeeds well to get the Christmas spirit from Provence to Belgium. Besides finding there are more stalls with goodies, Christmas gifts and decorations. Finally, this Christmas is the oldest in Belgium! For more information: leuvensekerstmarkt.com
6. Events Winter Ghent, Ghent
Winter Festival Ghent, Ghent
Distance from Utrecht: 194 km
Opening days: December 9 t / m January 8
Ghent is of course known to the Ghent festival in the summer, but the Ghent Festivities Winter care every year for a true spectacle. The atmosphere of the city in conjunction with Christmas makes the Ghent Festivities Winter very attractive. There is a large ice rink, there are many Christmas stalls and there is a special section for kids: Children country W’ijs. For more information: gentsewinterfeesten.be
7. Village de Noël, Liege
- Distance from Utrecht: 209 km
- Opening days: November 25 to December 30
The French Liège, just across the border in Maastricht, this December for the 30th year the Christmas village (or Village de Noël) Liège. There is a real distinction between a Christmas and a Christmas village, because there’s a typical village atmosphere in Liege during these days. And that despite the fact that Village de Noël annually receives over two million visitors! What is especially worth chalet in blown glass balls with characters from the Liege and Walloon folklore. For more information: villagedenoel.be
8. Dickens festival, Deventer
Dickens Festival, Deventer (Photo by Gerard Dubois)
Distance from Utrecht: 86 km
- Opening Days: 17 and 18 December
The Dickens festival in Deventer is obviously a little bit of an odd bite, because it is not literally a Christmas like most other Christmas markets in this list. During the Dickens festival Deventer Bergkwartier changes from an attractive older part of the city to a 19th century English town. Includes 950 characters of Dickens’ books in costume. The atmosphere worthy this does is definitely Christmas and hence the inclusion in this list. For more information: Dickensfestijn.nl
9. Christmas, Bourtange
- Distance from Utrecht: 216 km
- Opening Days: 12, 13, 17 and 18 December
Christmas Bourtange
The Christmas market in Bourtange is the smallest in this list, but no less attractive. The historic fortress town Bourtange Groningen is the ideal location for a cozy Christmas with great attention to Christmas gifts, food and drinks. It is from Utrecht course driving an end, if you compare with the rest of the list, but well worth it! For more information: Bourtange.nl
10. Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague
- Distance from Utrecht: 68 km
- Opening Days: 15 to December 23
Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague
Unlike last year, this year the Royal Christmas Fair on the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. This charming part of The Hague has more space for booths than the old place, Lange Vijverberg. In terms of atmosphere, this is obviously a good progress. Also this year a lot of booths with food and Christmas items. In addition, on December 18 a real Children’s Christmas! For more information: royalchristmasfair.nl
You do not Have to go to Germany for a nice Christmas!
In the Netherlands and Belgium they know very well how Christmas can be an unforgettable experience! For giving the Christmas spirit with friends and family a look at our Christmas cards!
TOP 10 BEST DUTCH CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE NETHERLANDS
