Winter is coming, and with it the cosiest tradition of the year: Christmas markets. From underground marl caves in southern Limburg to historic German squares with a chance of snow: in the Netherlands and across the border, you will find plenty of winter experiences. And if you plan cleverly, combine a day at a Christmas market with an overnight stay in nature, because many of these 'winter wonderlands' are a short distance from a stay at Landal.

Atmospheric Christmas markets in the Netherlands

From 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, Valkenburg will transform into the Christmas city of the Netherlands. The Fluweelengrotte and Gemeentegrot are home to unique underground Christmas markets, with stalls among marl sculptures and atmospheric lighting. An absolute highlight is the Landal Christmas Parade, a light parade with floats and groups of dancers in beautiful costumes that passes through the historic centre twice a week.

One of the most beautiful Christmas markets can be found in Vesting Bourtange. For three weekends (29 & 30 Nov, 6 &7 Dec, 13 & 14 Dec), the historic Vesting shines in Christmas atmosphere. The fortress is illuminated with thousands of lights, Christmas trees and nearly 100 stalls spread across bastions and squares. Christmas lovers will be in for a treat as choirs, street theatres, mulled wine and hot chocolate complete the picture here.

Just across the border: Christmas markets in Bad Bentheim and Aachen

From 28 November 2025, Burg Bentheim will open its gates for its annual Christmas market. Handmade products and delicacies are sold in wooden chalets, while the smell of fresh waffles and mulled wine fills Wilhelmstraße, Schloßstraße and Herrenberg. Visitors stroll around the Christmas market while choirs and other musical performances add to the Christmas atmosphere.

Aachen is just over the border near Vaals, but once the Christmas market is set up, you step into a completely different world. From 21 November to 23 December 2025, wooden chalets will fill the centre around the Dom and the Rathaus. Visitors can sample traditional Printen (spice cake), Reibekuchen and hot mulled wine, while craftsmen offer jewellery, wood carvings and Christmas decorations. Those who stroll leisurely through the historic streets will discover the charm of Aachen in full Christmas spirit.

Weekend break in German winter spheres

From 21 November to 22 December 2025, Trier's romantic old town turns into an atmospheric Christmas decor full of lights and regional delicacies. The market - voted ''Germany's Best Christmas Market 2024 by travel platform European Best Destinations'' - is located between the Dom and the Hauptmarkt and is known for its authentic atmosphere, the famous Mosel "Winzerglühwein" as well as family-friendly activities. Fun with the family: there are shows, craft activities and guided tours of the old town.

From 12 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, the Untere Pfote market square in Winterberg will be transformed into a 'Winterberger Winterdorf', surrounded by snowy trees and wooden stalls. The chance of snow makes this one of Germany's most atmospheric markets - ideal to combine with a winter sports holiday.

About Landal

Landal is the new brand resulting from the merger of Roompot and Landal GreenParks. It is a leader in wide ranging holidays and accommodations in Europe. As a professional and innovative host, Landal offers every guest unforgettable holiday experiences in more than 23,000 highly varied accommodations at more than 260 beautiful holiday locations in 9 countries.

With a great diversity of destinations, accommodation types and holiday options, Landal offers something special to suit every preference and budget, from beach houses to designer villas, and from glamping to beautiful lodges and luxury chalets. This gives the annual 6 million guests an unprecedented number of holiday options, and in all seasons.

Driven by the purpose "We give everyone the freedom to find their happy place", Landal aims for further international growth and is committed to creating a better environment. Thanks to an active sustainability policy, the parks are Green Key certified. Together with their 5,200 colleagues at all destinations and offices, they ensure that every guest finds their happy place at Landal.

At Landal, they act according to four core values: "Feel at home", "Together as one", "Discover your nature" and "Focus on what matters". These values shape both the culture and the brand, ensuring that guests, colleagues and partners always feel at home and welcome. Landal creates a safe and trusted environment where everyone supports each other, encourages curiosity and prioritises what really matters, such as a sustainable future and personal happiness. More information at landal.com and roompot.com

Claire McGill

Thissaway

• landal@thissrl.co.uk
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