Christmas markets in the North of the Netherlands

Nov 9, 2024 • 18 minutes de lecture

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christmas

My Little Christmas Confession

Honestly, I have to admit, I always escape during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In the past, I used to dutifully visit my parents and sometimes even had a Christmas dinner with presents. I’ve always had a bit of trouble with obligations, and I think I feel it even more as I get older! So, once again this year, we’ll be leaving just before Christmas, and we typically celebrate New Year's with friends in the middle of nowhere.

That doesn’t mean we completely ignore Christmas, though! In the weeks leading up to it, I’m totally in the Christmas spirit. The Top 2000 is on, and sometimes the Christmas decorations are secretly up before Sinterklaas has even arrived in Groningen. I’m also a huge fan of shopping for Christmas decorations and visiting Christmas markets! So, I guess I’m not that bad, right?!

I'll write below about what there is to do in the city of Groningen, as well as which Christmas markets you can visit in the region. It has become the ultimate list of Christmas markets in the North!

Christmas markets in the North

Do you already know which Christmas market you are going to visit this year? Are you going to drive all the way to one of the Christmas markets in Germany or are you going to stay nearby? Here you can see an overview of the best Christmas markets in the North that you should not miss. So put on your warmest coat, bring your friends or family and immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere in the North!

Wintergoud Stad Groningen

Hot chocolate and a crackling fire basket, nice shops, live music and mulled wine: nothing is cozier than a Christmas market visit. And of course there is nothing better than Wintergoud in de stad Groningen! It is quite difficult to choose, because in the city of Groningen there is plenty of choice this year during the beautiful event Wintergoud. Wintergoud will take place from Friday 6 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025! From WinterWelvaart to a real ice rink with Ferris wheel, or the Scandinavian atmosphere in the Old Sugar Factory and much more!

Link: https://youtu.be/qu-UoPmBtU4?si=KmwPCMpa4u8tg35p

Christmas markets Northern Provinces

But... if you don't want to stay in the city of Groningen and go out, you really don't have to drive far. There is plenty to do in the North around Christmas! The cozy stalls, the smell of fresh oliebollen, the sparkling lights and the cheerful sounds of Christmas carols immediately put you in the festive mood. It is the perfect moment to enjoy the coziness and warmth of the holidays with friends or family. We made a list that seemed to be endless with Christmas markets in 2024 in the north of the Netherlands. The choice is huge!

