Enchanting Christmas Markets: a guide full of wonderful tips!

Welcome to our enchanting Christmas market guide for 2026! We would love to take you on a magical journey through the atmospheric Christmas markets of South Limburg and the charming markets just across the border in Germany.

Discover the warm and festive atmosphere these markets and winter activities have to offer, with beautifully decorated stalls, delicious seasonal treats and unique handmade gifts. From picturesque Christmas markets in charming South Limburg towns to the grandeur of the markets in Aachen and Cologne, there is something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit and enjoy this wonderful tradition, with our blog as your guide!

Magical Maastricht
From 27 November 2026, Maastricht’s city centre will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, while the Vrijthof will be transformed into a festive winter village. The perfect setting for an unforgettable Christmas experience! Will you come and discover it for yourself?
Discover Magical Maastricht
Christmas Town Valkenburg
From 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, the charming town of Valkenburg will once again be transformed into a magical Christmas destination. Enjoy the countless twinkling lights, festive music and delicious seasonal treats, both above and below ground!
This year, a little extra planning is part of the anticipation, so we recommend arranging your visit in advance. Enjoy!
Discover Kerststad Valkenburg

Christmas Market in the Caves of Valkenburg

With atmospheric lights, Christmas trees, beautiful Christmas markets and, every now and then, a surprise blanket of snow, Valkenburg is filled with festive charm. If you didn’t know any better, you might think Santa Claus came from Valkenburg himself. Be sure to visit the unique underground Christmas markets!

Experience Christmas Market Valkenburg

An overview of Christmas Activities

Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot	13 november 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Valkenburg
Kerstmarkt Fluwelengrot	13 november 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Valkenburg
Kerst in Mergelrijk	13 november 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Valkenburg
Santa's Village	13 november 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Valkenburg
Christmas Parade	14 november 2026 t/m 30 december 2026 (elke zaterdag en vanaf 9 december ook elke woensdag. Met uitzondering van 5 december en 26 december)	Valkenburg
Route d'Amuse	13 november 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Valkenburg
Kribkes wandelingen	Eind november en december	Heuvelland
Wintertijd Heerlen	10 december 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Heerlen
Magisch Maastricht	27 november t/m 27 december 2026	Maastricht
Kerstmarkt Aachen	20 november t/m 23 december 2026	Aachen (DE)
Kerstmarkt Köln	16 november 2026 t/m 10 januari 2027	Köln (DE)
Kerstmarkt Düsseldorf	20 november t/m 30 december 2026	Düsseldorf (DE)
Kerstmartk Monschau	27 november t/m 20 december 2026	Monschau (DE)
Winterland Hasselt	13 november 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Hasselt (BE)
Le Village de Noël	27 november t/m 30 december 2026	Liege (BE)
Phantasialand Wintertraum	6 december 2026 t/m 3 januari 2027	Brühl (DE)
Winter Feelings Toverland	28 november 2026 t/m 17 januari 2027	Sevenum

Enchanting German Christmas Markets

20 November to 23 December
Aachen Christmas Market
Visit Aachen this Christmas season and enjoy an unforgettable trip to its festive Christmas market. From late November onwards, this charming German city is transformed into a true winter wonderland.
Around Aachen Town Hall, you will find a Christmas market with more than 123 stalls, where you can enjoy seasonal treats such as potato pancakes, speculaas biscuits and marzipan.
More information
16 November to 10 January
Cologne Christmas Market
Every year, Cologne’s Christmas market brings a magical atmosphere to the heart of the city. Beneath the impressive Cologne Cathedral, festive stalls offer handmade gifts, traditional crafts and delicious seasonal treats.
Families can enjoy attractions and live music, while thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the city and bring the true spirit of Christmas to life.
More information
20 November to 30 December
Düsseldorf Christmas Market
The Düsseldorf Christmas market is a magical experience that transforms the city every year. Along the Rhine promenade and throughout the historic city centre, festive stalls offer handmade treasures and delicious seasonal treats.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy carousels and traditional delicacies, while live music adds to the festive atmosphere. As evening falls, thousands of twinkling lights create an enchanting scene and bring the true spirit of Christmas to life.
More information

By Train to the Christmas Market

Depart from Kohlscheid Hbf or Herzogenrath Hbf, both just a 15-minute drive from the hotel and with plenty of parking available nearby. You can also travel from Heerlen, with a change along the way.

