Valkenburg Christmas Market Dates
November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Valkenburg Christmas Market Locations
Valkenburg, in the Netherlands is about at the midway point between Brussels, Belgium and Cologne, Germany. And while it feels out of the way, its reasonable proximity to other popular destinations, and the fact that it is over-the-top stunning, means it deserves to be a destination in its own right!
The Christmas markets are spread throughout the town. The town center’s surrounding streets bordering picturesque canals are lined with adorable wooden chalets selling everything from handmade crafts, to home decor, and fabulous Dutch treats.
But the main attractions for which Valkenburg Christmas is famous are the underground markets, taking place inside the town’s historic limestone caves. These unique settings offer a truly enchanting experience, complete with twinkling lights illuminating the cave walls, dozens of underground trees and plenty of photo op locations.
They Call it Christmas Town for a Reason!
When European Christmas markets spring to mind, the Netherlands isn’t usually top of the list, but here’s why it should be! The city of Valkenburg utterly transforms itself from mid-November until the 12th day of Christmas (January 6) into an absolute wonderland of Christmas festivities – both above and underground!
They boldly proclaim themselves “Christmas Town” and it absolutely lives up to the hype – from the illuminated Christmas caves to the canals reflecting the shimmering lights above, to the parades through the streets, the Dutch love Christmas to their cores, and it shows!
How Valkenburg’s History Created a Unique Christmas Experience
Valkenberg’s story is deeply intertwined with its remarkable and unique geology! The town sits in a region rich in limestone, which has shaped its history and architecture.
The Romans, skilled engineers and builders, were drawn to this area two thousand years ago for its abundant limestone, and quarried the stone to construct roads, bridges, and the foundations of their early settlements. Even in the Middle Ages, limestone continued to be used as the primary building material in the area. The town’s fortifications, including Valkenburg Castle, were constructed largely of this stone. And the underground cellars where the stone was quarried offered protection, strategic defense, and storage space.
During World War II, the town suffered significant damage from bombing. The soft limestone that had become the town’s hallmark, crumbled under the force of the explosions, leaving many buildings in ruins. Residents of Valkenburg and American troops were, however, able to use the extensive cave system to keep safe from the carnage overhead.
Today, some of the restored buildings retain their original limestone facades, and new construction in Valkenburg often incorporates limestone as a homage to the town’s history. The underground caves, some of which were quarried by the Romans, now host events, including Christmas markets!
Valkenburg Christmas Dazzles the Senses!
Valkenburg is truly filled with all the sights, sounds, and smells of a beautifully traditional Christmas. Not a corner of the town center is bare. Everywhere you’ll see trees, lights, huge illuminated decorations, greenery, color-washed buildings, restaurants with outdoor seating and patrons bundled up enjoying a hearty stew, or a hot mulled wine, laughing with friends, and people watching.
There are Santas and old-time carolers, adorable shops with antiques and gifts, all on a stage set hundreds of years ago with old limestone walls, canals, towers, and quaint buildings.
Food and Drink
A visit to Valkenburg Christmas markets is a culinary adventure, so buckle up! The aroma of baked goods and spiced wine fill the air, mingling with the amazing smells emerging from a whole host of international and local restaurants all along the main street.
Indulge in traditional Dutch delicacies such as oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls, often filled with raisins or apples, and dusted with powdered sugar), poffertjes (delicious fluffy mini pancakes), and the culinary piΓ¨ce de la resistance – stroopwafels (warm thin waffles stuck together with caramel and eaten like a cookie). And if you’ve never browsed a Dutch bakery – they are legendary.
For heartier fare, try erwtensoep (pea soup) or stamppot (mashed potatos with sausage), and fried potatoes of all kinds. Along the street you can get Italian, tapas, Argentinian steak, and much more. And of course, no Christmas market is complete without a cup of hot mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep you cozy.
The Valkenburg Christmas Market Caves
Accessibility
Yes, they really are in caves! But you won’t have to go down lots of stairs because the caves tunnel straight into the side of a mountain so they are actually very easy to navigate.
As you might imagine, controlling the traffic through the cave markets is important, so unlike most Christmas markets, you will have to buy timed tickets to enter. Tickets go on sale at the Christmas Town website so you’ll want to be on top of that so you get the day and time you want. Once you are inside the cave, you can stay as long as you’d like, so don’t worry – you won’t feel rushed!
