When the holiday season comes around, few places capture the magic of Christmas quite like Maastricht. Nestled in the southern part of the Netherlands, Maastricht transforms into a winter wonderland every December, drawing in locals and visitors alike to experience its iconic Christmas market.
If you’re planning a holiday trip or are looking for a truly European Christmas experience, the Maastricht Christmas Market should be on your list. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
A Festive Guide to the Maastricht Christmas Market: Why You Should Go and What to Expect
The Christmas markets originated in Germany, Austria, the South Tyrol and Alsace, but they have now spread throughout Europe and between the end of November and the end of December, you can shop for local arts and crafts, drink mulled wine, eat local specialities and soak up the festive atmosphere at one of many ‘Christkindlmarkts’.
Whilst Germany, Belgium and Austria are perhaps the most well-known Christmas markets, with markets such as Aachen, Berlin, Nuremberg, Brussels, Antwerp, Vienna and Salzburg, some of the lesser known markets, such as Maastricht in Holland are also well worth a visit.
Maastricht is the capital of the Dutch province of Limburg and this small city becomes transformed at this time of year with Christmas markets and ice-skating all under the collective title of ‘Magical Maastricht‘.
This is a small but atmospheric Christmas market, which is convenient for visitors to explore on foot. You can combine a trip to the markets with visiting the old town, shopping, eating local specialities and skating on the temporary ice-rink that is put up in the Vrijthof square for the duration of the market. There are also some festive attractions unique to the city such as the ‘Festival of Lights’.
Why Visit the Maastricht Christmas Market?
Maastricht’s Christmas market stands out for its enchanting setting, warm atmosphere, and rich festive spirit. The historic city, with its beautiful cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, becomes a sparkling wonderland of twinkling lights, cozy wooden stalls, and joyful carolers. Here are a few compelling reasons to make the trip:
Fairytale Atmosphere: Maastricht’s old-world charm is magnified during the holiday season. The city is beautifully illuminated, and the market, centered around Vrijthof Square, feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook.
Rich Holiday Traditions: From classic carousels to ice skating and traditional Dutch treats, the Maastricht Christmas Market celebrates the best of local and European holiday traditions.
Unique Shopping Experience: The market is a treasure trove of artisan crafts, festive decorations, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you’re looking for handmade ornaments or special holiday trinkets, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect at the Maastricht Christmas Market
The Maastricht Christmas Market is a sensory delight, offering a mix of festive entertainment, delicious food, and shopping opportunities. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Stalls and Shopping: The market features over 50 cozy wooden chalets selling everything from handcrafted gifts to festive decorations and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to shop for unique Christmas presents and souvenirs. Expect to find handmade candles, jewelry, festive wreaths, and beautifully crafted ornaments.
Ice Skating Rink: One of the highlights of the market is the large covered ice skating rink at Vrijthof Square. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
Ferris Wheel: For breathtaking panoramic views of the city, don’t miss the Ferris wheel. The sight of the sparkling market from above is unforgettable and makes for fantastic photo opportunities.
Live Music and Entertainment: Throughout the market, you’ll find live music performances, street entertainers, and festive activities that add to the holiday spirit. Carolers, musicians, and dancers often perform, creating a joyful, festive ambiance.
What else to do in Maastricht
Visit the old town
The historic town centre is easy for visitors to explore on foot, and Maastricht also has many historic highlights, such as the ‘Basilica of Our Lady’ and the ‘Basilica of Saint Servatius’.
The ‘Basilica of Our Lady’ (which can be found in Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein) is a renowned Roman catholic basilica dating back to the 11th century. There are plenty of outdoor cafés in the square where you can take a break and admire the lights from the 200 mistletoe-shaped lamps in the trees.
The ‘Basilica of St. Servatius’, which is located on the famous Vrijthof Square, is dedicated to Saint Servatius, an Armenian missionary who died in Maastricht in 384, and the saint’s relics are kept in a box, which is on display in the Treasury of Saint Servatius Church.
