Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg
Open into JanuaryOpens early
Last updated · How we compile this guide
Valkenburg aan de Geul has 6 Christmas markets in our directory. Last season most opened around 14 Nov and the last one closed on 4 Jan 2026; 6 stayed open after Christmas. All are free to enter.
Valkenburg, in the south of the Netherlands, hosts some of Europe's most unusual Christmas markets: inside the town's underground marlstone caves, the Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave) and the Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave). The caves stay at a steady temperature, so it's a cosy visit even on a cold day. Book a timed ticket on busy weekends.
Sorted by opening date. Dates shown are from the 2025–26 season unless 2026 dates are marked — check the official website before you go.
Open into JanuaryOpens early
Open into JanuaryOpens early
Open into JanuaryOpens early
Closed 25 DecemberOpen after ChristmasOpens early
Open after ChristmasOpens early
Open into JanuaryOpens early
We list 6 Christmas markets in Valkenburg aan de Geul, including Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg, Kerst In MergelRijk, Kerst in Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest) and Kerstmarkt Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave Market). Some are small one-day or weekend events, so check the dates on each card.
In 2025 the first market, Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg, opened on 14 Nov 2025, and most were open by 14 Nov 2025. Expect similar timing in 2026: the first Sunday of Advent falls on 29 Nov 2026. Confirm on the official website before you book.
Yes — last season 6 markets stayed open after 25 December, including Kerst bij Attractiepark Kabelbaan Valkenburg, Kerst In MergelRijk, Kerst in Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest), Kerstmarkt Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave Market) and Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave Market). Most others closed on or before 4 Jan.
Yes, entry to the markets we list is free — you only pay for food, drinks and gifts. Many stalls serve mulled wine in a mug with a small deposit that you get back when you return it.