Mark Your Calendars: dates and location guide for Christmas Markets in The Netherlands 2023
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by venturing into a winter wonderland of delightful Christmas markets in The Netherlands? As we bid farewell to 2022 and eagerly await the magic of 2023, it’s time to mark your calendars with the most enchanting dates for these must-visit holiday extravaganzas. From twinkling lights illuminating quaint canals to charming stalls adorned with handcrafted treasures, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through some of the most captivating Christmas markets that will ignite your joy and fill your heart with merriment. So lace up those boots, wrap yourself in warm layers, and let’s embark on a whimsical adventure together as we unveil the unmissable Christmas market dates that will make The Netherlands shine brighter than ever before!
Some history first!
Christmas markets have become a beloved holiday tradition in many countries around the world, and The Netherlands is no exception. With its charming towns and cities adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, it’s no wonder that Christmas markets have been a part of Dutch culture for centuries.
The earliest records of Christmas markets in The Netherlands date back to the late Middle Ages, when they were known as “Kerstmarkten.” These markets were popular gathering places where people could purchase essential items such as food, clothing, and household goods for the upcoming winter season. Over time, these markets also began to feature more festive elements such as carol singers, street performances, and traditional foods like oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and glühwein (mulled wine).
In the 19th century, Christmas markets in The Netherlands evolved into more elaborate affairs with an increased focus on gift-giving. This was influenced by the popularity of Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas), a figure similar to Santa Claus who brings gifts to children on December 5th – the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. As Sinterklaas celebrations grew in popularity, so did the Christmas markets which became filled with stalls selling toys and other trinkets.
However, after World War II, there was a decline in Sinterklaas celebrations due to increasing Americanization and influence from commercialized Christmas traditions. As a result, Christmas markets took on a more prominent role during the holiday season in The Netherlands. In the 1960s, Amsterdam’s Wintermarkt (Winter Market) became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, featuring traditional Dutch goods and gifts.
Today, Christmas markets can be found all over The Netherlands, from small towns to major cities. They typically run from mid-November until late December and are known for their festive atmosphere, with vendors selling a variety of traditional gifts, decorations, and delicious foods. Some of the most famous Christmas markets in The Netherlands include the Winter Village in Rotterdam, the Ice*Village in Amsterdam, and the Magical Maastricht market in Maastricht.
In addition to traditional Christmas markets, The Netherlands also hosts unique winter events such as ice-skating rinks on canals, light festivals, and even floating Christmas markets on boats. These events have become an integral part of Dutch holiday traditions and continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Favourite Christmas Market Dates for 2023
Christmas markets are one of the most beloved holiday traditions in The Netherlands, and 2023 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for these festive events. From charming small towns to bustling cities, there are endless options for experiencing the magic of Christmas markets in this beautiful country.
To help you plan your holiday season, we have put together a list of the top must-visit Christmas market dates in The Netherlands for 2023. So mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in all things merry and bright!
1. Amsterdam Light Festival – November 30th, 2023 to January 21st, 2024
Kicking off our list is the Amsterdam Light Festival, an annual winter event that showcases stunning light installations throughout the city’s canals and streets. This unique Christmas market experience combines art, technology, and holiday spirit to create a magical atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Make sure to take a boat tour through the illuminated canals for an unforgettable evening.
2. Valkenburg Christmas Market – November 17th to December 23rd, 2023
Located in the picturesque town of Valkenburg, this underground Christmas market is truly one-of-a-kind. Set inside old caves beneath the town’s castle ruins, this market offers a cozy and intimate setting for browsing through stalls filled with traditional crafts and delicious treats. Don’t miss out on their famous Velvet Cave where you can wander through twinkling lights while sipping on warm gluhwein.
3 . Dordrecht Christmas Market – December 15th to 17th, 2023
Known as the largest Christmas market in The Netherlands, the Dordrecht Christmas Market attracts over 200 stalls and thousands of visitors each year. Set against the backdrop of the city’s beautiful historic buildings, this market offers a festive atmosphere with live music, delicious food, and unique gifts. Make sure to check out their famous ice skating rink for some wintery fun.
4. Deventer Christmas Market – December 16th to 18th, 2023
With its medieval streets and charming architecture, Deventer is already a magical place to visit during the holiday season. But during their annual Dickens Festival and Christmas market, the town transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale. Expect to see costumed characters from Charles Dickens’ novels wandering through the streets while you browse through handmade crafts and tasty treats.
