In Valkenburg, Christmas City begins underground
Editors Holland Magazine · 12 October 2026
In Valkenburg, the Christmas season begins underground. The Christmas markets in the Gemeentegrot and the Fluweelengrot run from 13 November to 30 December 2026 inclusive.
The Gemeentegrot presents its market as the oldest and largest underground Christmas market in Europe; that is the organisers’ own description. The Christmas market in the Fluweelengrot is located in passages beneath the castle ruins.
Kerststad Valkenburg continues for longer than the cave markets. The programme runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 inclusive and includes WinterGlow and Kerst in MergelRijk, both until 3 January inclusive. The Landal Christmas Parade runs from 14 November to 30 December inclusive.
New in Kerststad Valkenburg is Ongelofelijk Zand, a sand sculpture festival about the Christmas story. It runs from 13 November to 3 January 2027 inclusive.
The organisers advise visiting on a weekday and travelling by public transport. Valkenburg station is within walking distance of the attractions; it can be busy at weekends.
