Country guide
Christmas Markets in Netherlands 2026
Last updated · How we compile this guide
When are the Christmas markets in Netherlands in 2026?
We list 31 Christmas markets in Netherlands, in 21 towns and cities. Last season the typical opening date was 14 Nov, and 7 markets stayed open after 25 December. The first Sunday of Advent in 2026 is 29 Nov 2026.
The Netherlands celebrates Sinterklaas on 5 December, so Christmas markets (kerstmarkten) are a newer tradition — but some are unforgettable. In Valkenburg, in Limburg, Christmas markets are held inside underground caves, and Maastricht's Magisch Maastricht fills the Vrijthof square.
Elsewhere, look for Dickens-themed festivals, markets in Rotterdam and Utrecht, and winter fairs with ice rinks.
Best cities for Christmas markets in Netherlands
All Christmas markets in Netherlands by town
There are also 1 seasonal ice rink in Netherlands — see our Christmas ice skating guide.
Alkmaar
- Kerstfair in AlkmaarDates to be announced↗
Amstelveen
- Winter Village AmstelveenDates to be announced↗
Deventer
- Dickens Festival DeventerDates to be announced↗
Dordrecht
- Winter fun at Grote KerkDates to be announced↗
Enschede
- Enschede Winter WonderlandDates to be announced↗
Gouda
- Gouda WinterfairDates to be announced↗
Groningen
- Winterwelvaart KerstmarktDates to be announced↗
Haarlem
- Haarlem Christmas Market12 Dec – 14 Dec 2025↗
Keukenhof
- Christmas at Keukenhof CastleDates to be announced↗
Leiden
- Nostalgische kerstmarkt LeidenDates to be announced↗
Leuven
- Leuvense KerstmrktDates to be announced↗
Maastricht
- Maastricht Christmas Market29 Nov – 30 Dec 2025↗
The Hague
- The Hague's Royal Christmas FairDates to be announced↗
Utretcht
- Kerstmarkt Molen de SterDates to be announced↗
Valkenburg aan de Geul
- Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026↗
- Kerst In MergelRijk14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026↗
- Kerst in Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest)14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026↗
- Kerstmarkt Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave Market)14 Nov – 30 Dec 2025↗
- Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave Market)14 Nov – 30 Dec 2025↗
- Santa's Village Valkenburg14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026↗
Velsen-Zuid
- Castle Christmas Fair26 Nov – 30 Nov 2025↗
Vijfhuizen
- Expo Greater Country & Christmas FairDates to be announced↗
Zoutkamp
- Winterwelvaart in ZoutkampDates to be announced↗
Frequently asked questions
How many Christmas markets are there in Netherlands?
We list 31 Christmas markets in Netherlands. The towns with the most are Valkenburg aan de Geul (6), Rotterdam (4), Arnhem (2), Utrecht (2) and Alkmaar (1).
When do Christmas markets start in Netherlands?
Last season the earliest market in our list, Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg in Valkenburg aan de Geul, opened on 14 Nov 2025; the typical opening date was 14 Nov 2025. In 2026 the first Sunday of Advent is 29 Nov 2026, and most markets open in the week or two before it.
Which Christmas markets in Netherlands are open after Christmas?
7 markets stayed open after 25 December last season, for example Maastricht Christmas Market (Maastricht), Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg (Valkenburg aan de Geul), Kerst In MergelRijk (Valkenburg aan de Geul) and Kerst in Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest) (Valkenburg aan de Geul). See our open after Christmas list.