Maastricht Christmas Market 2023: Vrijthof in December

The Maastricht Christmas Market takes place in the city’s historic centre from early December until the end of the year.

You’ll find a range of food and drink, including Dutch treats like oliebollen and poffertjes, glühwein and Dutch gin. The market also features artisanal crafts and gifts from across the Netherlands. Beyond the market, Maastricht has many historic landmarks and cultural attractions to explore.

In this guide, I share all you need to know about visiting the Christmas markets, including confirmed dates for 2023, opening times, locations and regional specialties.

As you stroll through the streets of Maastricht during the holiday season, you’ll feel a palpable sense of warmth and festivity.

The city’s historic squares and picturesque alleyways are transformed by twinkling lights and cheerful decorations.

Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or simply looking for some seasonal cheer, there’s plenty to enjoy in Maastricht at Christmas.

Maastricht Christmas Market 2023

As you wander through the Christmas Market in Maastricht, you’ll be treated to a festive feast for the senses.

The market is known for its impressive array of food and drink stalls, offering everything from traditional Dutch treats to international delicacies.

In addition to the food and drink, the market also features a wide range of artisanal crafts and gifts at the Regional Products Square, making it the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs or Christmas presents.

And don’t miss the enchanting 1000 square metre ice rink, where you can take a spin on the ice and view the stunning winter scenery. You can also enjoy curling and riding the 45-metre Ferris wheel.

Dates and Location

Maastricht Christmas Market dates: 30th November to 31st December 2023.
Location: Vrijthof, Maastricht.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Food stall opening times: Monday to Thursday: 10am to midnight. Friday to Saturday: 10am to 1am.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: 11am to 6pm.
Boxing Day: 11am to 10pm.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 30th November 2023.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are not advised.
Reason to visit: The Christmas market uniquely combines tradition, sustainability and local artistry.
Specialities: Appelbeignet, banketstaaf, bischopswijn, duivekater, Jan Hagel cookies, speculaas, and many other food specialties listed below.
Where to stay: Cousins Boutique Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel located 4-minutes from the Christmas market.

Hotels near Maastricht Christmas Market

To stay in a hotel near Maastricht Christmas Market, I suggest staying in the historic city centre.

I suggest staying at Cousins Boutique Hotel as it’s in a great location near Vrijthof, the Christmas market location.

Location of Maastricht Christmas Market

Christmas in Maastricht

Watch this video of the Christmas market in Vrijthof to preview the festive atmosphere, colourful lights, and unique gifts.

Christmas Specialties in Maastricht

If you’re visiting Maastricht or the Netherlands during the Christmas period, here are some traditional dishes you can try:

• Kerststol: A Christmas loaf made with raisins, currants and candied fruit, typically served with butter and jam.
• Banketstaaf: A long pastry filled with almond paste and shaped like a log, often served with coffee or tea.
• Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, often eaten as a sweet treat during the Christmas season.
• Appelbeignets: Slices of apple coated in batter and deep-fried until golden brown, served with powdered sugar or cinnamon.
• Vegetarian erwtensoep: A thick, hearty pea soup made with potatoes, carrots, onions and celeriac, often served with rye bread and mustard.
• Vegetarian kaasstengels: Crispy cheese sticks made with puff pastry and Gouda cheese, perfect for snacking on while wandering around the Christmas market.

These delicious treats are a must-try during your winter visit to Maastricht or the Netherlands!

Maastricht Christmas Market is known for its impressive array of street foods, offering both traditional Dutch treats and international delicacies.

Some of the must-try street foods at the market include:

• Poffertjes: Tiny, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.
• Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, often filled with raisins and apples.
• Churros: Fried dough pastry sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, served with a variety of dipping sauces. These originate from Spain but are popular in Maastricht.
• Bratwurst: Grilled German sausage served in a roll with sauerkraut and mustard.
• Stroopwafels: Thin, crispy waffle-like cookies filled with caramel syrup.
• Currywurst: German sausage smothered in curry ketchup, typically served with fries.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious street foods you’ll find at the Christmas market in Maastricht.

This guide to the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands can help you plan or expand your Dutch travel itinerary.

Visit Maastricht is the city’s official website and a useful resource for anyone planning to visit Maastricht, including practical tips, cultural insights and information about events and activities.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

If you’re looking to make your Christmas in Maastricht more sustainable, here are some ideas to consider.

Travel using sustainable transport: Consider using Maastricht’s extensive cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly zones for your Christmas trip. Hire a bike or simply walk to enjoy the sights. Public transport options, such as buses and trains, use green technologies. For longer journeys, electric car rental services provide a lower-impact alternative.

Choose a renewable energy-powered accommodation: In your search for a place to stay, opt for accommodations that use renewable energy. Maastricht has numerous eco-friendly hotels using solar power and other renewable energy sources to minimise their carbon footprint.

Adopt a sustainable diet: Indulge in locally sourced meals to reduce the environmental impact of your food. The Christmas market in Maastricht has a variety of stalls providing delicious, local, seasonal and plant-based food, helping you maintain a sustainable diet while enjoying Dutch cuisine.

Practise ethical consumption: Buy gifts and souvenirs from local artisans at the Christmas market to support the local economy and promote ethical consumer practices. Maastricht is renowned for its handcrafted products, which reduce the environmental impact of mass-produced goods.

Reduce food waste: Be mindful of the amount of food you purchase at the market to avoid waste. Dutch tradition emphasises not wasting food, and vendors in Maastricht are adept at portion control, helping you to eat sustainably.

Each of these points allows you, as a visitor to Maastricht, to play a part in promoting sustainable tourism. Embrace these practices and enjoy a green Christmas holiday in Maastricht.

FAQ

If you would like to leave a review of Maastricht Xmas Market, comment below.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Maastricht, Netherlands. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.