The Christmas market in Maastricht, also known as “Magical Maastricht,” is a festive and charming holiday event held annually in the city of Maastricht, located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands. This Christmas market typically runs from late November through December, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season.
The market is usually set up in the heart of Maastricht, in the historic Vrijthof square. The picturesque surroundings, with the St. Servatius Basilica and other historic buildings, provide a beautiful backdrop for the market. Maastricht is known for its impressive Christmas decorations, which include thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and various seasonal decorations that transform the city into a winter wonderland.
The market features a number stalls and vendors selling a wide range of goods, including unique handmade gifts, holiday decorations, artisanal crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. Shoppers can find handcrafted ornaments, warm winter clothing, jewellery, accessories and more. One of the highlights of the market is the opportunity to sample traditional Dutch and international holiday foods. You can enjoy foods such as Dutch oliebollen (sweet dumplings), waffles, poffertjes (mini pancakes), glühwein, hot chocolate, and other festive treats.
The Christmas market in Maastricht also includes includes a covered ice skating rink, a curling rink, a carousel and a 45-meter-tall Ferris wheel. The market hosts special events throughout the holiday season, such as parades, Santa Claus visits, and other holiday-themed activities.
2024 Dates
28 November – 30 December 2024
Opening hours on market days
Monday: 10am – 12am (midnight)
Tuesday: 10am – 12am (midnight)
Wednesday: 10am – 12am (midnight)
Thursday: 10am – 12am (midnight)
Friday: 10am – 1am
Saturday: 10am – 1am
Sunday: 10am – 12am (midnight)
The non-food Christmas market closes daily at 10pm.
The rides and attractions close daily at 11pm
Exceptional opening hours
28 November: 12pm – 12am (midnight)
24 December: 10am – 6pm
25 December: 11am – 6pm
26 December: 11am – 12am (midnight)
Market tips
- Our team visited the Christmas market in Maastricht in 2023. Watch our rating video here.
- Thanks to Maastricht’s location, you can easily visit Christmas markets in neighbouring Belgium and Germany as well. We visited the Christmas markets of Aachen (DE) and Liège (BE). Check out our videos about it on Instagram here and here.
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