{"id":12721,"date":"2023-08-26T04:10:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-26T04:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christmasmarkets.io\/?p=12721"},"modified":"2024-04-15T08:06:11","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T08:06:11","slug":"valkenburg-christmas-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christmasmarkets.io\/netherlands\/valkenburg-christmas-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Valkenburg Christmas Market 2024: In the Town Caves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Valkenburg, you’ll find a Christmas market that’s unlike any other, set within the marlstone caves of the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known as Christmas Town Valkenburg, this destination draws visitors with its unique underground setting and traditional wooden stalls and festive lights above the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I’ll provide all the essential details you’ll require for your visit, such as unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, how to buy tickets, and what to expect both above and underground.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Aerial<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In Valkenburg, the Christmas period transforms the town into a festive hub filled with twinkling lights and decorative displays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the holiday, enjoying a wide array of activities and events that capture the essence of Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valkenburg Christmas Market 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Christmas Town Valkenburg, you’ll encounter a rather extensive celebration that lasts for 51 days, significantly longer than the typical Christmas festivities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town transforms above and underground, featuring unique markets in the Valkenburg caves, complete with cosy stalls and charming lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activities are listed by date, allowing you to tailor your experience with enchanting options like the Christmas parade, toboggan runs, and nativity scenes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several caves that hold Christmas markets, along with the Christmas in MergelRijk event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re short on time or don’t want to visit each cave, I recommend visiting either the Municipal Cave or the Velvet Cave and skip the others. Remember to book your ticket online in advance. Full details below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dates and Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Valkenburg Christmas Market dates:<\/strong> 16th November to 30th December 2024 (unconfirmed). This is underground at the Municipal Cave and Velvet Cave.
Christmas Town dates:<\/strong> 16th November 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed). This is above ground in the city centre.
Christmas in MergelRijk:<\/strong> 16th November 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed). This is underground at MergelRijk.
Winter Wonderland:<\/strong> 16th November 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed). This is underground at Wilhelmina Cave.
Location:<\/strong> Municipal Cave (Gemeentegrot), Velvet Cave (Fluweelengrot), MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland at Wilhelmina Cave.
Opening times:<\/strong> Monday to Friday: 11am to 7pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Eve:<\/strong> 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day:<\/strong> Closed.
Boxing Day:<\/strong> 11am to 6pm.
30th December:<\/strong> 10am to 6pm.
Admission:<\/strong> Tickets are required and you book a specific time slot<\/strong>. Tickets must be booked online, in advance. Book here<\/a>.
Tickets for MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland can be booked at the location ticket office.
Ticket prices:<\/strong>
Municipal Cave: Adults: \u20ac9. Children: \u20ac5.
Velvet Cave: Adults: \u20ac9. Children: \u20ac5.
MergelRijk: Adults: \u20ac17.50. Children: \u20ac15.50.
Children under 5 are free.
Recommended time to visit:<\/strong> Allocate 1 to 1.5 hours to visit each cave.
Christmas Parade:<\/strong> 17th November to 21st December 2024 (unconfirmed). Wednesday: 7pm. Saturday: 7:30pm. Free in the city centre.
Christmas Shadow Lights Route:<\/strong> Free in the city centre.
Street theatre:<\/strong> Free in the city centre.
Santa:<\/strong> Yes, at Santa’s Village (above ground). 16th November to 30th December 2024 (unconfirmed). Free in the city centre.
Culinary walking route:<\/strong> 16th November to 7th January.
More information and tickets<\/a>.
Ice skating:<\/strong> No.
Vegetarian:<\/strong> Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan:<\/strong> Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free:<\/strong> Yes, but limited.
Accessible:<\/strong> The Municipal Cave and Velvet Cave are accessible. MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland are not accessible for wheelchairs, walkers or prams.
Pet-friendly:<\/strong> No, dogs are not allowed underground but can visit above ground.
Parking:<\/strong> Please take public transport to help limit congestion. If you must drive, follow the signs to Kerststad Valknburg.
Public transport:<\/strong> Stop at Valkenburg Station and walk 5 to 10 minutes. Face masks are compulsory on public transport. Plan your local journey
here<\/a> or your international travel here<\/a>.
Reason to visit:<\/strong>\u00a0Unique underground Christmas market, decorated tunnels, Christmas Parade, Santa’s Village, Lights Route, street theatre, Christmas in MergelRijk experience and Winter Wonderland.
Specialities:<\/strong> Stroopwafels; Dutch oliebollen; poffertjes; smoked sausage; spiced mulled wine; regional cheeses; speculaas cookies.
Where to stay:<\/strong>
Hotel Botterweck<\/a> is a highly-rated hotel, 2 minutes from the Christmas market.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Convenient Hotels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The city centre is the optimal location for easy access to the winter events in Valkenburg and visiting the city’s caves. Proximity to local attractions and convenient transportation links make it an excellent choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a well-situated stay, consider booking a room at Hotel Botterweck<\/a>, known for its location near the Christmas markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that’s unavailable, I published this list of highly-rated hotels<\/a> and conveniently located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To plan your trip effectively and discover other holiday destinations, I recommend reading my guide to the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Location Map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n