Enjoy the Festival of light
During the festive period countless artists are given the opportunity to decorate the city with their own unique light projects and the ‘magical light route’ connects all the squares, streets and alleys in the historic old town.
Shopping in Maastricht
Numerous artisan stalls make up the Christmas markets, but you can also find a range of shops in the ‘Jekerkwartier’ neighbourhood, and if the weather is disappointing there are a range of indoor shopping options in department stores or shopping centres.
One of the best known department stores is ‘De Bijenkorf (Achter het Vleeschhuis 26), which stocks many well-known fashion, furniture and perfume brands. For further information, have a look at their website
The Entre Deux Shopping centre is located between the ‘Vrijthof’ and ‘Markt’ and has a range of fashion, beauty, sport and toy shops, as well as a brasserie. You can find out more here
Finally, the ‘Mosae Forum’ lies between the ‘Markt’ and ‘Maasboulevard’ and this covered shopping centre houses various shops and also restaurants. Have a look at their site for further information.
Ice-skating and amusements
Besides a great many stalls there is also a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a temporary ice skating rink in the ‘Vrijthof’ square, so you can soak up the wonderful Christmas atmosphere while skating around.
Best Food and Drinks to Try
No Christmas market experience is complete without savoring the delicious food and drinks. Maastricht’s market is no exception, offering a mouth-watering array of festive treats:
Chocolate and Speculaas: Maastricht is known for its decadent chocolate treats and speculaas (spiced cookies). Pick up some chocolate truffles or gingerbread-like cookies to enjoy or take home as holiday gifts.
Oliebollen: A Dutch Christmas staple, oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar. They’re warm, comforting, and a must-try while you’re strolling through the market.
Glühwein: Keep warm with a glass of glühwein, a traditional mulled wine made with red wine, spices, and a touch of citrus. The fragrant aroma alone will draw you to one of the many stalls serving this festive drink.
Dutch Waffles and Poffertjes: Indulge in freshly made Dutch waffles, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, or try poffertjes—tiny, fluffy pancakes served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of butter.
Savory Dutch Snacks: For something savory, try traditional Dutch sausages or a warm bowl of snert (Dutch pea soup). These hearty treats are perfect for keeping you energized while you explore the market.
Practical information about The Maastricht Christmas Market.
The Maastricht Christmas market takes place from 28 November until 30 December 2024 in Maastricht.
Helpful Tips for Visiting the Maastricht Christmas Market
Timing: The market typically opens from late November to late December, so plan your visit accordingly. Early evenings are particularly magical, as the lights come on and the market is bustling with activity.
Dress Warmly: Maastricht can be quite cold in December, so dress in layers and bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and a hat. Comfortable shoes are also essential for navigating the cobbled streets and spending hours exploring.
Public Transportation: Maastricht is well-connected by train, and the Christmas market is within walking distance from the main station. If you’re traveling from nearby cities, taking the train can be a stress-free and convenient option.
Explore Beyond the Market: While the Christmas market is the main attraction, don’t miss out on exploring the rest of Maastricht. The city’s historic architecture, charming boutiques, and delicious restaurants make it a wonderful destination any time of year.
Book Accommodations Early: Maastricht is a popular destination during the holiday season, and accommodations can fill up quickly. Book your hotel well in advance to secure a good spot near the market. Have a look below for places to stay.
Booking.comI hope you enjoyed this feature about the Maastricht Christmas Market, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.
I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post,
With love,
I would love to visit the Netherlands during the holidays! It sounds so magical!
Jill – Doused in Pink
It really is magical but Europe has so many beautiful Christmas Markets that it’s hard to choose a favourite!
This looks so magical! I really want to try the Dutch pancakes now!
They are delicious! We love going to the Christmas Markets, and we really enjoyed the Maastricht one xo
Hello, Julia,
I’m not planning to visit that city in Holland, but I loved hearing about its famous Christmas markets!
Have a lovely Sunday!
xoxo
http://www.marisasclosetblog.com
Thanks Marisa! I loved Maastricht and the Christmas markets are so fun!