What's on
December 2026 in the Netherlands
We check each date with the organiser, but confirm before you book.
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13 Nov – 3 Jan 2027
Market · Valkenburg aan de Geul
Kerststad Valkenburg
A small Limburg town gives itself over to Christmas for seven weeks. The draw is shopping for gifts at stalls inside its underground caves, with lights and miniature villages, then wandering the decorated streets above ground.
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26 Nov – 17 Jan 2027
Arts · Amsterdam
Amsterdam Light Festival
Walk or take a boat past light artworks placed along Amsterdam's canals after dark. The 15th edition runs for over seven weeks through the winter, so it fits most December or January city breaks.
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27 Nov – 27 Dec
Market · Maastricht
Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof
Maastricht's main square becomes a month-long winter fair, with a Christmas market, rides and food stalls under thousands of lights. Entry costs nothing, and the food side stays open late after the gift stalls shut at 22:00.
Free entry Official site Our guide
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11 Dec
Tradition · Gouda
Gouda bij Kaarslicht
Gouda's 71st candlelit evening fills the old centre with a day-long programme that builds to a ceremony around a Christmas tree. With the town hall under renovation, the 2026 focus moves to the Waag.
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12 Dec – 13 Dec
Festival · Deventer
Dickens Festijn
Over 950 costumed characters from Charles Dickens's novels fill the old Bergkwartier in Deventer for one weekend. You stroll through their Victorian England on a timed ticket, so choose your slot in advance.
EUR 7.50 in advance, EUR 9 at the door, children up to 7 free Official site Our guide