Christmas is really a magical season across Europe and the Netherlands is no different. Here’s helpful tips for the very best Christmas markets in the Netherlands.
One of the best reasons for living in Amsterdam is easy use of some of Europe's most famous Christmas markets. Between Germany and also the Netherlands, there are many places to select from for any magically festive celebration. We've collected our favourites for you personally here.
Amsterdam
There's plenty of chance to do this during holidays with Christmas markets at Leidseplein and Koningsplein. The ever-popular Funky Xmas Market is back at Westergasfabriek 22 -23 December showcasing plenty of local foodies and homemade crafts. For last-minute gifts and food treats, check out Park Frankendael for Puremarkt.
The Netherlands
Keukenhof
Castle Keukenhof in Lisse plays host towards the christmas market at the begining of December. The programme includes a circus, meeting santa, Christmas stories and plenty of local vendors and plenty of family friendly activities.
It takes just 40 minutes by car to reach Castle Keukenhof from Amsterdam. If you're using trains and buses you are able to take a train to Nieuw-Vennep, Leiden or even the Hague and take a bus after that to the castle. Find out more information here.
Maastricht
Located on the Vrijthof, Maastricht's charming christmas market features lots of stalls, an skating rink and carousel. With gluhwein and oliebollen galore, you will have a great time here.
Reaching Maastricht by car takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Travelling by train takes about 2 hours Half an hour on IC. Look into the NS website for details.
Valkenburg
Christmas markets in Germany
K”oln (Cologne)
Perhaps the most popular of Germany's christmas markets, Cologne offers a number of different markets spread all through the city in the beautiful Old Market in front of the Town Hall towards the Market of Fairytales around the Rudolfplatz. Cologne attracts a large number of people to its markets, therefore we advise to go to throughout the week when it's less busy.
Cologne is around two hours and 40 minute drive from Amsterdam. You can also go ahead and take ICE train straight through, that takes the same amount of time.
Aachen
Aachen is really a 2.5 hour drive from Amsterdam. Alternatively, it may be reached by get trained in 3.5 hours, with two changes. Check the NS website for more information.
Osnabrück
Children can meet Santa Klaus every day at 16:00 at the Osnabrück market. Try Osnabrück's own K”asegriller sausage and tuck into Dutch poffertjes while you wander the marketplace. It is set round the town hall, Marienkirche and the Cathedral.
You can reach Osnabrück in 2.5 hours by car or perhaps in 3.5 hours by IC train.
