Top Places to Celebrate Christmas in Netherlands: Best Christmas Markets & Events for UK Tourists
Christmas in Netherlands is a magical event filled with festive markets and events that outshine the city. From skating in the Utrecht winter station to the beautiful royal Christmas fair in the Hague, there is no end to the holiday season. UK tourists can make it to the events and attend the festivals in the Netherlands, as it is a short trip from the cities, making it an ideal getaway for them.
Let us dive into seeing the local markets and festivals with your Netherlands tourist visa from UK.
Explore Markets during Christmas in Netherlands
During Christmas, people ponder where to celebrate Christmas in the Netherlands 2025. Don’t worry, let us explore the major Dutch Christmas markets and how you can enjoy your time there.
1- Christmas market Amsterdam (Ice Amsterdam)
People who want to celebrate can spend the perfect Christmas weekend in Amsterdam, at the Christmas market, as every year, Museumplein changes into a cute winter village when ice Amsterdam makes their way during Christmas time on the square in front of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
What to expect:
- Christmas shopping in the cosy winter chalets.
- Enjoy the live entertainment and all the lovely comfort food.
- Step into the ice rink to enjoy ice skating.
Itinerary for the trip to Amsterdam
- Check out all the top things to do in Amsterdam.
- Book your hotel on time, as winter is a popular time of year to visit.
- Take an Amsterdam city card for free transport and access to all the top sights.
- Make sure UK residents have their Netherlands tourist visa from UK.
Note- If you are planning on going to the Netherlands to experience the markets, make sure to get your Netherlands Schengen visa from UK. For that, apply at least 30 days before your departure.
2- Zaandam
The Christmas in Netherlands at Zaandam is also known as Zaanse Dickens Market, where Charles Dickens’ A Christmas market comes to life at the old Verkade factory. Simultaneously, you get to experience the 19th century and the market stalls, warm food, and drinks. Simultaneously, take a ride in the Ferris wheel, dice around the ice rink, and gather close to the giant Christmas tree. Visit the Christmas market in the Netherlands in the second and third weeks of December. To do so, make sure to get your Netherlands Schengen visa from UK to experience the festival with your loved ones.
What to expect:
- Christmas market at the old verkade factory.
- Nostalgic Ferris wheel around the ice rink.
- Visit the Christmas market in the Netherlands.
Itinerary for the trip to Zandaam:
- Zaanstad is a short train ride from Amsterdam.
- Stay at the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam, as it is known to be one of the coolest hotels in the area.
- While visiting the Zaandam Christmas market, you can go to the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans.
3- Utrecht
Christmas in Netherlands at Utrecht is a one-day event, where the city hosts one of the best European Christmas markets known as the Molen de Ster. The market is packed with over 45 stalls with unique and local finds. It is a place where handmade holiday gifts are made.
What to expect:
- Festive atmosphere with Christmas lights and seasonal carols with treats such as Oliebollen(Dutch doughnuts) and mulled wine.
- Utrecht’s oldest shopping street, named Twijnstraat aan de Oudegracht, is transformed into a shopping fair for the festival.
- Discover the magical evening light route through the city’s historic sites.
- Discovering the Dom Tower, known as the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, for its beautiful winter views over the city.
Itinerary for the trip to Utrecht:
- Utrecht is a short train ride from Amsterdam.
- Stay at the Grand Hotel Karel V, which is within walking distance of Oudegracht and markets.
- While visiting the Christmas market, you can go to the famous museum named Speelklok for its charm and concerts around that time. Don’t forget to get your netherland Schengen tourist visa to experience Christmas in Utrecht.
4- The Hague’s Royal Christmas Fair
It is known to be one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful Christmas markets that is planned to take place at the centre of The Hague from December 4th to December 23rd, 2025, available from 12 noon to 21:00 hrs. In addition, the market will bring you one of the family-friendly Christmas markets in Netherlands with twinkling lights and well-known Christmas songs.
What to expect:
- Special bars, namely bar Berlin and bar Düsseldorf, are some to add to the fun of the festival drinking.
- Enjoy shopping for great gifts while sipping hot chocolate on Lange Voorhout.
- The festival setting includes multiple wooden chalets designed in the style of huts.
Itinerary for the trip to The Hague’s Royal Christmas Fair
- Stay at the Hotel des Indes, which is within walking distance of Lange Voorhout.
- The fair is a short distance from Utrecht.
- Visit the Mauritshuis museum, which is a 5-minute walk from the fair. Moreover, experience all that and more with your Netherlands Schengen visa from UK.
Christmas events for UK tourists to celebrate in the Netherlands
Amsterdam Light Festival
It is one of the annual christmas events in amsterdam 2025 that is planned to have its 14th edition from 27th November 2025 to 18th January 2026. In addition, the theme for the festival is “legacy” where artists, designers, and architects showcase light installations and artworks around the city. The work of the artists can be seen along canals, buildings, bridges, and other public squares.
The event starts from 5 pm and on Sunday to Tuesday the lights are on until 22:00 and from Wednesday to Saturday the lights are open till 23:00.
What to expect:
- 27 artworks are included in the 2025-26, including light effects, sculptures, and other attractive artworks.
- There is a mapped route that you can follow to see the installations.
- If you come across any trouble, the festival has an app that can help you with navigation.
