What is it about vendors selling local wares from huts clustered together in a central square that is so appealing?
Is it the twinkling lights that are draped on the trees? The sound of festive music that fills the air? The chill that is warmed by wood-burning fires?
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Maybe it’s the mulled wine that amplifies the holiday atmosphere and the Christmas spirit. We believe, however, it is the simple quaintness of the Christmas markets that are most enjoyable.
Friends and families come together in an age-old tradition under the soft glow of lights to stroll the lanes, peruse the merchandise…and sip warm gluhwein.
In an effort to stoke the holiday spirit, we sought out the best Christmas Markets near Nijmegen to manifest all the merriment!
Christmas Markets near Nijmegen, Netherlands
While housesitting in Nijmegen, Netherlands, we anticipated ushering in the season with steaming mugs of mulled wine while reveling in the Christmassy atmosphere at festive markets.
And, we did just that! In fact, we overachieved by visiting three Christmas Markets near Nijmegen.
One afternoon, we crossed the border into Germany to attend the Klever Weihnachtsmarkt and we spent a festive evening in a suburban village at the Beek Kerstmarkt.
In the city center, we hoisted mugs of mulled wine at the Kerst op de Grote Markt Nijmegen.
Since our visit, however, two of these fun December markets have been canceled. Bah, humbug! Don’t despair; we are still bringing you tidings of joy.
Regional Nijmegen Christmas Markets & Events
With holly jolly markets just a train ride away and an entire slew of Nijmegen Christmas events, you can fill yourself to the brim with yuletide cheer.
Klever Weihnachtsmarkt: Kleve, Germany
Being close to the border with Germany has its advantages; one being that it is just a half hour bus ride to Kleve, which hosts a traditional German Christmas market.
Small but mighty, the community event is highlighted by vendors selling handmade crafts from wooden huts. Some of the gifts that caught our eye were knitted hats, wooden toys and sparkling jewelry.
What enticed us to linger, however, was the delicious holiday fare. We feasted on bratwursts, sautéed mushrooms and reibekuchen – heavenly potato pancakes served with sour cream.
Of course, we didn’t hesitate to grab a few mugs of spiced mulled wine that were finished with a dash of rum.
While humble in comparison to the German Market in Frankfurt, the Kleve Xmas market was certainly fun! Find all the details for this year’s even on the official website.
Weihnachten in Düsseldorf, Germany
Willing to go a little further? The train ride to Dusseldorf can be as quick as 1.5 hours and their Holiday Market is magnificent. In fact, we feel it’s one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe!
The wintertime fair blankets the city with seven themed venues where revelers can shop for artisan wares and indulge in classic holiday fare.
We spent a long weekend hopping from one spectacular market to the next – and none disappointed!
The month-long festivities also include an ice skating rink, curling lanes and a Ferris wheel.
Netherlands Christmas Markets
Even though there will not be a traditional Christmas market in Nijmegen this year, there are plenty of Dutch towns that are hosting holiday fairs this December.
We think Christmas in Amsterdam in sensational! The festivities in the capital city take place throughout the month of December – with markets, lights, mulled wine and more!
The Haarlem holiday event is proclaimed to be one of the best Netherlands Christmas Market there is. It typically takes place on a weekend in early December and features hundreds of vendors.
In Deventer, they are hosting their annual December Dickens Festival complete with a Christmas Town – and in Arnhem, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is hosting a Winter Fair.
Nijmegen at Christmas Time
When we were visiting, the Nijmegen Christmas Market on Grote Markt Square was absolutely picture-perfect.
The gluhwein was hot, the stroopwafels were warm and a woman played holiday tunes on a piano under a giant fir.
We have to admit: We loved the quintessential Christmas scene. Alas, this fair is not scheduled to operate again this year.
Don’t worry though; Christmas isn’t canceled! Events throughout the city are scheduled for the month of December.
Nijmegen Winter Weeks
Rather than a market, the city is going to celebrate with a full line up of brilliant December events.
From a winter treasure hunt to a shining light parade to a trail of illuminated sculptures, Nijmegen is sure to glow! Check the official website for the full schedule of merry events.
Feest van Licht
The annual Feast of Light festival takes place southeast of Nijmegen in Museumpark Orientalis. It features one of the largest Nativity scenes in Europe.
There are also organized crafts and kid’s programs on the agenda. Find out more and buy your tickets in advance on the official website.
Christmas Concerts at St. Stevenskerk
Certainly one of the spectacular Christmas events, the Nijmegen St. Stevens Church hosts holiday musical performances during the month of December. Check their website for dates, times and ticket information.
Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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