Shopping and Food
The cave markets can feel a little bit more commercial in terms of the wares they offer, but they are absolutely worth the visit for the ambiance, the history, the photos, and the experience itself.
You’ll also find some food and beverage choices in the caves, but logistics makes it more difficult to do food service so they are located towards the end of the experience, closer to the exits.
Cave Art
All kinds of interesting art and sculpture awaits you in the caves as well. It’s all part of the caves’ rich history and there are usually placards to explain what you’re looking at. From folk tales, to dinosaurs, to religious iconography, to hundreds of years of ‘graffiti’ – it all tells a story. There’s even a whole chapel carved into the stone. And as you can imagine, with all that limestone, there were plenty of marine fossils to be found during excavation, and you can see some of those in a glass case as well.
Atmosphere
And if the thought of caves creeps you out, the Valkenburg caves will dispel all those feelings. There’s something really magical about this incredible underground Christmas creation. You know that feeling when you turn off all the lights in the room except for the Christmas tree? It’s like that only it goes on forever!
*Also, the caves are open all year long, and you can go tour them outside the Christmas season if you want to learn about their fascinating history. The Municipal cave also has an option where you can take the guided tour in a little train which would be great for those who need greater accessibility.
The Municipal Cave (Gemeentegrot)
The Municipal Cave hosts the largest underground market in all of Europe! If you only do one cave market, make it this one. It’s huge with many big open spaces, and even a bar. Tickets are β¬9 each.
See the market schedule for the Municipal Cave and reserve tickets
The Velvet Cave (Fluweelengrot)
The Velvet Cave probably originated in the 11th or 12th century and is intimately connected with the castle ruins overhead, serving as an escape route.
This cave is slightly smaller with a different personality than the Municipal Cave, but also full of photo ops and cool Christmas decorations. We did both cave markets and were glad we did! Tickets are β¬10 each.
See the market schedule for the Velvet Cave and reserve tickets
Finding the Treasures at Valkenburg Christmas Market
All of Christmas Town is very walkable, and the main attractions are all centrally located in the city.
Santa’s Village
Above ground by the canals in the little wooden chalets you’ll find handmade crafts, including wooden toys, leathergoods, knitwear, ceramics, and jewelry. You’ll also find traditional Dutch products such as clogs, pottery, and cheeses! There’s some great street food too, like sausages and fries, and a slew of baked goods! Santa even has a bar where you can rest and have a mug of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or beer.
There’s even a shop in the city center that makes unique and personalized gifts to remind you of the unique character of the town. My husband bought us a heart made of the local stone, and a man in the shop carved our initials in it right there! A truly sentimental keepsake of our amazing experiance.
Christmas Events
Valkenberg’s Christmas celebrations extend beyond just markets. The town comes alive with festive parades, live music performances including old-time carolers, ice skating rinks, and other family-friendly activities.
The Landal Christmas Parade
The Christmas parade is peak holiday cheer! The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, scads of adorable children, beautiful costumes, Santa Claus at the end in his red and white suit, and then ‘Sinterklaas’ or Saint Nicholas in the local traditional blue and white.
You can enjoy the Christmas parade every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00pm, and every Saturday from 7:30-9:30pm.
Parade Route: Poststraat, Dr. Erensstraat, St. Pieterstraat, Walramplein, Hovetstraat, Berkelstraat, Grotestraat. The parade takes about half an hour to pass.
You can watch the parade from any of the restaurants along the route, or from the public viewing areas at Pelerinstraat, Dr. Erensplein, and Walramplein. The most room will be at the end of the parade route.
This event is free, and you really shouldn’t miss it!
The Christmas Cave (MergelRijk)
There’s no shopping in this cave, but you have to go to check out the 75-foot long diorama of the Christmas story! You’ll see miniature villages, sculptures made from the limestone, sand sculptures and more! This cave does have a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Unlike the other caves, you can bring a dog to this one, as long as they are on a leash.
*This event requires a ticket which you can order at the link and cost
Amusement Park (Kabelbann)
Now, don’t think Disneyland or roller coasters – this ‘Amusement Park’ will allow you to experience “the Christmas manger” and a ride on the cable car. You’ll see the Wilhelmina quarry with its limestone nativity scene, and at the top of the hill is the Wilhelmina Tower and the region’s largest illuminated Christmas tree.
There’s a small Christmas market here, open on the weekends, and if the weather allows, you can go tobogganing or play mini-golf! There’s also curling, bouncing, and laser games.