5. Haarlem Christmas Market – December 9th to 11th, 2023
Located just a short train ride from Amsterdam, the Haarlem Christmas Market is a great option for those looking to escape the city crowds. This traditional market takes place in Grote Markt square and offers a mix of festive music, delicious food, and unique gifts. Make sure to check out the ice skating rink and take a stroll through the charming streets of this historic town.
No matter which Christmas market you choose to visit in 2023, you are bound to have an unforgettable holiday experience in The Netherlands. So start planning your trip now and get ready to soak up all the festive cheer this beautiful country has to offer!
Market Locations and Highlights
The Amsterdam Christmas Market is one of the most popular and oldest markets in the Netherlands, dating back to the 19th century. It is held at the famous Dam Square, surrounded by historic buildings and iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and National Monument. This market features over 300 stalls selling traditional Dutch treats, handmade crafts, and unique gifts. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances, ice skating on a rink set up in front of the Royal Palace, and indulging in delicious Dutch delicacies like oliebollen (fried dough balls) and stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles).
1.2 Utrecht Winter Fair:
Located at the picturesque Mariaplaats square in Utrecht’s old town, the Winter Fair is a must-visit for those looking for a cozy and intimate atmosphere. This market offers a mix of traditional Dutch goods such as wooden toys, local produce, and handcrafted items from around Europe. Visitors can also warm up with hot chocolate or glühwein (mulled wine) while enjoying live music performances.
1.3 Dordrecht Christmas Market:
Held over three weekends in December, the Dordrecht Christmas Market is one of the largest in the Netherlands with over 250 stalls spread throughout the historic city center. The medieval city provides a beautiful backdrop to this market which boasts an array of unique vendors selling everything from handmade ornaments to antiques and vintage items. In addition to shopping opportunities , visitors can also enjoy live music, street performances, and delicious food from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine.
1.4 Maastricht Christmas Market:
The Maastricht Christmas Market is situated in the charming town square surrounded by historic buildings such as the Gothic-style St. Servaas Basilica. This market features over 90 stalls selling a variety of goods including handmade crafts, gifts, and local delicacies like Limburgse vlaai (fruit pie). Visitors can also indulge in ice skating on the rink set up next to the market or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a stunning view of the city.
1.5 Valkenburg Christmas Market:
Located in a cave system beneath the picturesque town of Valkenburg, this unique market offers an unforgettable experience. The subterranean passages are transformed into a winter wonderland with over 50 stalls selling festive decorations and traditional Dutch treats like poffertjes (mini pancakes) and glühwein. Visitors can also explore the caves and learn about their history while enjoying live music performances.
1.6 Haarlem Christmas Market:
Set against the backdrop of Haarlem’s grand Grote Markt (main square), this market exudes charm with its romantic lights and traditional wooden chalets. Over 300 stalls offer a variety of goods including handmade crafts, jewelry, and Christmas decorations. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating on the rink in front of the historic town hall or take a stroll through the quaint streets of Haarlem.
1.7 Groningen Christmas Market:
The Groningen Christmas Market takes place at the Grote Markt, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings such as the Martini Tower. This market features over 100 stalls selling traditional Dutch goods such as stroopwafels and cheese, as well as international treats like Belgian waffles and German bratwurst. Visitors can also enjoy festive music and entertainment while browsing for unique gifts.
1.8 The Hague Royal Christmas Fair:
Located in the center of The Hague’s charming Hofkwartier district, this market has a royal touch with its location next to the iconic Noordeinde Palace, one of the official residences of the Dutch royal family. Over 100 stalls sell everything from handcrafted items to gourmet food products from around Europe. Visitors can also enjoy live performances, visit Santa’s House, and take part in workshops and activities for children.
1.9 Rotterdam Winter Festival:
The Rotterdam Winter Festival is held at multiple locations throughout the city, with the main market taking place at the bustling Coolsingel square. This market offers a mix of traditional Dutch goods and international treats, as well as an ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of the city. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances, workshops, and activities for all ages.
1.10 Eindhoven Winter Glow:
The Eindhoven Winter Glow is an immersive light festival combined with a Christmas market, making it a unique experience. The light installations illuminate the historic city center while over 50 stalls offer handmade crafts, local delicacies, and international treats. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances, workshops, and various activities for children throughout the festival.
