It’s that magical time of the year again! Time for cosy Christmas markets in the Netherlands! 🎄
With numerous festive events, twinkling Christmas trees, and that lovely, cosy feeling, December is my favourite month of the year. A big reason for this is Christmas markets.
As a massive fan of everything related to Christmas, I put together a guide to the best Christmas markets organised in the Netherlands every single year. I first compiled this list ten years ago, and I update it annually with fresh dates, hidden gems, and insider cultural tips.
If you’re planning a winter getaway or looking to experience the most charming festive traditions, here is your complete guide to the Christmas markets in the Netherlands 2026, featuring dates, locations, and fun events you shouldn’t miss!
Christmas Markets in the Netherlands with 2026 Agenda
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From vintage markets transporting you to the early 20th century to magical fairs hosted inside historic castles and subterranean caves, the Christmas markets in the Netherlands offer something truly unique this year. Almost every Dutch town sets up an ice skating rink, hosts holiday concerts, welcomes Sinterklaas and Santa Claus, and offers lovely artisanal shopping for unique gifts.
Christmas Markets in Amsterdam 2026
Amsterdam comes alive in the winter months, and the city’s festive program gets better every season. From the mesmerizing Amsterdam Light Festival and boutique art gallery markets to expansive winter villages, there are so many wonderful cultural activities during the holiday season in Amsterdam.
⤷ Read more: 10 Things You Should Do During the Christmas Season in Amsterdam
Christmas Market on Museumplein in 2026
- Dates: 3 – 27 December 2026
- Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam
If you’re looking for the quintessential festive experience among the Christmas markets in the Netherlands in 2026, head to Museumplein in front of the iconic Rijksmuseum. Transformed into the charming Christmas Village Amsterdam, this spot is an absolute dream for art and culture lovers, surrounded by world-class institutions like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum.
It is also home to one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful ice skating rinks. I loved ice skating there last year, especially during the working days or mornings when it was quieter. After a museum visit and ice skating, you can warm yourself up with mulled wine or a hot chocolate at some of the food stalls. You can also shop for nice Christmas gifts at some of the small wooden chalets.
⤷ Read more: What to see at Museumplein in Amsterdam
Museum Market – Christmas Edition 2026
- Dates: 13 December 2026
- Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam
One of my personal favourite holiday markets in Amsterdam is the special Christmas edition of the Museum Market. Held right on Museumplein, this open-air market features Dutch artists and independent designers showcasing ceramics, textiles, and fine art prints. It’s the ultimate stop if you want to take home authentic artwork created by local makers.
⤷ Read more: Winter in Art: 20 Most Beautiful Winter Themed Paintings
The Maker Market (Holiday Edition)
- Dates: 19 – 23 December 2026
- Location: Centrale Markthal, Centrale Markthallen 170, 1051 LJ Amsterdam
Another fantastic stop for sustainable, locally crafted gifts is The Maker Market. Around 150 independent creators set up shop daily inside the grand industrial interior of the Centrale Markthal. Beyond gift shopping, you can participate in creative workshops, enjoy family activities, and taste local food. Check their program online and grab your tickets in advance!
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026
- Dates: 26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
- Location: Amsterdam City Centre Canals
Celebrating its 15th edition, the Amsterdam Light Festival turns the historic canal ring into an open-air art gallery. Local and international artists design custom light sculptures specifically tailored to the city’s architecture and waterways. I visit this festival almost every winter and cannot recommend it enough!
While you can follow the walking route along the canals, the absolute best way to appreciate the installations is from the water. Book an open-air or heated canal cruise along the official Light Festival route early to secure your preferred date.
⤷ TIP: Wear warm layers if you opt for a walking route, but reserve a covered boat cruise for the full experience!
Winter Pure Markt 2026
- Date: 20 December 2026 (11 am – 5 pm)
- Location: Park Frankendael, Amsterdam
The winter edition of the popular Pure Markt takes place in the tranquil setting of Park Frankendael. This market focuses on artisan food producers, organic specialties, global cuisine, and homemade delicacies like jams and chutneys. You’ll also discover handcrafted jewelry, vintage clothes, and wooden toys. Learn more about the Winter Pure Markt here.
⤷ Read more: Unique Dutch Christmas Gift Ideas Inspired by Amsterdam
Funky Xmas Market 2026
- Date: 20 December 2026 (12 – 6 pm)
- Location: Westergas, Pazzanistraat 33, Amsterdam
For a trendy, bohemian holiday vibe, don’t miss the Funky Xmas Market, a special festive instalment of Amsterdam’s famous Sunday Market. Held at the historic Westergas culture park, it combines art, quirky fashion, live music, and street food. For more info about Funky Xmas Market, take a look here!
Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs 2026
- Dates: 17 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
- Location: RAI, Amsterdam
The RAI Exhibition Centre transforms into a giant winter wonderland for the holiday season. Featuring real snow, indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks (the largest in the Netherlands!), live music, and a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views over Amsterdam, it’s one of the best family-friendly events in the country.
For more info and tickets, take a look here.
⤷ Read more: Christmas in Art – The Most Beautiful Christmas Themed Artworks
Fairy-Tale Dutch Christmas Markets in Castles 2026
Castle Christmas Fair 2026
- Dates: 24 – 29 November 2026
- Location: Duin & Kruidberg Estate, Santpoort-Noord
Nestled on the grounds of a majestic 17th-century country estate, the Castle Christmas Fair is easily one of the most magical Christmas markets in the Netherlands 2026. Over six days, you can stroll through sparkling light displays, shop for Christmas presents, listen to live carollers, and enjoy an elegant festive high tea or an overnight stay inside the estate mansion.
⤷ TIP: Check their website for tickets and more info.
The Luminous Nights at De Haar Castle 2026
- Dates: 4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Location: De Haar Castle
De Haar Castle, the largest castle in the Netherlands, becomes an enchanted landscape during December. The Luminous Nights (Lumineuse Nachten) event features a spectacular 90-minute illuminated walking route (approx. 2.5 kilometers) through the castle park, bringing local legends and historic stories to life through light projections and soundscapes.
⤷ Read more: Christmas Traditions in Europe
Christmas Market in Maastricht 2026
Magical Maastricht (Magisch Maastricht) 2026
- Dates: 27 November – 27 December 2026
- Location: Vrijthof Square, Maastricht
The largest and my absolute favourite Christmas market in the Netherlands takes over Maastricht’s central Vrijthof square for a full month. The historic cobblestone center transforms into a cozy winter village complete with a covered ice rink, a grand Ferris wheel, traditional wooden chalets selling artisanal treats, and beautifully illuminated cafe terraces. You can read more about the Maastricht Christmas Market on this link.
⤷ Read more: 10 Best Things to do in Maastricht
Underground Christmas Market in Valkenburg 2026
Christmas Town Valkenburg (Kerststad Valkenburg) 2026
- Dates: 13 November – 30 December 2026
- Location: Cauberg 4, Valkenburg a/d Geul
Just a short distance from Maastricht, you’ll find another Dutch Christmas gem, Europe’s largest and oldest underground Christmas market. Organised between 13 November and 30 December 2026, it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Netherlands.
Awarded the European Best Christmas Market in 2020, it’s a Christmas Market in the Netherlands 2026 that shouldn’t be missed! For more info about the Christmas Town Valkenburg, take a look here!
Christmas Market in Gouda 2026
Gouda by Candlelight (Gouda bij Kaarslicht) 2026
- Dates: 11 December 2026
- Location: Markt, Gouda
One of the most beautiful Dutch Christmas Markets is organised again this year on 11 December 2026, known as Gouda bij Kaarslicht. During it, the streetlights in the historic city square are switched off, and the area is lit exclusively by thousands of beeswax candles. The highlight occurs between 7 and 8 pm, when the mayor lights the towering Christmas tree (a gift from Gouda’s sister city, Kongsberg). The evening includes choir performances, theatrical tours, and cozy craft stalls.
Christmas Market in The Hague 2026
Royal Christmas Fair The Hague 2026
- Dates: 3 – 23 December 2026
- 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 from 3 to 23 December 2026, daily between 12 and 9 pm, 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
⤷ TIP: Are you looking for Christmas cards inspired by the Netherlands? Check out my colouring Christmas cards on this link.
Christmas Market in Deventer 2026
Dickens Festival Deventer
- Dates: 12 & 13 December 2026
- Location: Deventer city centre
Step straight into 19th-century Victorian England at the Dickens Festival in historic Deventer. More than 900 characters from Charles Dickens’ famous novels (from Scrooge and Oliver Twist to Mr. Pickwick) come to life in the historic Bergkwartier district. Combine your visit with the bustling Christmas market surrounding the main church square for a memorable holiday weekend.
⤷ TIP: For more info about the Dickens Festival, take a look here.
