When: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025

If you visit Amsterdam at Christmas, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to festive activities. Holland's capital has beautiful Christmas markets brimming with traditional culinary treats, arts and crafts and exciting activities.

Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the city's biggest market, with the RAI Convention Centre turning into a winter wonderland. Enjoy seasonal parties, indoor and outdoor ice rinks and a Ferris wheel offering breathtaking city views. You’ll also find several other markets, such as the Funky Xmas Market, Pure Markt Wintermarkt and Ice* Amsterdam. For a unique experience, consider taking a guided Winter Walk that shows you the city centre, the Nine Streets, and the Jordaan District during the most cosy months of the year.

When: Typically during December

With a prime location and rich cultural heritage, Rotterdam is a must-visit city, and its Winter Fair is sure to get you in the festive spirit. Held at the Ahoy Convention Centre, it showcases local sellers' goods and culinary treats, including a Rotterdam staple, kapsalon (a layer of French fries topped with gyro meat and covered in cheese).

When: 16th November – 29th December 2024

Enjoy a unique experience at Valkenburg Christmas Market. This charming village in the southern province of Limburg hosts some of the country's best markets. Explore the underground Christmas wonders in the Velvet and Municipal caves, adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering decorations. The Wilhelmina Caves are home to spectacular sand sculptures depicting the nativity scene. If you want to sample Valkenburg's local specialities, try the Christmas culinary walk!

When: 13th – 31st December 2024

Dordrecht Christmas Market is the country's biggest festive market, with over 300 stands stretching for two miles. The stalls sell everything from handmade souvenirs, clothing and accessories to culinary delights. Whether you want to try your skills at ice skating or keep warm with a glass of mulled wine, Dordrecht turns into a fairy tale at Christmas.

When: 13th – 15th December 2024

Quintessentially European, Haarlem Christmas Market is a must if you're visiting Holland at Christmas. The Swiss-style wooden chalets take over the main square, selling local goods. The imposing Christmas tree dominates the scene while lighting up Haarlem's impressive Grote Kerk – a spectacular church. There is no better place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and enjoy a sing-along than Haarlem. Remember, the market is only held over one weekend in December, so you need to be quick if you want to taste the action!

When: 28th November – 30th December 2024

Sitting at the border with Belgium, Maastricht is a picturesque city in southern Holland. Its Christmas markets are held at Vrijthof square and are nothing short of spectacular. Beautiful decorations adorn every building, while the main square is filled with Alpine-inspired chalets. There's also an ice rink and a Ferris wheel offering picture-perfect views of the Meuse River.

When: 5th December – 23rd December 2024

The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague is one of the best Christmas markets in Holland, and it's easy to see why. The fair is located in the historic city centre, a stone's throw from Binnenhof and Noordeinde Palace. It offers an exciting activity schedule, including Christmas actors, children's choirs and other cultural activities.

Winter is a magical time to visit Holland. Streets and shop windows come alive with beautiful lights, and the whole country embraces the whimsy and wonder of the festive season. Visit Holland to enjoy a huge array of wintery activities, from strolling around festive markets to gliding across outdoor ice rinks.

If the weather isn't on your side or you're looking for a place to warm up, Holland is home to plenty of spectacular museums. From the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to the Mauritshuis in The Hague, you can enjoy beautiful art and culture anywhere in Holland throughout winter.