Why You Can’t Miss The Christmas Market Haarlem

Looking for the largest Christmas Market, or Kerstmarkt, in the Netherlands? You must visit Haarlem. Not only is Haarlem one of the most picturesque cities in the country, and sure I’m biased because I lived there, but it’s also home to the vibrant Grote Markt which hosts some stunning events throughout the year including a cozy holiday market.

The Christmas Market in Haarlem is big, and it can be overwhelming with the crowds, but if you know how to meander, where to take breaks, and what else to do in the area, you can spend a great day in Haarlem.

We’ve visited the Haarlem Christmas Market twice and here’s what to know to enjoy this annual holiday event:

• How To Get There
• Christmas Market Haarlem Map
• Crowds, Food, and More: What To Expect
• Vintage Toys and Music Makers
• The Dutch Christmas Market Must Eats
• Festive Live Music Begs You To Sing Along
• Stay For The Day: See More Of Haarlem
  • St. Bavo Church
  • Jopen Brewery
  • Archeology Museum Haarlem
  • Frans Hals Museum
  • Teylers Museum

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How To Get There

If you’re headed to Haarlem from Amsterdam, you’re in luck, it’s a very easy and short train trip. A train runs from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Haarlem Centraal Station in 15 minutes and runs often. From the station, take the exits that head south and walk along Kruisweg to run right into the market. From there, just follow the stalls.

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Christmas Market Haarlem Map

The market stalls sit along some beautiful shopping streets in Haarlem and take over Grote Markt and Botermarkt among other streets in the area. Follow the crowds and you’ll be able to make the entire loop around.

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Crowds, Food, and More: What To Expect

Haarlem really comes alive for the holiday season and it actually starts off weeks earlier when Sinterklaas arrives to Haarlem via boat and then rides a horse through the city to Haarlem’s Grote Markt. If you’re going to be in the Netherlands around Christmas, keep an eye on Haarlem. It’s quite the spectacle.

Long Weekend, Long Hours: The market takes place over three days from Friday to Sunday from 10:30am until 8:00pm at night. It’s the most busy during midday so get there early if you can or visit Friday which is usually a quieter day among the three.

350 Stalls: From ornament vendors to Christmas decorations, handmade goods, and clothes, there are a lot of stalls to visit and plenty of gifts that will be perfect for your loved ones. Make sure to take some extra ecobags with you to carry everything home.

Hours of Fun: You can spend a few hours just walking along the streets perusing the various stalls of goods and then there’s the delicious food that you have to eat. This market also goes from day into night which is a very romantic time to walk along the cobbled streets light up by twinkle lights.

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Vintage Toys and Music Makers

Our favorite stalls or booths, not sure what you would call them, carts (?), are the ones filled with vintage toys, carousels, and music boxes. Not for shopping, just for looking. Let your kids look closely because there are small characters on the toys that move around and make music. Drop a few coins into the box to say thank you for to the owner as he turns each toy on.

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The Dutch Christmas Market Must Eats

There are stalls and stalls of food so it is very easy to get filled up. Make sure you leave some room for some of the best treats. Your first stop should be grabbing a cup of mulled wine, called Glühwein, or hot chocolate. It’s usually a bit chilly by this time of year and these warm drinks will keep you toasty throughout the day.

There are other delicious treats like the olieballen, a deep fried dough ball that has powdered sugar on top, a kerststol, a sweet bread with candied fruit, lemon zest, and raisins. There are also raclette stands. Our favorite though, are the smoked meat sandwiches. After the savory sandwich, then go back for the sweet treats like stroopwafels.

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Festive Live Music Begs You To Sing Along

Between stall stopping and shopping and eating, look out for the very enjoyable small groups of musicians. There is a small choir that moves through the square area, local brass bands dressed up traditional attire, and horn players making their rounds. Stop for a bit and enjoy the recognizable tunes.

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Stay For The Day: See More Of Haarlem

My husband is very anti-crowd, so when we’re in the area during festivals and major events, I plan for breaks from the streets where we can take a breather, warm up, and sit. Here are some places I recommend having on your map to visit in Haarlem, Netherlands if you end up needing a break.

St. Bavo Church

A stop into the area isn’t complete if you don’t stop into St. Bavo, one of the largest churches in the Netherlands. Not only grandiose on the outside and standing above the Christmas Market, it’s beautiful inside.

If you’re just in the area during the day, stop inside and enjoy a break from the crowds outside. If you’re staying into the evening, check what time the Christmas services start and stay.

• Address: Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD, Haarlem, Netherlands
• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
• Admission: Adults: €4.00; Students 13-16: €2.00; Children 12 and under are free

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The Christmas Market Haarlem is a fantastic event with a lot of delicious food, Christmas decorations to buy, and music to sing along to. Get ready for the holidays Dutch style.

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