Train travel in Germany is surprisingly affordable, especially thanks to the many attractive offers available throughout the year. Hop on board and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the German Christmas markets!

Plan your trip

And there are many more experiences waiting to be discovered!

13 November to 3 January
Christmas at Mergelrijk
Discover the 30-metre-long miniature diorama inside the Christmas cave, depicting the biblical Christmas story. Be captivated by the moving Christmas tale of the Sand Wizard and admire the many festive miniature villages, home to thousands of tiny residents in beautiful winter landscapes.
You can also marvel at the impressive marlstone sculptures. New this year are spectacular 3D cave paintings, so be sure to keep your camera close at hand!
More information
14 November to 30 December
Christmasparade Valkenburg
During Christmas Town Valkenburg, a magical parade – the Landal Christmas Parade – makes its way through the town’s historic streets twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The old town provides a spectacular backdrop for this illuminated procession, featuring beautifully decorated floats and groups of dancers dressed in stunning costumes.
Meer informatie
13 November to 3 January
Route d'Amuse
Route d’Amuse has been a great success for many years, and the concept is wonderfully simple. Choose one of four culinary walking routes and enjoy a delicious amuse-bouche at four different restaurants along the way.
The route allows you to discover part of Christmas Town Valkenburg, while also taking in some of the beautiful scenery surrounding this charming town in the Geul Valley.
More information
13 November to 3 January
Winterland Hasselt
When you think of Winterland, the Grand Café, ice rink, Spiegeltent and Santa’s House immediately come to mind. This year, the Austrian Almhütte will also return in an even bigger version than before, bringing the atmosphere of the Alps to Hasselt.
The #WinterWonderExperience is back as well and is the perfect place to capture Instagram-worthy winter photos and TikToks with friends and family!
More information
27 November to 30 December
Le Village de Noël
A winter day trip from Maastricht: the Christmas Village in Liège. In December, a trip from Maastricht to Liège is not complete without a visit to this atmospheric Christmas village – the oldest Christmas market in Belgium.
With around 200 chalets filled with festive treats and original gifts, a Ferris wheel, toboggan run, photo booths and even a village post office, this is much more than just a market: it is a festive little world of its own.
For 30 years, it has been a wonderful choice for a magical winter day just across the border.
More information
6 December t/m 3 January
Wintertraum Phantasialand
Magical winter worlds filled with light and fun, heartwarming winter shows, breathtaking attractions, delicious treats and the spectacular new finale show, MAGIC SYMPHONY.
Experience an unforgettable winter day with the whole family at Phantasialand!
More information
28 November to 17 January
Winter Feelings Toverland
At Toverland, winter comes to life in a magical way. As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, the park transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland.
Fairy-tale lights illuminate the pathways, the scent of hot chocolate fills the air, and the attractions take on a warm winter glow. Visitors are welcomed by crackling campfires, festive decorations and special winter shows.
More information
Late November / December
"Kribkes" Walking Routes
Beautiful five-star scenery, traditional Christmas nativity scenes, wayside crosses and charming chapels: everything you need for a special Christmas experience.
Enjoy the fresh air on one of the many scenic Kribkes walking routes. One thing is certain: the warmth and charm of the nativity scenes create that true Christmas feeling.
The "Kribkes" walking routes can be enjoyed again from late November or early December.
More information
27 November to 20 December
Christmasmarket Monschau
The magical Christmas market in the Eifel town of Monschau offers plenty to discover. In the heart of the historic old town, you can immerse yourself in a fairy-tale Christmas world. The romantic half-timbered setting creates the perfect atmosphere for festive anticipation.
Advent concerts by local music associations add to the wonderful Christmas spirit. A special highlight is the festive music performed by the tower musicians on the market square every Saturday and Sunday.
Photo © Monschau-Touristik
More information