8x the best Christmas markets 2018

A Christmas tree with the most beautiful Christmas balls

The holidays are right around the corner and Sinterklaas is already back in the country. Don’t forget to plan for the best Christmas markets! We have assembled a list of the cosiest, most impressive and atmospheric Christmas markets in the Netherlands. From small, romantic chalets to impressively immense ferris wheels. Feel the Christmas spirit everywhere!

#1. Eindhovense Fijne Feestdage Festival

Sinterklaas has arrived in Eindhoven and Glow just happened, but Eindhoven never stays still for long. The Fakkeltocht and the Christmas market on the Theresiaplein are back on the calendar. The square will be dedicated to children and activities. Hot cocoa and mulled wine will, of course, not be absent. From November until January, the innovating light city will be all about the Fijne Feestdagen Festival.

17 Nov - 6 Jan

#2. The classic in the most south of the south

It might not be nearby, but it is definitely 100% worth it; visit Magisch Maastricht! Although this Christmas market will take you quite far from home, it cannot be absent from this list. This year, you can enjoy the Maastricht skyline from the immensely high ferris wheel. And, while you’re there, why not enjoy a slice of Limburgse vlaai, right?

1 Dec - 31 Dec

The Ferris wheel at the Christmas market in Maastricht

#3. Christmas market Haarlem & winter beer festival

Beerlovers Unite! On the Grote Markt in Haarlem, the Haarlem Christmas market will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. Throughout the city centre, more than 300 Christmas stalls will decorate the city. The famous winter beer festival will also be back again this year. Perfect to forget all about the holiday stress!

8 Dec - 9 Dec

#4. Amsterdam Sissy-Boy Christmas market

Everyone knows their way around Amsterdam; Dam Square, the Winterparade in the Rai and the Museum Square are the places to be. But what if you prefer to visit an original and creative family-friendly event? In that case, Sissy-Boy on the Amstelveld will be the ultimate place to buy original present for the kids, the family, and of course yourself!

9 Dec

#5. Swan Market Rotterdam

Most people are familiar with the Swan Market. Great if you still have some Christmas shopping left to do! The Van Nelle factory will be dedicated to music, food courts and gift shopping. For the kids, there will be pancakes, carousels and games. Something for everyone!

10 Dec - 12 Dec

#6. Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague

The Royal Christmas Fair definitely stays true to his name, as a visit from princesses such as Cinderella will not be missing. The historical heart the Binnenhof will be transformed into an atmospheric Christmas market, including the Kinder Kerstmarkt. And, if you want to escape all the Christmas bustle for a bit, you can always get a breath of fresh air on the beaches of Scheveningen!

14 Dec - 23 Dec

#7. Drijvend plezier in Leiden

#7. Drijvend plezier in Leiden

De Drijvende Kerstmarkt in Leiden drijft dit jaar weer op het water van de Nieuwe Rijn. Het is de enige kerstmarkt in Nederland met meer dan 80 chalets op het water. Zelfs de schaatsbaan ligt op het water! Jan Smit, René van Kooten en veel Leidse koren brengen de ultieme kerstsfeer met zich mee. Ook kun je genieten van een boottochtje onder het genot van warme chocolademelk.

14 dec - 25 dec

#8. Utrecht at its cosiest

After the successful first edition, the romantic Christmas Market Knus will be back in Utrecht for three days of music, theatre and literature. Five of the most well-known markets in Utrecht will be dedicated to Christmas. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the living room concerts or get inspired for ingredients for your Christmas dinner.

14 Dec - 16 Dec