From 18th November to 31st December 2022

Christmas Town Valkenburg / Kerststad Valkenburg

The rumour goes that Santa actually comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul…You see, as days get shorter, Valkenburg – in the ever so enchanting Heuvelland region in de Southern part of the Netherlands – transforms into a cosy and delightful Christmas town. From 12 November until 9 January the small town of Valkenburg, situated on the river Geul in Zuid-Limburg, turns into ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’. In 2021 Valkenburg can call itself European City of Christmas. In Valkenburg – immersed in a magical atmosphere, with a paradise of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees – you see, smell, hear and taste Christmas in everything and there are numerous things to do!

Underground and aboveground

Underground, you can visit the unique Christmas markets in the Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave) and Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave). Be amazed at Mergelrijk, where dozens of informative stories about marlstone and caves are told, set against a Christmas backdrop, with beautiful marlstone sculptures, works of art, films and interactive tablets. In Winter Wonderland, at the Wilhelminagrot (Wilhelmina Cave), you can be amazed by beautifull sandsculptures by artist form all over the world. Be sure to be back above ground in time to watch the fascinating Christmas Parade with its illuminated floats and beautifully costumed dancers and enjoy a stroll through Santa’s Village. Having an appetite? The culinary walking tour ‘Route d’Amuse’ takes you to the best restaurants of Valkenburg.

No wonder that Valkenburg is the number one Christmas town of The Netherlands!

CHRISTMAS MARKET MUNICIPAL CAVE

The Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave) is the largest, oldest and most frequently visited underground Christmas market in Europe. Be amazed by the remarkable displays and decorations, which are in complete harmony with the stalls, offering a large range of beautiful Christmas items and gifts. The long and spacious corridors, that characterize this cave, invite you to while away the hours. 

CHRISTMAS MARKET VELVET CAVE

From november 12 until december 30th 2021 the ‘Fluweelengrot’ – situated at the Daalhemerweg 27 in Valkenburg a/d Geul – will be transferred into the unique, atmospheric, and internationally renowned ‘Kerstmarkt Fluweelengrot’ (Christmas Market Velvet Cave). In this age-old, captivating environment, you will find many festive stalls, which offer Christmas and gift items to suit all tastes. Come and see the magic! 

CHRISTMAS MINIATURES AT MERGELRIJK

Visit the MergelRijk cave this year to admire the countless Christmas wonders. Soak up the details, the hundreds of tiny houses, the moving attractions, and the thousands of figurines and Christmas trees. The festively lit cave with its enchanting Christmas decorations and stunning marl statues also tells fascinating stories about caves and marl. Everyone can make their own marl souvenir in the cave workshop. 

CHRISTMAS IN WINTER WONDERLAND

Visit the Wilhelmina Cave and experience the Christmas story in a life-sized crib. The fairytale ambiance continues on our magically lit cable car, guaranteeing a romantic trip to ‘Brasserie de Wilhelminatoren’. Here, you can enjoy breath-taking views 

of Valkenburg. 

LET THE CHRISTMAS PARADE ENCHANT YOU

The annual ‘Christmas Fairytales’ parade features beautifully lit floats and dancers in breath-taking costumes. During the period of Christmas, the parade will make two appearances a week in 

the centre of Valkenburg. You can enjoy the entire 25- minute parade from the same spot. 

ROUTE D’AMUSE

Walk through the beautiful town of Valkenburg on the river geul, and indulge yourself with ‘amuse-bouches’ on your way. From November 12 until January 9, there is a choice of two different routes, that you can walk daily between 11 AM and 6 PM.

For additional information, visit our website www.kerststadvalkenburg.nl