Christmas markets and events in and around Groningen

Bourtange Fortress (30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 December)
Time: Saturday 11:00 - 21:00, Sunday 11:00 - 18:00
Location: Willem Lodewijkstraat 33, 9545 PA Bourtange
Info: This Christmas market is held in the historic fortified village of Bourtange, where you can enjoy cozy stalls, Christmas decorations and local delicacies. The village itself has a medieval appearance that completes the Christmas experience. Entrance costs €4.50 (children 0-5 years free). Tickets for the event can be ordered in advance via this link: Order your tickets for Vesting Bourtange. More information about this event can be found on the official page: More about the Bourtange Christmas Market. Website: Bourtange Vesting
Winterfair De Bonte Wever Assen (29 November - 1 December)
Time: Friday 29/11/2024 18:00 - 22:00, Saturday 30/11/2024 10:00 - 21:00, Sunday 01/12/2024 10:00 - 16:00
Location: De Bonte Wever, Assen
Info: Come and stroll through the indoor winter fair organized by JS Events & More at De Bonte Wever in Assen! There are about 60 stalls, a cozy food square, live music and Santa Claus is present! Entrance is completely free!
Website: Official Website Winterfair Assen
Facebook: Facebook Event Winterfair Assen
Christmas market Odoorn (10 December)
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Village square and around the NH Church, Odoorn
Info: The atmospheric Christmas market in Odoorn is being held for the 32nd time and offers a cozy Christmas atmosphere with stalls es and Christmas products. Support local entrepreneurs and enjoy the warm Christmas atmosphere.
Website: Official Website Odoorn
Facebook: Christmas Market Odoorn on Facebook
Christmas Market Exloo (13 December)
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Hoofdstraat 55a, Exloo
Info: A cozy Christmas market on the Brink, next to the sheepfold and at the Hallenhoes. At the same time, the Schutrups midwinter walk will be held. There will be many fun stalls and activities for young and old.
Website: Facebook Event Exloo
Christmas market Eext (20 & 21 December)
Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: De Brink, Eext
Info: This atmospheric Christmas market is held on the centuries-old village green of Eext. Enjoy Christmas decorations, a cozy atmosphere, mulled wine, hot chocolate and delicious treats. The market is an ideal place to find Christmas gifts and enjoy the holidays together.
Website: Facebook Event Eext
Christmas Market Norg (21 & 22 December)
Time: 12:00 - 17:00
Location: Grand Café Hotel Karsten, Brink 6, 9331 AA Norg
Info: This cozy, covered Christmas market offers a cozy and warm Christmas atmosphere with versatile stalls, live music and delicious food & drinks. The market is free to enter.
Website: Grand Café Hotel Karsten
Roder Weihnachtsmarkt (14 & 15 December)
Time: Saturday 14 December 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 15 December 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Roden Centrum
Info: This year again the cosiest Christmas market in the north! Enjoy various houses with beautiful (Christmas) items, a catering square and a large stage with various choirs from the region. It is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the cosiness.
For stallholders: register quickly, because full is full! Register as a stallholder
Website: Volksvermaken Roden
Facebook: Facebook Event Roder Weihnachtsmarkt
Dickensmarkt Bedum (7 December)
Time: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Bedum Centrum
Info: Visit the Dickensmarkt in Bedum, where the market is decorated in Dickens style. The participants are dressed in Dickens clothing, and you can enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, 'kniepertjes', Christmas items, a nativity scene, choirs and singing. It promises to be a fun afternoon and evening!
Facebook: Facebook Event Dickensmarkt Bedum
Super cozy Christmas market Schoonoord (14 & 15 December)
Time: Saturday 14 December 13:00, Sunday 15 December 17:00
Location: Open Air Museum Ellert and Brammert, Tramstraat 73, 7848 BJ Schoonoord
Info: This Christmas market is a special experience, held on the grounds of the Open Air Museum Ellert and Brammert. The entire park is in the Christmas spirit and the market is both indoors and outdoors. Enjoy cozy stalls, Christmas decorations and the Christmas atmosphere.
Website: Official Website Very Cozy Christmas Market
Facebook: Facebook Event Very Cozy Christmas Market
'Light on Fraeylema' (11 to 15 December)
Time: From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Fraeylemaborg, Fraeylemaborg Estate
Info: 'Light on Fraeylema' is a new euw enchanting winter event at the Fraeylemaborg. Walk along breathtaking light art and experience the castle and the park like never before. From Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 December, the castle will be illuminated in a magical way. An atmospheric walking route will be set out in the monumental park along surprising light art, with work by renowned light artists and up-and-coming talent.
Facebook: Light on Fraeylema - Facebook Event
More information: Official website Light on Fraeylema
Pauperchique Winterfair in Christmas atmosphere, Veenhuizen (December 7)
Date & time: December 7, 2024, from 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Kerklaan, 9341 Veenhuizen, Netherlands
Info: This year's PauperChique Winterfair will take place in the atmospheric Unesco World Heritage village of Veenhuizen. With approximately 100 stalls with Christmas items, a food court, entertainment for children and music and singing in the Koepelkerk. Admission is free, but a donation is welcome. The event supports the BijdeBuren Foundation and the Vefauna Herring Camp Association.
Website: No official website, but information can be found via Facebook Event.
Zuidlaarderkerst (13, 14, 15 December)
Time: Friday 13 December 5:00 PM, Saturday 14 December 1:00 PM, Sunday 15 December 1:00 PM and Location: Center of Zuidlaren
Info: The weekend of 13, 14 and 15 December, Zuidlaren will be in a Christmas mood. On Friday evening, Santa Claus will make his entrance, and there will be music and fun on the village green in front of the Butterfly Garden. There will be a cozy Christmas market on Saturday and Sunday.
Facebook: Zuidlaarderkerst Friday December 13
Facebook: Zuidlaarderkerst Saturday December 14
Facebook: Zuidlaarderkerst Sunday December 15
Christmas walk Zuidlaren 2024 (Sunday December 22)
Location: Grote Brink, Zuidlaren
Theme: 'Follow the star'
Time: Start between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM
Info: The Christmas walk in Zuidlaren has become a tradition in the run-up to Christmas and is being organized again this year by the joint churches. The walk takes place around the Laarwoud and the adjacent forest plot. Think of waterproof and warm shoes. This time there is no or very limited lighting. We ask participants to use a flashlight or the light from their phone to illuminate the path. During the walk, the Christmas story is depicted and told, with various biblical scenes, atmospheric music and the angel choir. At the end of the walk, everyone is welcome to sing along with the band in the village church, along with well-known Christmas carols.