Christmas Market in Haarlem 2026
Haarlem Christmas Market
- Dates: 11 – 13 December 2026
- Location: Haarlem city centre
One of my favourite Christmas markets in the Netherlands is the one in Haarlem. It’s organised on the main square, Grote Markt, and the picturesque streets surrounding it, between 11 and 13 December 2026. 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.
⤷ TIP: Friday is always a bit quieter, while Saturday and Sunday are 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 2026
- Dates: 12 December 2026 – 7 March 2027
- Location: Strandgaperweg 20, 8256 PZ Biddinghuizen
One of Europe’s largest ice sculpture exhibitions will be held between 12 December 2026 and 7 March 2027 at Biddinghuizen. Numerous unique ice sculptures will be exhibited within this year’s theme, which is still a secret.
It’s an international event, so artists from around the world create their ice sculptures for this special festival. For more info about the Ice Sculpture Festival, take a look here.
Sustainable Christmas Markets in Rotterdam 2026
Trompenburg Greene Christmas Market 2026
- Dates: 11 – 13 December 2026
- 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
Christmas Market in Leiden 2026
Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden 2026
- Dates: 5 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Location: Leiden City Centre (Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Hooglandse Kerkplein, and Nieuwstraat)
Leiden will be home to several festive events this December. Its highlight is the nostalgic Leidse Kerstmarkt organised at the Hooglandse Kerkgracht on 11 – 13 December and 17 – 20 December 2026. You’ll find a picturesque winter village with stalls selling various products, food, and drinks.
You can purchase the Winter Wonder Walk booklet at the tourism office, and take a stroll along the several illuminated shops and sites in Leiden.
Besides that, you can also visit the Lights Art Market on 27 November, the House of Sinterklaas in the Waag between 21 November and 2 December, and skate on the Floating Ice Rink between 5 December 2026 and 3 January 2027.
Christmas Market in Alkmaar 2026
Alkmaar Winter Fair & Festive Season 2026
- Dates: 27 November – 24 December 2026
- Location: Waagplein & Canadaplein, Alkmaar
Alkmaar will be home to many festive events this December. Delicious food, Christmas decorations, and the special Christmas choir performances are just some of the things you will find there.
Ice skating rink will be set on the Waagplein between 27 November 2026 and 3 January 2027. The main event in Alkmar this holiday season will be the Winter Fair on 28 November 2026. The large Christmas tree on Canadaplein with a unique decoration, in a shape of a typical Alkmaar cheese, will be lit on 11 December 2026. The Living Advent Calendar taking place between 1 and 24 December 2026 will offer the opportunity to the residents to welcome each other in their homes.
Check all the fun events happening in December 2026 in Alkmaar on this link.
Christmas Market in Dordrecht 2026
December in Dordrecht 2026
- Dates: 10 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Location: Several locations in Dordrecht
With so many wonderful events, Dordrecht will be especially festive this December. Dordrecht December Market will be held on 10 and 13 December at Grotekerkstuin, Grotekerksbuurt, and Groenmarkt. In 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 Winter Garden. 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 10 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, 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. Take a look here for more info about all the December events in Dordrecht.
⤷ TIP: You’ll also find a nice ice skating rink at the Dordrecht city centre.
Historical Christmas in Archeon 2026
Archeon Winter Events 2026
- Dates: 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Location: Archeonlaan, Alphen aan den Rijn
Archeon Museum Park is one of my favourite places in the Netherlands to get in the Christmas mood.
Archeon hosts many events and festivities this winter, including the Archeon Christmas Market (13-15 November 2026), City of Sinterklaas (21-22 & 28-29 November 2026), The City of Sint (5 December 2026), Midwinter Fair (12-13 December 2026), Celebrate Winter (19 December 2026 – 3 January 2027), Christmas Brunch (25 & 26 December 2026), 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 2026
Christmas events in Utrecht 2026
- Dates: The Winter Station (12 December 2026 – 3 January 2027), Utrecht Lumen (until 29 March 2027)
- 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 12 December 2026 and 3 January 2027. 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 2026
WinterWelVaart 2026
- Dates: 11 – 13 December 2026
- Location: Hoge & Lage der A Canals, Groningen
On the weekend of 11 – 13 December 2026, a special event will be organised in Groningen. Old charter ships will fill the canal and 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, 2026 will be the year of the best and largest Dutch Christmas Markets. This guide to the Christmas markets in the Netherlands in 2026 will help you find some 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!
Cover photo by redcharlie on Unsplash