With numerous festive events, Christmas trees and decorations all around and that lovely cosy feeling, December is my favourite month of the year. A big reason for it is Christmas markets. Since I love visiting them, I did some research and looked for the Christmas markets organised in the Netherlands. I’ve first compiled this list five years ago and have updated it each year since. So if you would like to visit some of the Christmas markets in the Netherlands, here is your complete guide through the Dutch Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets in the Netherlands – with 2021 Agenda
Many events are going to be organised during December in the Netherlands. From the vintage Christmas market that will transfer you back to the beginning of the 20th century to some located in castles or underground caves. There is an ice skating rink in almost every Dutch town, with many Christmas concerts, Santa’s visits and shopping opportunities for some lovely Christmas presents.
⤷ Read more: 10 Things you should do during the Christmas season in Amsterdam
Christmas Markets in Amsterdam
It looks like more and more things are organised during the winter months in Amsterdam each year. Although many events were cancelled last year, many Christmas markets will be held there this winter.
⤷ Read more: Christmas presents from or inspired by Amsterdam
Museum Christmas Market
⤷ Date: December 12th 2021
Museum Market organised at Museumplein in Amsterdam is probably one of my favourite Christmas markets in the Netherlands. It’s a place where designers and artists from the Netherlands showcase and sell their work. Two years ago, I had a lot of fun selling my colouring postcards there. Keep an eye on their website for some last-minute updates.
Winter Pure Markt
⤷ Date: December 17th 2021
The Christmas edition of the Pure Markt will be held on Sunday, December 17th, in Park Frankendael. Stalls will be there between 11 AM and 5 PM. You can expect excellent food from all around the world, homemade jams and other yummy dishes. You’ll find some clothes, jewellery and toys there, as well. For more info about Winter Pure Markt, take a look here!
Amsterdam Light Festival
⤷ Date: December 2nd 2021 – January 23rd 2022
The tenth edition of ALF is taking place between December 2nd and January 23rd 2022. It’s a beautiful festival celebrating the art of light with numerous art installations made by international artists and displayed alongside the route. This year is very special because the highlights from the previous ten years will be on display again. I visit the Light Festival every single year and am strongly recommending it!
The best way to see it is on one of the special canal cruise boats following the Light Festival route. You can start it at the Central Station or Leidseplein (check the links for tickets).
If you’re not afraid of cold but would like to have a great view of the installations, you can join one of these open-top boat light festival tours.
ICE Amsterdam
⤷ Date: November 13th 2021 – January 30th 2022
ICE Amsterdam, also known as the Christmas Village on Ice, is, with its cosy Christmas setting, one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam. It’s located at Museumplein, and the ice skating rink is already open. However, most of the events take place from mid-December until the end of the year. After some ice skating, you can warm yourself up with some mulled wine or a hot chocolate in a café next to the rink.
⤷ Read more: Museum Quarter in Amsterdam
Sint Market
⤷ Date: December 5th 2021
A special Sinterklaas edition of the art, fashion and design Sunday Market will be organised on December 5th in Westergasfabriek (Polonceaukade 27, Amsterdam). For more info about Sinterklaas Sunday Market, take a look here.
⤷ Read more: Sinterklaas celebration in Amsterdam
Funky Xmas Market
⤷ Date: December 19th 2021
Two weeks after that, another special edition of Sunday Market will take place – Funky Xmas Market. It’s going to be organised in the same location (Westergasfabriek) on December 19th. For more info about Funky Xmas Market, take a look here!
Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs
⤷ Date: December 19th 2021 – January 3rd 2022
RAI in Amsterdam will be transformed into a real winter fairytale during the last two weeks of this year. With some real snow and winter landscape, it will become one of the most fun places for Christmas activities in Amsterdam. It will also become the home to the largest ice skating rink in the Netherlands. Besides some music events and winter activities, it will also host a Ferris wheel from which you could enjoy a fantastic view of Amsterdam. For more info and tickets, take a look here.
⤷ Read more: Christmas traditions in Europe
Christmas Market in Maastricht
Magical Maastricht
⤷ Date: November 26th – December 31st 2021
The biggest Christmas market in the Netherlands, and my absolute favourite, is taking place between November 26th and December 31st. The main square in the charming Dutch town of Maastricht is becoming a Christmas village for the whole month of December. There is an ice skating rink there, many Christmas stalls and nicely decorated small restaurants and cafés. You can check the complete Magical Maastricht event agenda on a link here.
⤷ Read more: 10 Best things to do in Maastricht
Christmas Market in Valkenburg
Christmas Town Valkenburg
⤷ Date: November 12th – December 30th 2021
Very close to Maastricht, another Dutch Christmas gem is located – Europe’s largest underground Christmas market. Held between November 12th and December 30th, it’s one of the most popular markets in the Netherlands. It was awarded as the European Best Christmas Market in 2020. So it’s definitely a Christmas Market in the Netherlands that shouldn’t be missed! For more info about Christmas Town Valkenburg, take a look here!
Christmas Market in Gouda
Gouda bij Kaarslicht & Winterfair
⤷ Date: Online during November & December 2021
Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful Dutch Christmas Markets won’t take place this year. Usually, different events take place in the historical centre of Gouda. From musical performances to guided tours and workshops. However, the most important event is Gouda bij Kaarslicht, when the main square in Gouda is lit only by candles.
However, although the Christmas events won’t take place around Gouda this year, an online Christmas market takes place during November and December. You can check it out on a link here.
Christmas Market in Den Haag
Royal Christmas Fair
⤷ Date: December 9th – 22nd 2021
Being home to the Dutch Royal family, Den Haag is organising the Royal Christmas Fair. You can visit it between December 9th and 22nd at the Lange Vijverberg. The city centre will become home to more than one hundred Christmas stalls, beautiful decorations, a children’s Christmas fair and a great cultural program. For more info about Royal Christmas Fair, take a look here.
Christmas Market in Rotterdam
Finish Christmas Bazaar
⤷ Date: November 24th – 29th 2021
The annual Finnish Christmas Bazaar is going to be organised at Rotterdam Finnish Seamen’s Mission. You can try some Finnish food and buy some of their Christmas products there. It’s going to be held from November 24th to 29th. For more info about the Finnish Christmas Bazaar, take a look here!
⤷ Read more: Rotterdam Travel Guide
Christmas in Archeon
Archeon Winter Events
⤷ Date: November 20th 2021 – January 11th 2022
Archeon during the wintertime is one of my favourite places to get yourself in a Christmas mood in the Netherlands. It has a lovely Christmas spirit with a sense of history. Archeon is hosting many events and festivities this winter, between November 20th and January 11th. From the City of Sinterklaas, Celebrate Winter, Christmas Brunch to ice skating. And all that in a beautiful historical setting. For more info about winter events in Archeon, take a look here.
⤷ Read more: Archeon Museum Park – A place where history is coming to life
Some extra tips for visiting Dutch Christmas markets in 2021
⤷ Have your Covid Pass with you: For most indoor events in the Netherlands, you need to have your Covid Pass to get in. Be sure to have it with you, so you can show it at the entrance.
⤷ Check the official website for the latest info: With the rules and regulations changing quickly, be sure to check the official Christmas markets’ websites for the latest information before your visit.
Although fewer Christmas markets in the Netherlands are organised this year, there are still many great events you can enjoy this winter in Dutch cities. I hope that this guide through the Christmas markets in the Netherlands with the 2021 agenda will make it easier for you to find some you would like to visit.
Are you planning to visit any Christmas markets in the Netherlands this year? What is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
*This blog post contains some affiliate links.