Candle lit gouda
This event is known to be one of the oldest and beloved light festivals during Christmas in Netherlands. It decorates the city of Gouda into a magical scene of candlelight, musical performances, and other shows.
What to expect:
- Thousands of candles lit behind the windows of the Town Hall, which attracts many UK residents and UK citizens simultaneously.
- A large Christmas tree is placed in the market square, which is lit for the evening ceremony.
- Expect major crowds to gather at 7 pm; therefore, plan accordingly.
Eindhoven Glow Festival
It is also known as the GLOW Eindhoven, which is a large free light art festival that happens every year in one of the top cities in Netherlands for christmas. Simultaneously, the festival focuses on the light installations of art by national and international artists that showcase their interactive works with the help of animations, sculptures, sensor technology, etc.
Moreover, the event is planned to happen from November 8th to November 15th, 2025, from 18:30 to 23:00. The theme for the event is “the light”, celebrating and focusing on the light with the return of the past artworks
What to expect:
- Approximately 30-35 light artworks and installations in Eindhoven by national and international artists.
- There are stalls for food and drinks with cafes and restaurants known as ‘Glow Spots’ where UK residents can rest.
Winter Efteling
This is known to be the largest theme park during Christmas in Netherlands, which turns it into a magical Christmas and New Year from mid-November to early February. The park is decorated with snow pines and thousands of lights, and winter festival shows and bonfires.
What to expect:
- Expect the fairytale forest known as the Sprookjesbos to be decorated with fairy lights and winter decorations.
- Bonfires and fire pits can be expected at the park, where UK residents can warm up.
- Seasonal treats such as warm pea soup, Dutch oliebollen, and stroopwafels are offered as delicacies.
Utrecht Winter Station
This is a special event of Christmas in Netherlands that takes place at Spoorwegmuseum at the railway museum from December 20, 202,5, to January 5th, 2025. In addition, the museum is transformed into a winter wonderland decorated with lights and special festival-themed activities. The event at the museum runs from 10 am to 7 pm during one of the winter festivals in netherlands from UK.
What to expect:
- Treats like poffertjes, oliebollen, and hot chocolate, etc are offered at the event.
- The ice skating rink is set in the museum hall for vintage locomotives, including free-to-borrow skates.
- Firepits are installed where you can roast food and enjoy festive drinks.
Dickens Festijn Deventer
Christmas in Deventer is a magical event inspired by Charles Dickens’ novels that changes the old town into a 19th-century English town. Moreover, Christmas in Netherlands involves people dressed up on the streets as Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Mr Pickwick, Christmas carol singers, etc.
It is planned to hold its 33rd edition on 13th and 14th December 2025. Simultaneously, the event will run from 11 am to 5 pm.
Moreover, one of the highlighted events that is planned is the “Dickens Walk, an audio tour from 6th to 30th December that shows Dickens stories with 18 scenes and photos in Bergkwartier.
What to expect:
- Free of cost, but you should expect long queues.
- At the end of each festival day, there is a Sing Along in the Bergkerk from 17:30 to 17:45, where UK residents may come and be a part of the festival.
- Living outdoor theatre where street performances and choir singing are done to bring Dickens stories to life.
Final words
Experiencing Christmas in Netherlands is like entering into a winter fairytale. From the beautiful canal cruises Amsterdam christmas to the Hague’s royal Christmas fair, each city turns into a beautiful festive wonderland filled with markets, lights, and cultural events. The Christmas festival in Netherlands, gives a perfect mix of tradition, charm, and modern festivities all within a short flight or in other words, a Eurostar ride.
Whether you’re after unique gifts, mulled wine, or mesmerising ice rinks, celebrating Christmas in the Netherlands promises memories to last a lifetime. So, follow this UK to Netherlands Christmas travel guide for your smooth journey. So, if UK residents are planning on a festive escape, book early, and explore different regions in the Netherlands, and don’t forget to miss out the events and the best Christmas markets in netherlands for UK tourists and get your Netherlands Schengen visa from UK to experience the festivals and events.
FAQS
1- When does the Christmas season in the Netherlands start?
The Christmas in the Netherlands starts from mid-November with the arrival of Sinterklaas, and it lasts until the New Year. Simultaneously, the Christmas markets run from late November through December.
2- What is the temperature during Christmas in Netherlands?
The temperature ranges from 2 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. There is a possibility of snow around that time due to the season. Expect frosty mornings and festive lights reflecting on the cobblestones.
3- What are the 3 magical Christmas markets in the Netherlands?
The 3 magical Christmas markets in the Netherlands are Haarlem, The Hague, and Leiden.
4- Can UK residents easily travel to the Netherlands for Christmas?
Yes, UK residents can easily travel to the Netherlands due to the frequent flights and direct Eurostar trains from London to Amsterdam, making the Netherlands one of the easiest accessible getaways for the holidays.
5- How should a UK resident apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa if they are planning on visiting there?
To attend the Christmas events in the Netherlands and experience the Christmas markets, you must:
- Fill the form for the Netherlands Schengen visa and submit it.
- Our experts will contact you to book your Netherlands visa from the UK at the visa centre.
- Visit the visa centre with all the necessary documents to get them verified.
Get your Netherlands tourist visa from UK with your passport via post. So why wait? APPLY NOW!
