Magical Christmas markets in North Holland

The holidays are just around the corner and that means lights, mulled wine, winter coziness and, of course, Christmas markets. North Holland offers more than enough opportunities for an atmospheric winter trip. Combine a visit with a luxury vacation home or a stylish apartment at Alys.nl, for a complete weekend away in your own country.

Haarlem Christmas Market
From Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, 2025, the historic center of Haarlem will transform into a winter wonderland. More than 350 stalls spread over twelve locations, music, theater, hot drinks and winter delicacies make this one of the largest and most atmospheric Christmas markets in the Netherlands.(visithaarlem.com)

On Saturday and Sunday, Schagchel Street and Little Wood Street will be transformed into the nostalgic “Street of Emma” with medieval Christmas market atmosphere, choirs, buskers and theater.(Where is the market?)

Haarlem is easily accessible by train or bus, and you can walk straight from the station into the atmospheric city center(visithaarlem.com).

Castle Christmas Fair, Santpoort-Noord
If you want to combine the Christmas atmosphere with an elegant, festive setting, Castle Christmas Fair at Duin & Kruidberg Estate in Santpoort-Noord is an absolute must. This fair will take place from Wednesday, November 26 to Sunday, November 30, 2025. On the estate you will be immersed in a feast of lights, music, coziness and Christmas magic.(Castle Christmas Fair 2025)

Expect more than 180 to 200 booths with Christmas items, fashion, delicatessen and lifestyle products, live performances, a nostalgic Ferris wheel, light and water show, culinary and dining arrangements, and a unique ambiance that almost transports you to fairyland.

For those who want to stay overnight: there are packages at the estate itself, so you can complete your winter weekend in style.

Cozy winter markets in the Kop van Noord-Holland
For those who prefer something quieter and more convivial and like to experience the rural or village character, the Kop van Noord-Holland is ideal. Villages and smaller towns such as Egmond aan Zee, Bergen (North Holland), Hoorn, Alkmaar and Medemblik form cozy bases with winter markets, local products and a relaxed atmosphere.(Concept Stores Netherlands)

For example, around December 14, 2025, there will be a Christmas market at the historic Ruïnekerk Bergen in Bergen: with about fifty stalls, live music and winter coziness.(Alkmaar – Streekradio Alkmaar)

In Egmond aan Zee on Sunday, December 22, 2025, there will be a small-scale market at a local restaurant, featuring organic and sustainable products. Here you will experience Christmas in a cozy, homey way.(marketsmarkten.nl)

These markets combine perfectly with walks along the beach, bike rides through dunes and polders, or a quiet weekend morning by the sea – especially if you’re staying in a vacation home or boutique accommodation.

Why this is the perfect Christmas trip
– You have the flexibility: from large, bustling markets to intimate village atmosphere.
– You can combine culture, winter cosiness and nature (dunes, sea, villages). Ideal if you like variety.
– Staying at a luxury accommodation or designer vacation home gives peace of mind after shopping, hiking or visiting markets. Perfect for making your weekend getaway something special.

Suggested sample itinerary
Friday: Arrival + dinner in Haarlem + visit to the Haarlem Christmas Market 2025
Saturday: Breakfast, then to Santpoort-Noord for the Castle Christmas Fair 2025 at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg + dinner/overnight at the estate or in the region
Sunday: Quiet morning, then to the Kop van Noord-Holland, e.g. market + coffee in Egmond aan Zee or Bergen + walk by the sea

North Holland offers Christmas markets for every taste this season: from bustling city markets to atmospheric village markets and luxurious winter fairs at historic estates. Combine that with stylish accommodation and you have the perfect mini Christmas vacation at home.