Are you visiting Amsterdam in December? Lucky you! Amsterdam is a beautiful place to gear up for Christmas. One of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season is by visiting a Christmas market. There are a couple of them in Amsterdam, but also in other cities in the Netherlands. No Christmas market is more than a 2-hour train journey away, so perfect for a day trip! Most Christmas markets revolve around food, hot beverages, lots of Christmas decorations and Christmas music. Also, most Christmas markets are outdoor, in the city streets.
Valkenburg Christmas Market
Probably the most famous Christmas market in the Netherlands is the one in Valkenburg. Valkenburg is the south of the Netherlands and it is known for its caves. The Valkenburg Christmas market also takes place in these caves, which makes them even more magical. The products on the market are probably not the most unique, but the scenery sure is.
Ice Village Christmas Market
For two weeks in December, the Museumplein in Amsterdam is turning into an ice village. The ice village is made up of over 50 different stalls, placed round an ice-skating rink. Enjoy warm food like poffertjes, while browsing the Christmas market. On cold December nights you can warm up at one of the fire pits, or through the live entertainment at the market.
Winter Village Amstelveen
Amstelveen is only a bus- or tram ride away from Amsterdam, and it is the host of Winter Village Amstelveen. It’s the largest Christmas Market in the province of North-Holland. Apart from the usual stalls, you can also find a pop-up restaurant at the winter village serving winter delicacies like cheese fondue, stamppot or apple strudel.
Haarlem Christmas Market
Every year over 300 stalls are laid out through the city centre of Haarlem, forming the Haarlem Christmas Market. Haarlem is a lovely old city, at a 15 minute train journey away from Amsterdam. Through the streets of Haarlem choirs are singing Christmas songs, to really get into the Christmas spirit.
Dickens Festival
On the third weekend of December, Deventer hosts a Dickens festival, featuring many of the characters from Charles Dickens’ novels. You can enjoy seeing the Dickens’ characters while browsing the Christmas market around the church. Entry is free, but make sure to be on time. The Dickens’ festival proves to be quite popular every year.
