Kerstmarkt Haarlem
Visitors can wander through the city centre past market stalls, wooden chalets, and pagoda tents selling holiday decorations, gifts, jewellery, and food and drinks. An entertainment programme brings live music, choirs, brass bands, and roving street performers to both indoor and outdoor spots. Families can check out a children's attraction on the Grote Markt and take photos with Santa Claus.
What to Expect
Free holiday market winding through the historic streets of Haarlem.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Kerstmarkten.net
Food & Drink
Market stalls sell food and drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Friday-Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Parking: Parking garages in central Haarlem may fill up quickly; the page recommends arriving by bicycle, train, or bus where possible. It also mentions parking at EXPO Greater Amsterdam for €13 per day.
- Accessibility: The Christmas market is wheelchair accessible.
Tips & Advice
- Come on Friday if you want a relaxed visit, because Friday has normal crowds all day while weekend afternoons get the biggest crowds.
- On a weekend, aim for the morning or the evening, since mid-afternoon is the busiest stretch on both Saturday and Sunday.
- Leave the car at EXPO Greater Amsterdam and take the Connexxion shuttle, which reaches the market in about 12 minutes; children ride free.
- Cycle in if you can and use the covered, guarded bike parks around the market, which are signposted and marked on the map.
- Head to the Grote Markt with children for the family attraction, and look out for Santa, who is there for photos.
Special Events & Promotions
- Saturday and Sunday stage programme of choirs, brass bands and vocal groups at the Podium Grote Markt and the Gravenzaal.
- Friday is the quieter day for a relaxed visit, with roaming acts like the Milko street organ, Saxy Santa and Witte Winterklanken.
- Connexxion shuttle buses from EXPO Greater Amsterdam parking to the market; children ride free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of items are sold at the market?
Vendors offer Christmas goods, gift items, jewellery, fashion accessories, and festive food and drinks from traditional stalls, chalets, and pagoda tents.
Can children meet Santa Claus?
Yes, Santa Claus is present at the market and visitors can have their photos taken with him.
Are there activities specifically for children?
Yes, there is a family attraction set up on the Grote Markt, as well as stalls featuring children's items.
Is there bicycle parking near the market?
Yes, free, covered, and guarded bicycle parking facilities are signposted around the perimeter of the market.
What public transit options run to the event?
Visitors can arrive by train at Haarlem station or by bus stopping at Haarlem station, Verwulft, or Houtplein.
More Christmas Events Near Haarlem
More Christmas Events near Haarlem
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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