Traditional Dutch Treats and Gifts at the Markets
The Netherlands is known for its charming Christmas markets, where locals and tourists alike flock to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. These markets are a great way to experience traditional Dutch culture and indulge in delicious treats and unique gifts. In this section, we will explore some of the must-try traditional Dutch treats and gifts that can be found at the Christmas markets.
1. Stroopwafels:
No visit to a Dutch Christmas market would be complete without trying stroopwafels – thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup. These tasty treats originated in the city of Gouda in the late 18th century and have become a beloved delicacy in the Netherlands. At the markets, you can find freshly made stroopwafels with different toppings such as chocolate or nuts, making them even more irresistible.
2. Oliebollen:
Another popular Dutch treat at Christmas markets is oliebollen, which translates to “oil balls”. These deep-fried dough balls are typically dusted with powdered sugar and are often compared to donuts or fritters. However, what sets oliebollen apart is their unique flavoring of raisins, currants, and sometimes apples or candied orange peel. They are best enjoyed hot off the fryer on a chilly winter day.
3 . Kerstkransjes:
Kerstkransjes (Christmas wreaths) are buttery shortbread cookies shaped into small wreaths and decorated with colorful sprinkles . These cookies are a staple at Dutch Christmas markets and are often given as gifts or used to decorate the Christmas tree. They come in various flavors such as chocolate, almond, and orange.
4. Glühwein:
Glühwein, or mulled wine, is a popular drink at Christmas markets across Europe, including the Netherlands. This warm, spiced wine is perfect for keeping you cozy and festive during your market visit. You can also find variations of this drink made with hot apple cider or non-alcoholic versions for those who prefer not to drink.
5. Kerststol:
Kerststol (Christmas stollen) is a traditional Dutch fruit bread filled with raisins, almonds, and candied fruit. It is often shaped into a long loaf and served sliced with butter as a delicious snack or breakfast option during the holiday season. At the markets, you can find various versions of this treat, some with added marzipan or other fillings.
6. Delft Blue Pottery:
For those looking for unique gifts to bring back home from the Netherlands, Delft blue pottery makes for a great option. This hand-painted blue and white pottery has been produced in the city of Delft since the 17th century and is a staple in Dutch homes. At the markets, you can find a variety of Delft blue items such as plates, vases, and tiles, making for a perfect souvenir or Christmas gift.
7. Wooden Clogs:
No visit to the Netherlands is complete without seeing the iconic wooden clogs worn by locals. These traditional shoes have been a part of Dutch culture for centuries and are still worn for special occasions or as souvenirs. You can find them in different sizes and designs at the Christmas markets, making for a unique and practical gift option.
8. Cheese:
The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses, with varieties such as Gouda and Edam being popular around the world. At the Christmas markets, you can find stalls selling different types of Dutch cheese, often accompanied by freshly baked bread or crackers. These make for great gifts to bring home or to enjoy during your market visit.
9 . Handmade Ornaments:
Lastly, no Christmas market experience would be complete without purchasing some handmade ornaments to decorate your tree or give as gifts. The Netherlands is known for its intricate lacework and wooden crafts, which are often incorporated into these ornaments. You can also find unique designs featuring traditional Dutch symbols such as windmills, tulips, and clogs.
Overall, the Christmas markets in the Netherlands offer a wide variety of traditional Dutch treats and gifts that are sure to delight visitors. So make sure to visit one of these markets during your holiday trip to experience the festive atmosphere and indulge in some delicious treats.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of Christmas markets, then adding a Dutch Christmas market trip to your bucket list for 2023 is an absolute must. The Netherlands is known for its charming and picturesque Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all over the world every year. From traditional wooden stalls selling handmade crafts to mouth-watering Dutch delicacies, these markets are a feast for the senses and offer a unique festive experience.
One of the main reasons why you should add a Dutch Christmas market trip to your bucket list for 2023 is because of the rich cultural experiences they offer. Each city in the Netherlands has its own unique way of celebrating the holiday season, and this is reflected in their respective Christmas markets. For example, Amsterdam’s famous Dam Square transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink, while the medieval town of Valkenburg hosts its annual underground Christmas market in centuries-old caves. These diverse and distinctive celebrations make it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in different cultures during their travels.
