The 17 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Northern Netherlands in 2025

The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp, and the first Christmas lights start to twinkle across Northern Netherlands. Perhaps you smell cinnamon when entering a cozy street or hear children laughing on a small ice rink. It’s the season of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and festive stalls full of treats and handmade gifts. From the impressive fortress of Bourtange to the charming alleys of Franeker, Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe offer Christmas markets each with their own story and unique atmosphere. Put on your warm coat and let yourself be enchanted by the winter magic of the North.

1. Christmas Market Vesting Bourtange – Historic Christmas Experience

29 & 30 November · 6 & 7 · 13 & 14 December 2025
Walk into the Christmas market at Bourtange and be surrounded by thousands of lights illuminating the canals and bridges. The scent of mulled wine and freshly baked bread fills the air, while stalls with handmade gifts and winter treats invite you to explore. Children glide on the small ice rink and choirs sing Christmas songs. A magical Christmas experience for young and old.
Price: €4.50–€5 · children up to 5 free.

2. Wintergoud Groningen – Winter Fun in the City

28 November – 4 January
Stroll along festive Christmas markets, admire the illuminated quays of WinterWelVaart, and enjoy performances, exhibitions, and winter treats. Join in singing Christmas classics, skate on the sparkling ice rink, or visit one of the many stalls. For five weeks, Groningen and surrounding towns immerse themselves in winter atmosphere, with the Grote Markt as the shining centerpiece. Wintergoud is the most popular Christmas Market of Groningen.

3. Swedish Christmas Market Suikerfabriek Groningen – Scandinavian Winter Paradise

13 & 14 December 2025
A huge factory hall is transformed into a Scandinavian Christmas paradise filled with woolen sweaters, handmade Christmas decorations, and small design gifts. The scent of glögg and cinnamon fills the air, while soft music plays in the background. Take a seat on a wooden bench with a mug of warm mulled wine and enjoy the cozy bustle.
Price: €8–€10 · children up to 12 free.

4. WinterWelVaart Groningen – Christmas Atmosphere Along the Quays

19 – 21 December 2025
Historic ships shimmer along the quays while stalls with treats and art invite you to a winter stroll at Winterwelvaart. Choirs and street theater fill the air with music, and small fires keep you warm. It feels like walking through a winter village, right in the city.
Price: mostly free.

5. Victorian Christmas Fayre Zeijen – Nostalgic Christmas

6 & 7 December 2025
Step into a Dickens story: people in Victorian clothing, choirs singing Christmas songs, fire pits, and stalls full of vintage Christmas decorations and treats. Enjoy a warm, nostalgic atmosphere with the scents of cinnamon and anise.
Price: €5 · children up to 12 free.

6. Zoutsloter Christmas Market Harlingen – Magical Water Christmas

13 December 2025
Walk along the Zoutsloter Christmas market with over a hundred stalls full of gifts, treats, and crafts. The historic façades of Harlingen are illuminated and soft Christmas music fills the air. The combination of water, lights, and coziness makes this a magical place for young and old.
Price: free.

7. Christmas Market Orvelte – Countryside Christmas in Drenthe

29 & 30 November 2025
The charming village of Orvelte forms an idyllic setting with thatched farms, fire pits, and artisans creating their products on site. Browse stalls with regional products and unique gifts and feel the calm and warmth of the North. Come Visit Christmas market Orvelte
Price: free.

8. Christmas Fair Dokkum – Cozy Historical City

12 & 13 December 2025
Dokkum is fully decorated with Christmas lights. Wooden stalls, live music, and winter treats create a genuine Christmas atmosphere. As you stroll through the streets, you hear children laughing, smell warm waffles, and feel the magic of a small town celebrating big.
Price: free.

9. Christmas Market Emmen – Festive City Market

Mid December 2025
The center of Emmen is filled with chalets and food trucks, lit by warm lights. A mix of Christmas gifts, local treats, and small performances make it an ideal outing for families and friends.
Price: free.

10. Christmas Market Sneek – Magic in the Veemarkthal

21 December 2025
Christmas Market Sneek is magical in December: water, bridges, and lights reflect in the canals. Dozens of stalls offer Christmas gifts, music, and food stands, creating a warm atmosphere. Perfect for an afternoon or evening out.
Price: free.

11. Winter Market Appingedam – Cozy Christmas Market

13 December 2025
Picturesque Appingedam hosts a cozy market among old buildings and hanging kitchens. Local makers, winter treats, and small performances create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Price: free.

12. Christmas Market Diever – Intimate Village Atmosphere

21 en 22 November 2025
Wooden stalls full of local products and winter snacks. Music, lights, and friendliness make it a pleasant destination for a cozy afternoon or evening. Come Visit the Christmas Market Diever.
Price: free.

13. Christmas Market Burgum – Family Christmas

12 & 13 December 2025
A village market where lights, musicians, and stalls come together for a warm Christmas experience. Ideal for a family outing with treats and gifts, you can find it all at the Christmas Market in Burgum.
Price: free.

14. Christmas Market Winschoten – Culture and Christmas

19 December 2025
Winschoten combines Christmas with culture and music. Choirs, street theater, and a market full of handmade products create a festive experience.
Price: free.

15. Christmas Fair Roden – Intimate Village Christmas

29 November, 13 & 14 December 2025
On the village square of Roden, stalls with jewelry, treats, and Christmas decorations await. Music and fire pits add extra coziness. Charming, intimate Christmas experience.
Price: free.

16. Christmas Market Franeker – Historic Christmas Walk

12 – 21 December 2025
The historic city center forms the perfect setting for a festive Christmas market. Lights reflect in the canals and stalls offer handmade gifts and local treats. Ideal for a quiet walk with hot chocolate in hand.
Price: free.

17. Sinter-Christmas Market Haren – Christmas in the Biotoop

30 November 2025 · 11:00 – 17:00
The Sinter-Christmas Market in Haren takes place in the atmospheric Biotoop, wing E – a monumental location opening its doors for this event. Handmade gifts from local makers, colorful creations by Emmy van Makelei, beautiful nature photos by Tom, second-hand treasures, and the Groningen game Kwait Nait await visitors. Children can enjoy activities like roasting marshmallows over the fire. Food and drinks are available at Voux. Two art exhibitions are also open, including Paper Orchestra. A creative and cozy winter day for young and old!

Extra Tips from us:

Christmas Midnight Mass Martinikerk

13 December
For those seeking a cozy Christmas experience, the Christmas midnight mass at the Martinikerk in Groningen is a must. With musical contributions from Harmonie '67 and Christmas carol singing, the warm Christmas atmosphere is immediate. You can attend in person or follow digitally via kerkdienstgemist.nl – a magical start to Christmas Eve.

Marc’s – A Christmas Paradise of Ornaments
From 1 October to 31 December, Marc’s store in Groningen transforms into a true Christmas paradise. Visitors come from near and far to admire nearly 1,000 unique glass ornaments crafted by talented European artisans, some centuries-old and protected as world heritage. From hand-blown, hand-painted Christmas balls to colorful, funny, and timeless designs, there’s something for everyone. A place to wander for hours, get inspired, and enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Enchanting Christmas Experience

Whether you enjoy busy markets full of music and lights or quiet village squares to stroll at your own pace, the North has something for everyone. As you move from stall to stall, tasting treats, admiring handmade gifts, and feeling the warmth of the Christmas spirit, you might sing along with a choir or find that special gift. One thing is certain: visiting these Christmas markets gives you a generous dose of winter magic to take home.