This event requires a ticket which you can order at the link and costs β¬8,50. Note that when the market is busy on weekends, the wait can reach up to an hour so plan accordingly!
Valkenberg Christmas Market Pro-Tips
π Plan ahead!
This is my biggest tip for this market. Many events require tickets, and they will sell out at some times on some days. Hotels near Christmas Town will also fill up. And restaurant reservations at popular times are a must if you have your heart set on a particular place.
π¬ Air quality
If you have respiratory challenges, know that the caves do have relatively high humidity and also can be a bit dusty. I have sensitive lungs, and after several hours in the caves I felt it a little bit, but nothing major. Just be aware, if this is a real health issue for you. And even if you opt to make it a quick cave trip, or skip the caves all together, Valkenburg is still absolutely worth the trip!
π Christmas Parade
If you want to enjoy the Christmas parade from your very own table (yes this is the best dinner theater ever!) be sure to make reservations waaaay ahead of time. And specifically ask that you’d like an outside table to watch the parade.
You do not need a table to enjoy the parade, though. It takes about half an hour to pass you, and you can easily stand on the roadside and enjoy it from there. But the thing you don’t want is to have a table but be stuck on the inside of a restaurant without being able to see. So an outside table (reservations mandatory well in advance) or roadside. Either way you’ll really enjoy it!
ππ Timing
Take advantage of daylight hours to visit the cave markets because down there it always looks the same! Save the magic of the nighttime for above ground!
π΅ Cash
Definitely bring cash, since most booths are cash only. Understand the exchange rate so you’ll know what you’re spending and how much to bring. Usually the Euro is worth slightly more than the dollar. Just Google “Dollar to Euro conversion” and today’s exchange rate will pop up for you. You’ll find most things at the market to be pretty reasonably priced.
π§€What to wear
Hats, mittens or gloves, a warm coat, and a scarf will serve you well above ground, especially in the evening. Also, smartwool socks, and comfortable warm shoes or walking boots are a must! If you’re wearing sneakers, make sure they aren’t the ventilated kind.
The caves measure a constant 53 degrees F, so bring a tote bag or somewhere to shed your hat and gloves which you won’t really need there.
Check out this link for current weather conditions in Valkenburg Know what to expect before you plan your time at the market.
β Mug protocol
Mulled wine and hot chocolate will come in a cute ceramic mug, and the cost of the mug (usually a few Euros) will be included in your charge. If you want to return the mug when you’re done, you’ll be refunded the cost that you paid. Or you can keep the mug if you like!
I have an ever growing collection of Christmas market mugs, because they’re such a great inexpensive souvenir!
Why Valkenburg Christmas Market?
π§ Most Dutch people are amazingly fluent English speakers! Most signs and menus are in Dutch, German, and English. Valkenburg is also close to France and Belgium, so English acts as a unifying language at this international crossroad.
π¬ A couple Dutch words like hello (Hallo) and thank you (dank u) are nice to know, and honestly could it be easier than that? You’ll find the Dutch to be warm, friendly, and helpful, adding to the experience.
πThere’s something about Valkenburg that just takes the “festive” thing to a whole new level. It may be the amazing parade with all the kids decked out as Christmas fairytale characters, or it may be the sheer number of restaurants with outside seating and heat lamps, it may be the extra twinkle from the lights dancing around in the canals, or it may just be the warmth and friendliness of the Dutch people. But whatever that bit of Christmas magic is, you’ll find it in spades!
π ΏοΈ The parking is fairly easy with many garages, and the public transport drops you off within easy walking distance of the market. And of course there are many hotel options right in the middle of the action.
π If you’re a Christmas market aficionado, or if you just want to impress one, there’s some definite bragging rights about going to the largest Christmas cave market in Europe! It’s an experience you literally cannot get anywhere else, and its sense of wonderment, novelty, and history just can’t be beat!
πΎ The Valkenburg Christmas market above ground and the Christmas (MergelRijk) cave are dog-friendly! Just be sure your four-legged elf is on a leash and behaves well around people and activity. Sadly my dog does not qualify to go to Christmas markets, but does enjoy nappy time at the hotel! And dogs are not allowed in either of the two cave markets.
Nearby Sights to Explore
Beyond the Christmas festivities, Valkenberg and the surrounding area offer plenty to explore. The town’s historic center is home to charming buildings, shops, cafΓ©s and restaurants.
