Christmas Markets in the Netherlands: Maastricht and Dordrecht

The Netherlands also provide for the pre-Christmas period with its Christmas markets to shop for decorations, sweets and gifts. The largest are those of Maastricht and Dordrecht, that for the period before Christmas become real party places with music and lights.

From November 30 to January 1, the city of Maastricht is home to Magical Maastricht and its center is transformed into a magical place just between Christmas markets, lights curated by artists and cultural and musical events. Christmas centerpiece event is Vrijthof, where in addition to the many stalls there is also an ice skating rink. The opening hours of markets, special events, special openings planned for shopping and special cultural programs can be found at their official website.

However, it is not until December 14 for the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands to open. This is one of Dordrecht, near Rotterdam, the annual festival of three days which will end on December 16. Over 2.5 kilometers and more than 200 stalls occupy every year, the center and the port of the city along with eateries where you can taste and enjoy entertainment gospel choirs, bands, soloists and orchestras. Dried fruit, chocolate specialties, hot drinks, fresh juices, waffles with cream, apple fritters, ornaments, handmade jewelry are just some of the products available on the stalls of Dordrecht.

Christmas photos: Niquitin, Patrick Ahles, Wim Roebroek, Roger Opbroek.