It’s that time of the year again! Time for the Christmas markets in the Netherlands!
With numerous festive events, Christmas trees, decorations, and that lovely, cosy feeling, December is my favourite month of the year. A big reason for this is Christmas markets. Since I’m a massive fan of everything related to Christmas, I did some research again this year and looked for the Christmas markets organised in the Netherlands in 2024. I first compiled this list eight years ago and updated it yearly. So, if you would like to visit some Christmas markets in the Netherlands, here is your complete guide through the Dutch Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets in the Netherlands with 2024 Agenda
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Numerous festive events will be organised in the Netherlands during December 2024, from the vintage Christmas market that will transport you back to the beginning of the 20th century to some located in castles or underground caves. Almost every Dutch town will have an ice skating rink, many Christmas concerts, Santa’s visits, and shopping opportunities for lovely Christmas presents.
Christmas Markets in Amsterdam 2024
More and more things are organised each year during the winter months in Amsterdam. From its fantastic Light Festival and smaller markets at the art galleries to some bigger events, there’s so much to do during the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam.
⤷ Read more: 10 Things You Should do During the Christmas Season in Amsterdam
Christmas Market at the MINA Gallery Cafe
Date: 30 November & 1 December 2024, 10:30 am – 5 pm
Location: Weteringschans 69, Amsterdam
The Christmas market season in Amsterdam opens with an event that combines products made by local artists and designers with a festive atmosphere. The MINA Gallery Cafe will host a selected group of local producers who will be selling their products there. Aaand, I’m very proud to say I will be one of them and will be selling Culture Tourist’s colouring postcards there. So, come, say hello, and get some nice colouring Christmas cards inspired by Amsterdam.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Culture Tourist readers get a 10% discount as a special treat at the MINA Gallery Cafe Christmas Market. Show me this blog post, and the discount will be applied to your purchase.
⤷ Read more: MINA Gallery Cafe – A New Hotspot to Discover in Amsterdam
Winter Pure Markt 2024
Date: 22 December 2024, 11 am – 5 pm
Location: Park Frankendael, Amsterdam
The Christmas edition of the Pure Markt will be held on Sunday, 22 December, at Park Frankendael. Stalls will be there between 11 am and 5 pm. You can expect excellent food from 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!
⤷ Read more: Christmas Presents from or Inspired by Amsterdam
Amsterdam Light Festival 2024
Dates: 28 November 2024 – 19 January 2025
Location: Various locations in Amsterdam centre
The thirteenth edition of ALF, with the theme “Rituals,” will take place between 28 November 2024 and 19 January 2025. It’s a beautiful festival celebrating the art of light, with numerous installations created by international artists displayed alongside the route. I visit the Light Festival in Amsterdam almost every year and strongly recommend it!
The best way to see it is on one of the special canal cruise boats following the Light Festival route. You’ll find several canal cruise options to see the Amsterdam Light Festival on this link. Book your tickets in advance to be sure to secure your spot!
You can also walk alongside the route to see the light installations. However, for the full experience, I recommend exploring them on one of the boat cruises.
Ice* Amsterdam in 2024
Date: 15 November 2024 – 2 February 2025
Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam
I’m very excited Ice* Amsterdam is back in 2024!
With its cosy Christmas setting, ICE Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam each December. It’s located at Museumplein, surrounded by some of the best museums in Amsterdam, like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum or Moco Museum. It is also home to one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful ice skating rinks. After a museum visit and some ice skating, you can warm yourself up with mulled wine or a hot chocolate in a café next to the rink.
The Christmas Market Amsterdam Ice* Village will be organised at it between 12 and 26 December 2024.
⤷ Read more: What to see at Museumplein in Amsterdam
Sinterklaas Market 2024
Date: 1 December 2023
Location: Westergas, Pazzanistraat 33, Amsterdam
On Sunday, 1 December 2024, you’ll get a great opportunity to stock up on unique Sinterklaas gifts. Local designers will prepare the nicest presents for you to purchase at the market. When tired of shopping, you can relax at one of the food stalls and have a warm drink. The organisers will also collect toys for the children in need during the event.
Funky Xmas Market 2024
Date: 15 December 2024
Location: Westergas, Pazzanistraat 33, Amsterdam
A unique Christmas market is organised each year in Amsterdam. It’s a special edition of Sunday Market called Funky Xmas Market. It will be held at Westergasfabriek on Sunday, 15 December 2024. For more info about Funky Xmas Market, take a look here!
Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs 2024
Dates: 18 December 2024 – 4 January 2025
Location: RAI, Amsterdam
RAI in Amsterdam will be transformed into a real winter fairytale during the last two weeks of this year. With some real snow and a winter landscape, it will become one of the best places for Christmas activities in Amsterdam. It will also become the home to the Netherlands’ largest ice skating rink. Besides some music events and winter activities, it will also host a Ferris wheel from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of Amsterdam. For more info and tickets, take a look here.
