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Christmas markets in the Netherlands: winter that glows from within.




In the Netherlands, winter arrives softly: first, Sinterklaas, the smell of cinnamon and fresh waffles, then candles in the windows, outdoor skating rinks, and those same lights that make you want to slow down. This is December, which has room for both childish delight and the quiet happiness of an adult with a cup of mulled wine.

I've compiled a list of the most beautiful Christmas markets of 2025 for you – with short routes, cozy stops, and addresses where you can sleep comfortably and have a leisurely breakfast.

Maastricht - a winter wonderland at the Vrijthof

November 29, 2025 – December 30, 2025

Vrijthof Square transforms into a sparkling kaleidoscope: a Ferris wheel over red rooftops, an ice rink, wooden chalets with woolen mittens and handmade ceramics. It's best to linger here: sip hot chocolate, eat a poffertje with powder, and simply watch the people.

Where to live nearby:

• Leonardo Boutique Hotel Maastricht City Center — a step to the train station and a short walk to the fair. Rooms that smell of fresh linens and breakfast.

Valkenburg – an underground Christmas in the marl caves

November 14, 2025 – December 30, 2025

Here, Christmas lives underground: warm stone corridors hold nativity scenes, lights, and stalls selling delicacies. Outside, an evening parade takes place. It's as if the city holds a secret it only shares in winter.

Convenient base: • Stay in Maastricht and arrive by train/bus (15-20 minutes). → Insert link to the same Leonardo Boutique Hotel Maastricht City Center

Amsterdam - Lights, Ice and the Festival of Lights

At Museumplein, children are swept away by the ice rink, and adults by the mulled wine stalls. Between the Jordaan and De Pijp, small local markets flare up, and in the evening, the canals are illuminated by the art installations of the Festival of Lights. You walk across the bridges and catch reflections like postcards.

Where to stay:

• Leonardo Amsterdam City Center — convenient for museums and skating rinks.

• Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel Amsterdam — for those who love aesthetics and silence.

Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam — space and the metro are close by.

• Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark – for panoramic views.→

Gouda bij Kaarslicht - Gouda by candlelight

December 12, 2025

One night when the entire city breathes light. Thousands of candles reflect in glass and stone, a choir sings in the square, a huge Christmas tree twinkles near the 15th-century town hall. And even the cheese seems more festive than usual.

A base by the sea and in the city: • Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade – between the center and the beach, convenient for getting to Gouda. • Leonardo The Hague City Center – steps to shops and Christmas lights. → Insert links

The Hague – A Royal Christmas on the Lange Voorhout

December 4, 2025 – December 23, 2025

A sophisticated, elegant market in a historic alley: chalets selling artisanal gifts, candles, carols, and a feeling almost like a movie. Afterwards, tea in a cozy bar and a stroll to the sea in Scheveningen.

Where to live beautifully:

Dordrecht is one of the largest Christmas markets in the country.

December 13, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Over 200 chalets, a river, historic facades, music, and endless gift ideas. Perfect for strolls with a camera and a leisurely day without plans.

Convenient bases nearby:

Little joys that will make your trip better

  • Take warmer gloves with you (the metal on the photo equipment is icy).

  • Try the local specialties: oliebollen , poffertje , hot chocolate with orange zest.

  • In the evenings, choose dim streets with garlands—they'll take the most atmospheric shots.

  • If you're traveling by train, leave your luggage in the lockers at train stations—it's convenient, safe, and saves you energy for long walks.

Wherever you stay, choose warmth

A holiday isn't just about lights, it's about the feeling of home: fresh sheets, a hot shower, early coffee, and a late breakfast. That's why I love Leonardo—for its comfort without unnecessary pomp and addresses that are right on the mark.

If you've been to one of these fairs, tell me what kind of music you heard there and what your mug smelled like. I'll keep it in mind—and maybe even on my next December itinerary.

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