Facebook: Christmas walk Zuidlaren - Facebook Event
More info: More info Christmas walk Zuidlaren
Moonlight Shopping in Veendam (December 14 and 15, 2024)
Time: Saturday December 14 from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Sunday December 15 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Centrum Veendam, 9641 AD Veendam, Netherlands
Info: Experience enchanting Moonlight Shopping in Veendam! On Saturday December 14 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Sunday December 15 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM we invite you to embrace the magic of the holidays at the atmospheric Christmas market in Veendam.
Special guest: Santa Claus! Come and visit the jolly Santa Claus, the official resident of the North Pole, who is ready to warm your heart with his cheerfulness!
Facebook: Wintermarkt Veendam
Tanger Tractor Lichtjestocht - Alteveer GN (Wednesday December 20, 2024)
Time: 6:30 PM departure
Location: Departure from Tange towards Alteveer, Holte, and Onstwedde
Info: On Friday 20 December, the Tanger Tractor Lichtjestocht organises a beautiful tour with agricultural vehicles, beautifully decorated with lights. The vehicles leave around 18:30 from Tange and drive through Alteveer, Holte, and Onstwedde. Will you also come and watch along the route? Follow the Facebook page for the latest news and the route.
Participation: Do you want to participate with a tractor or other agricultural vehicle? Participation is free, and you will receive something tasty for the journey! Send a message to register.
Facebook Event: Tanger Tractor Lichtjestocht
Photo impression: Photo impression
Christmas market in the Blokhuispoort Leeuwarden (14 & 15 December 2024)
Time: 14 and 15 December from 11:00 - 18:00
Location: Blokhuispoort, Leeuwarden
Info: With more than 50 stallholders, live music, and a food court, this will be a big party in the old prison of Leeuwarden. It is a special market with various products and activities for the whole family.
Price: €1.00 for children aged 4-12, €3.00 for 12 years and older, children aged 0-4 free.
Website: Christmas market Blokhuispoort
Winterfair Orvelte (November 30 and December 1, 2024)
Time: Saturday November 30 at 10:00 AM, Sunday December 1 at 5:00 PM
Location: Orvelte, Netherlands
Info: Winterfair Orvelte is a wonderful precursor to the Christmas markets. Our favorite fair. Winter arrangements, wreaths, atmospheric fireplaces, mulled wine, the most beautiful stalls all beautifully lit and a good dose of atmosphere! Atmosphere guaranteed is therefore our motto! The location is unique. Monumental farms village Orvelte is the setting for this fair. A must for sociable people. See you in Orvelte!
Facebook: Winterfair Orvelte Official website: https://www.hetbrokantien.nl/
Enchanting Light Parade on Horseback and Winter Fair ( Saturday December 14, 2024)
Light Parade Start Time: 7:00 PM Winter Fair Times: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Riding School de Driesporen, Winter Fair on the Brink in Onstwedde
This year, the riding school is once again joining forces with the Winter Fair in the village, allowing visitors to experience a magical winter evening full of lights and festive activities. At the Winterfair, you will find numerous local businesses and associations with the nicest and tastiest products! During the Winterfair, riding school de Driesporen will once again organize a Light Parade. The idea is to make a fun ride through the village. Each participant decorates themselves, their horse/pony and/or carriage with lights!
Facebook: Light Parade on Horseback
Charles Dickens Christmas Market 2024 (Saturday December 7)
Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Voorstraat 15, 9285 NM Buitenpost, Netherlands
Info: On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the most enjoyable Charles Dickens Christmas market in the north will be held in Buitenpost! This year, due to work in Kerkstraat, the market will be held in and around the Schakel on the Voorstraat 15 in Buitenpost. With many market stalls, nostalgic street theatre, live music, an ice rink for children and other activities for young and old, you will get into the Christmas spirit.
Facebook: Charles Dickens Christmas Market Buitenpost and more information.
WinterLief in Lieveren (Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December)
Time: Saturday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Centrum 2, Lieveren
WinterLief is an atmospheric event with Christmas stalls, treats and cosiness. Admission is free.
Facebook: WinterLief
Winterfair Appelscha (Saturday 30 November 2024)
Winterfair Appelscha is an atmospheric illuminated event and completely in a winter atmosphere. During the Winterfair there is a wide variety of stalls that you can visit. For example, there are regional products and of course there will also be plenty to find in winter and Christmas atmosphere stalls. There are snacks and drinks available from food trucks and you can enjoy special entertainment and live music. The Boerestreek will be beautifully lit, making it a real winter spectacle. The local catering industry also offers the opportunity to enjoy their specialties. So come to the Winterfair and experience this magical event. Winterfair on Saturday 30 November: from 15:00 to 22:00
Winterfair Warffum (Saturday 23 November / Sunday 24 november 2024)
On November 23 and 24, we are hosting a new edition of our super cozy and atmospheric Winterfair. Inside the hall, there will be 65 beautiful stalls with a diverse range of items, mainly for the festive December month.
There will also be live music to enjoy on our terrace, along with snacks and drinks.We look forward to seeing you at our Winterfair!
For more details, visit the Winterfair Warffum Event Page.
Time: November 23 at 10:00 AM | November 24 at 5:00 PM
Winterworld Market Onnen at Camping de Kleine Wereld (November 30 and Sunday 1 December)
A place where adventure and coziness come together in a fairytale winter landscape during the Winter World Market. At this Winter World Market with a festival vibe, you’ll find live music and stalls offering trendy gift items, vintage clothing, local and handmade products, creating the perfect setting to stroll around the grounds. Warm up with delicious mulled wine, a cup of hot chocolate, or a bock beer, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere by the crackling campfire.

Kids can let loose on the bouncy castle, join craft activities, get their faces painted, and, of course, have fun in the natural playground. During these days, you can also visit our cozy bistro for lunch or dinner while playing a game with friends or family. It’s the perfect way to end a winter day surrounded by warmth and cheer. The winter market takes place on Saturday, November 30, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday, December 1, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.