Winter Village in Amstelveen
Dates: 30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Location: Stadsplein, Amstelveen
Located next to the Stadshart shopping mall, the Christmas market in Amstelveen is held between 30 November 2024 and 5 January 2025. It will be home to a 400 m2 ice skating rink, delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream, and visits by Pieten and Disney princesses. For more info about Winter Village in Amstelveen, take a look here.
⤷ Read more: Christmas Traditions in Europe
Christmas Market in Maastricht 2024
Maastricht Christmas Market 2024
Dates: 28 November – 30 December 2024
Location: Vrijthof, Maastricht
The biggest Christmas market in the Netherlands, and my absolute favourite, takes place between 28 November and 30 December 2024. The main square in the charming Dutch town of Maastricht is becoming a Christmas village for the whole month of December. It will be home to an ice skating rink, many Christmas stalls and nicely decorated small restaurants and cafés. You can read more about the Maastricht Christmas Market on this link.
⤷ Read more: 10 Best Things to do in Maastricht
Christmas Market in Valkenburg 2024
Christmas Town Valkenburg 2024
Dates: 15 November – 29 December 2024
Location: Cauberg 4, Valkenburg a/d Geul
Very close to Maastricht, another Dutch Christmas gem, Europe’s largest underground Christmas market is located. Held between 15 November and 29 December 2024, it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Netherlands. It was awarded the European Best Christmas Market in 2020. So it’s a Christmas Market in the Netherlands that shouldn’t be missed! For more info about the Christmas Town Valkenburg, take a look here!
Christmas Market in Gouda 2024
Gouda bij Kaarslicht 2024
Dates: 13 & 15 December 2024
Location: Markt, Gouda
One of the most beautiful Dutch Christmas Markets will occur again this year on 13 December 2023, known as Gouda bij Kaarslicht. During it, the main square of Gouda will only be lit by candles. Its highlight is lighting the Christmas tree lights between 7 and 8 pm. During this time, different events will take place in the historical centre of Gouda, from musical performances to guided tours and workshops.
Christmas Market in The Hague 2024
Royal Christmas Fair 2024
Dates: 5 – 23 December 2024
Location: Lange Vijverberg, The Hague
As home to the Dutch Royal family, it comes as no surprise that The Hague is organising the Royal Christmas Fair. You can visit it between 5 and 23 December 2024 at the Lange Vijverberg. That park in The Hague city centre will become home to numerous Christmas stalls, beautiful decorations, a great cultural program, and daily visits from Santa Claus. For more info about the Royal Christmas Fair, take a look here.
⤷ Read more: Royal Winter Trip to The Hague
Christmas Market in Deventer 2024
Dickens Festival
Dates: 14 & 15 December 2024
Location: Deventer city centre
This special festive event features characters from Charles Dickens’ books, like Oliver Twist and Mr. Pickwick. Christmas spirit will be spread throughout the town with a Christmas market on the main square and different choirs performing Christmas songs. The Dickens Festival will be held on 14 and 15 December in the Dutch town of Deventer. For more info about the Dickens Festival, take a look here.
Christmas Market in Haarlem 2024
Christmas Market Haarlem
Dates: 13 – 15 December 2024
Location: Haarlem city centre
One of my favourite Christmas markets in the Netherlands is located on the main square, Grote Markt in Haarlem and the shopping streets around it between 13 and 15 December 2024. You’ll get to join the 19th-century Christmas celebration at the Schagchelstraat, which will be transformed into Emma’s Street. Meanwhile, the Kleine Houtstraat will be transferred back to the Middle Ages.
Friday will be quieter, while Saturday and Sunday will be filled with various events and performances. Check out this link for more info about the Christmas Market in Haarlem.
⤷ Read more: Things to do in Haarlem
Ice Sculpture Festival 2024
Dates: 14 December 2024 – 2 March 2025
Location: Strandgaperweg 20, 8256 PZ Biddinghuizen
One of Europe’s largest ice sculpture exhibitions will be held between 14 December 2024 and 3 March 2025 at Biddinghuizen. Numerous unique ice sculptures will be exhibited within this year’s theme, “An Unexplored World“. During the Christmas holidays, many special events will be organised there. For more info about the Ice Sculpture Festival, take a look here.
Christmas Markets in Rotterdam 2024
Trompenburg Greene Christmas Market 2024
Dates: 6 – 8 December 2024
Location: Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum, Rotterdam
The botanical garden of Trompenburg is home to this intimate and sustainable Christmas market. To keep up with the theme, all the products you’ll find there are made by local producers and are green and sustainable. It’s a great place to buy Christmas greenery straight from the garden. Numerous food stalls, workshops, and music performances will make it even more festive. You can read more about this unique Christmas Market here.
⤷ TIP: You should pay a regular entrance fee to the garden to get to this Christmas market. However, it’s free with the Museumkaart.
