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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? Maybe it’s the mulled wine that amplifies the holiday atmosphere and the Christmas spirit!
We think, however, it is the 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. The Christmas Markets near Nijmegen manifest all the merriment of the holiday season!
Christmas Markets Near Nijmegen, Netherlands
Housesitting for the Holidays in Nijmegen, Netherlands, we anticipated there being an opportunity to visit at least one festive market to revel in the Christmas atmosphere. We overachieved by visiting three Christmas Markets near Nijmegen: Klever Weihnachtsmarkt, Beek Kerstmarkt and Kerst op de Grote Markt Nijmegen. Each December market, while essentially quite similar, displayed unique elements and helped us truly celebrate Christmas in Europe!
#1 Klever Weihnachtsmarkt, Kleve, Germany
Being close to the German border has its advantages; one being that it is just a half hour bus ride to Kleve, Germany, which hosts a traditional German Christmas market. In addition to the handmade crafts for sale from wooden huts, there was a large stage, a small petting zoo and many booths selling local food and drink.
The foot-long bratwursts, sautéed mushrooms and reibekuchen (potato pancakes) were all a big hit – but the booths selling gluhwein (spiced, mulled wine) with a dash of rum appeared to be the most popular with the crowds. Find all the details on the event’s official website.
#2 Beek Kerstmarkt Netherlands
The small village of Beek, where we were pet sitting, is essentially a suburb of Nijmegen. The population of 3,500 live in red brick homes that fan out from the center where there is a grocery store, butchery, bakery, pharmacy and a post office. When we saw signs for the local Christmas Market, we weren’t going to miss it!
Tables under tents, rather than wooden huts, surrounded the perimeter of a small parking lot and a round bar was set up in the center. A band played from the stage at the far end – until it was time to raffle prizes and Santa and his helpers took the mic.
The food options – slow-cooked chicken satay and salmon with cucumber salad – were not particularly traditional, but definitely delicious. The market was a small, but festive affair – as the evening progressed and the bar got busier, even Santa hit the dance floor.
An Italian Christmas Market in Beek, Netherlands
Since our visit, we have caught wind of a new Christmas market in Beek: the Bellissimo Beek Italian Christmas Event. The one-day holiday event is free to visitors and features Italian products, food and drink.
We cannot confirm that an event will take place in Beek this year, but if there is a holiday celebration in the village, we are certain that it will be a spectacular community affair!
#3 Kerst op de Grote Markt Nijmegen
Of the three Christmas markets we attended, the one in Nijmegen’s central square, Grote Markt, was the most picturesque. Surrounded by historic buildings under the glow of the church bell tower, wooden huts clustered together around a giant Christmas tree. The gluhwein was hot and the stroopwafels (caramel and wafer cookies) were warm. A small fire was burning in a wood stove and a woman played holiday tunes on a piano. Perfect!
Unfortunately, it was awkwardly vacant of crowds – and we have learned that the festival may not take place this year. Check the city’s tourism website for updates.
Try These Nijmegen Christmas Markets Instead
Because the Christmas Market in Nijmegen may no longer be held in the city center, we scoured the internet for other nearby Christmas fairs!
Feest van Licht
The annual Feast of Light festival takes place southeast of Nijmegen in Museumpark Orientalis. The Christmas market 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.
De Vincentius Verenging Nijmegen Christmas Market
Located west of Nijmegen, the one-day Kerstmarkt will feature multiple booths, music, kid’s activities and an appearance of Santa Claus. And, it’s free! Find out more here.
Christmas Concerts at St. Stevenskerk
Not a market, but 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.
More Netherlands Christmas Markets
As some of the markets may or may not be taking place in and around Nijmegen, consider traveling a bit further for festive holiday merriment!
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. The market typically takes place on a weekend in early December and features hundreds of vendors.
Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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