Valkenburg Castle
Right in the heart of Valkenburg are the fascinating historic remains of medieval Valkenburg Castle which was built in the 11th century, and ultimately ruined in 1672. Admission requires a ticket which you can get online, or purchase on site. There are also several flights of stairs.
The route up to the castle has some interesting old walls that are absolutely covered with graffiti carvings from hundreds of years ago to the present day, making for a fascinating piece of multi-century street art.
Once up top, you can admire the beautiful view, explore the Great Hall, the defensive towers, the old chapel, the dungeon and the artillery room. You’ll even see how escape routes led through the Velvet Cave. These passageways were not rediscovered until 1937 and served to shelter both residents of Valkenburg and US soldiers during bombing raids in World War II.
Roman Catacombs Museum
This museum is quirky and interesting, but not Roman! A man named Jan Diepen who was the son of a wealthy Dutch textile magnate became intrigues and enamored by early Christian burial sites. Of course, the catacombs of Rome particularly fascinated him. So he decided to create a mostly faithful reproduction of the catacombs right in Valkenburg in an old abandoned quarry tunnel. Apparently the Vatican was so impressed with the quality of the reproduction that they ultimately funded the final phase of the project so that the Dutch could enjoy the wonders of Rome from the comfort of home. The museum was opened to the public in 1910.
The museum is only open for one hour tours… in Dutch. So, if you don’t speak Dutch you’ll have to enjoy the sights without the benefit of the explanation. Or, you may be lucky and have a guide who can summarize for you in English as well.
Other Fun Activities
If you’re up for more fun, there are lots of organized activities in Valkenburg like escape rooms, murder mysteries, scavenger hunts, and pub trails. You definitely won’t be at a loss for things to do!
Where to Stay in Valkenburg
We needed a pet-friendly room, with parking, near to the city center, and an easy walk to the Christmas markets, and the caves. The lovely and homey Boutique Hotel Scheepers delivered on all counts!
Our room was spacious and quiet, the staff was friendly and helpful, and there was even a great breakfast! A cozy little bar next to the lobby was the cherry on the cake. The whole place was decked out for Christmas and we thoroughly enjoyed our two nights there.
Where to Eat in Valkenburg
We ate in several restaurants in Valkenburg and they were all great. But one dining experience really stood out that I have to mention – and it was breakfast!
Walking into Gasterij de Koffiemolen felt like discovering a real hidden gem. The outside is unassuming except for the pretty blue door hung with mistletoe. And inside you pass through a small shop filled with interesting vintage goods. Pass through the door on your right, and boom! You’re in the prettiest, most festive, coziest little brunch spot you’ve ever seen. It’s full of antique kitchenware and is like eating in a museum. A perfect place to warm up from a winter chill, or just sit and really relax. I only wish we hadn’t discovered it on our last day!
The service was impeccable, the staff super friendly, and my cappuccino came looking like dessert with a little square of delicious cake and whipped cream. I had the avocado toast which was heavenly.
My culinary school grad daughter ordered the goat cheese panini and had the following to say: “It was the perfect combination of light and crispy, and I loved the balance of flavor between the savory ham, sweet honey, and tangy goat cheese.” So there you have it!
Getting to Valkenburg
For details on getting to the Valkenburg Christmas market check out this great website that allows you to plug in your city of origin and destination and gives you all the ways to get to Valkenburg from wherever you are!
π Valkenburg By Train
It’s only a 13 minute walk from the train station to the Municipal Cave.
- From Brussels: 1 hour 52 minutes
- From Aachen: 33 minutes
- From Cologne: 1 hour 42 minutes
- From Maastricht: 13 minutes
π Valkenburg By Car
There are many places to park which are shown on the Christmas map above.
- From Brussels: 1 hour 24 minutes
- From Aachen: 22 minutes
- From Cologne: 54 minutes
- From Maastricht: 15 minutes
π Valkenburg By Bus
The bus will take you right to the middle of the market area.
- From Brussels: 2 hours 8 minutes
- From Aachen: 1 hour 39 minutes
- From Maastricht: 21 minutes
βοΈ Closest Airports to Valkenburg
The nearest airports to Valkenburg are Maastricht, Brussels, and Dusseldorf.
I hope you get the opportunity to experience the truly special Valkenberg Christmas market, and all of the welcoming festivities of Christmas Town. Anyone who loves the season will enjoy all this unique Dutch celebration has to offer!
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