⤷ Read more: Rotterdam Travel Guide
Other Christmas events in Rotterdam 2024
Other markets organised in Rotterdam during December will also have a Christmas feel and be great places to find holidays presents. The Maker Market (14 & 15 December 2024) will be held at the Groothandelsgebouw. You’ll find products made by local artists, designers, and creatives, together with stalls providing food and beverages. Christmas editions of the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt on Noordplein will be held on 14 and 21 December.
⤷ TIP: If you’d like to get even more into the festive mood, visit the Nativity exhibition at the Kunsthal Rotterdam. Opened from 16 November 2024 to 12 January 2025, it will feature around 100 nativity scenes from the Jo and Maria Smits collection.
Christmas Market in Leiden 2024
Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden 2024
Dates: 23 November – 22 December 2024
Location: Leiden city centre
Leiden will be home to several festive events in December. Its highlight is the Nostalgic Christmas Market organised at the Hooglandse Kerkgracht on 14 & 15 December and between 18 and 22 December. You’ll find a picturesque winter village with stands selling various products, food, and drinks. Besides that, you can also visit the Winter Fair on 1 December, the House of Sinterklaas on the Waag between 23 November and 2 December, the Family Christmas Tattoo Show on 14 December, and the Leiden Santa Run on 19 December.
Christmas Market in Alkmaar 2024
Christmas events in Alkmaar
Dates: 14 – 29 December 2024
Location: Waagplein, Alkmaar
Alkmaar will be home to many festive events this December. The annual Christmas Market in Alkmaar will occur on 14 and 15 December on Waagplein. Delicious food, Christmas decorations, or performances of a special Christmas choir are just some of the things you could find there. A popular Winter Shopping in the City event will be held on 21 December 2023, while the Winter Caravan is scheduled for 22, 24, 27, 28, and 29 December.
There are so many fun things to do during the festive season in Alkmaar, so be sure to visit it this December. Take a look at this link for more info.
⤷ TIP: While there, check out a Christmas tree on Canadaplein with a unique decoration, typical Alkmaar cheese Christmas lights.
Christmas Market in Dordrecht 2024
December in Dordrecht 2024
Dates: 13 – 31 December 2024
Location: Several locations in Dordrecht
Dordrecht will be festive this December, with many events organised there. Dordrecht Christmas Market will be held between 14 and 15 December at Grotekerkstuin, Grotekerksbuurt, and Groenmarkt. At its cosy wooden houses, you’ll find many lovely products to put under your Christmas tree.
Between 26 and 30 December, the garden of the Grote Kerk will become home to the Wintertuin. You’ll find many food stalls there and can enjoy music performances.
The Dwaalspoor Light Walk is one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Dordrecht. From 13 to 31 December, you can follow the special route in the city centre and admire the light installations around it. To make it even more special, take a canal cruise and enjoy the light art from a boat. Look here for more info about all the December events in Dordrecht.
Christmas in Archeon 2024
Archeon Winter Events 2024
Dates: 16 November 2024 – 11 January 2025
Location: Archeonlaan, Alphen aan den Rijn
One of my favourite places in the Netherlands to get into a Christmas mood is the Archeon Museum Park. Visiting it will provide a lovely Christmas atmosphere with a sense of history. Archeon hosts many events and festivities this winter between 16 November and 11 January, including the City of Sinterklaas, Midwinter Fair, Christmas Brunch, Light Festival, and ice skating – all of 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
Christmas Market in Utrecht 2024
Christmas events in Utrecht 2024
Dates: The Winter Station (21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025), Utrecht Lumen (until 29 March 2025)
Location: The Winter Station (Maliebaanstation 16, Utrecht), Utrecht Lumen (several locations in Utrecht city centre)
Although Utrecht doesn’t host a Christmas market in the traditional sense, it’s home to one of the most charming indoor Christmas events. The Winter Station at the Railway Museum takes place between 21 December 2024 and 5 January 2025. During that time, the museum is transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, Christmas trees, and fun activities. You can read more about it on this link.
Another fun thing to do in Utrecht during Christmas is walking along the Utrecht Lumen. You can explore the light art pieces scattered around the city centre during the guided tour or on your own. Check out this link to learn more about the Utrecht Lumen.
Christmas Market in Groningen 2024
WinterWelVaart
Dates: 13 – 15 December 2024
Location: Groningen city centre
On the weekend of 13 – 15 December 2024, a special event will be organised in Groningen. Old charter ships will fill the canal there, which will be open to visitors. Many activities will be organised, including a Christmas market, exhibitions, and concerts. For more info about Winter WelVaart in Groningen, take a look here.
With so many events, 2024 will be the year of the best and largest Dutch Christmas Markets. This guide through the Christmas markets in the Netherlands with the 2024 agenda will help you find some for you to visit.
⤷ Read more: Christmas in Art – The Most Beautiful Christmas Themed Artworks
Are you planning to visit any Christmas markets in the Netherlands this year? What is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!