It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas. If you want to get into the festive spirit, visit one of these 11 events!
Christmas Town Valkenburg (18 November - 8 January)
This is one of the most famous and special Dutch Christmas fairs and takes place every winter in the town of Valkenburg in the province of Limburg. If you're not a fan of small, dark spaces, you might want to skip this fair, as Christmas Town is held in Valkenburg's famous caves. Don't think that this makes the fair dark and dodgy, quite the opposite! The decor is transformed by all the twinkling lights and magical decorations, and the fact that it's held indoors makes it the perfect place to spend the day sheltered from the unpredictable Dutch weather.
Christmas Market in Haarlem (9 -11 December)
After a 2-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, this beloved Christmas fair returns! The Christmas Market in Haarlem is one of the largest and liveliest fairs in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and features more than 300 stalls, interspersed with various choirs performing your favourite Christmas songs.
Ice Village Amsterdam (14 - 26 December 2022)
The hugely popular Ice Village Christmas fair will return to the Dutch capital this winter. The fair features dozens of stalls where you can find both gifts for loved ones and delicious food and drinks.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise (15 December - 1 January)
Another popular event in the Dutch capital at Christmas time is the Amsterdam Winter Paradise, which is held annually at RAI Amsterdam and where you can find everything Christmas-related. Imagine a Ferris wheel, a winter wonderland covered in artificial snow, a giant ice rink and all sorts of food and drink!
Winter Fair Ahoy (14 - 18 December)
Winter Fair Ahoy only lasts a few days, which means that the event organisers make sure that the festive atmosphere is as enjoyable as possible! The event takes place at the Ahoy arena in Rotterdam and is the perfect place to have some festive fun or to buy some lovely decorations to give your home a festive feel during the winter holidays.
Magical Maastricht (1 - 30 December)
Magical Maastricht is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most impressive events mentioned in this list and certainly one of the most famous Christmas fairs. Visit Maastricht in December and experience what it's like to be swept up in the Christmas atmosphere. Stalls with all kinds of products, some cosy chalets, a Ferris wheel and a carousel, what more could you want?
Royal Christmas Fair (8 - 23 December)
Held every winter in The Hague, this fair will bring some class to your winter celebrations. The event takes over the city centre, turning it into a charming and romantic fair with over 100 stalls, plenty of traditional German food and all sorts of activities to keep the whole family in good spirits.
Dickens Festival (10 - 11 December)
Are you looking for something both classic and kitsch this winter holiday season? Then don't miss the Dickens Festival in Deventer (a town near Apeldoorn). For one weekend the whole town is besieged with everything reminiscent of Dickens, making you feel like you've stepped back in time and can experience Christmas as it was in 19th century England.
Castle Christmas Fair (17 - 20 November)
Like the Dickens Festival, this fair offers its visitors something truly magical. Every year, the Beeckstijn countryside (on the outskirts of Haarlem) hosts an extravagant series of exclusive events (anything from fashion shows to musical performances) as well as cute stalls selling various Christmas products.
Archeon Midwinter Fair (10 - 11 December)
And this Christmas fair has a historic atmosphere and is ideal for anyone with children! This year, the Midwinter Fair at the Archeon Museum goes back to the origins of Christmas traditions in modern times, celebrating all things Christmas under a Renaissance theme. There are a few stalls, but also lots of activities, exhibitions, worshops and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Gouda bij Candlelight, 16 December
Last but not least, Gouda by Candlelight isn't technically a Christmas fair, but it's definitely a Christmasy way to spend a December evening. For one night, Gouda will be lit by thousands of candles as the town prepares for the holidays. You can't do much shopping, but there will be food and drink stalls and you can take in a magical concert in one of the town's many churches.
Are you already in the mood for Christmas? Whether you're planning to make a quick stop at a local fair, or you're planning to book a weekend away to make the most of a particular event, it's worth visiting at least one of these Dutch Christmas fairs.
Happy Holidays!
(translation from English Magda Mincu)
Source: 11 best Christmas markets to visit in the Netherlands in 2022 (iamexpat.nl)
