Dordrecht is one of the oldest cities in Holland, and in winter its harbours and old streets make a pretty setting for a Christmas market. The Dordrecht Christmas market is not as large as the ones in Germany, but it has a friendly, local feel and is easy to reach from Rotterdam. Here is what to expect.
Dordrecht christmas market: dates and location
Christmas events in Dordrecht usually take place in December and sometimes begin in late November. The market is typically held in the historic centre, around the Grote Kerk, the Visbrug and the harbour area. The exact dates, opening hours and layout change from year to year, so check the official website of the city or the tourist office before you go. I cannot confirm the current programme from here.
What you will find
Christmas markets in Dutch towns are generally smaller than German ones. In Dordrecht, you can expect a mix of the following:
- Wooden stalls: selling crafts, candles, ornaments, knitwear and gifts made by local makers.
- Food and drink: hot chocolate, mulled wine, oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls with powdered sugar), poffertjes and soups. Sausages and waffles are also common.
- Music and performances: choirs, brass bands and children’s activities.
- Lights and decorations: the old harbour is lit up, with boats and bridges decorated.
The harbour setting is the main attraction. Reflections in the water make for good photos, especially in the evening.
Why Dordrecht works so well
Dordrecht’s old centre is compact. Its streets, canals and tall merchant houses create a cosy atmosphere. The Grote Kerk’s leaning tower looms over the market, and in the evening it is often illuminated. The surrounding shops stay open late on some evenings, and cafés fill with people warming up.
Getting there
From Rotterdam Centraal, the train takes around 15 to 20 minutes. From Amsterdam, it takes roughly an hour and a half, usually with a change. The railway station is a short walk from the centre. If you drive, use parking garages at the edge of the old town, since streets in the centre are narrow, and some have restrictions. Check the schedules for any special winter service.
Making the most of your visit
Go in the evening
The market looks best after dark when the lights are on. Weekends are busier, and Friday evening is often a good compromise.
Dress warmly
December in the Netherlands is cool and damp. Wear layers, a hat, gloves and shoes with good grip. Windy conditions near the water can make it feel colder.
Take your time
Walk around once before you decide what to buy. Many stalls have similar items, and prices vary.
Visit the Grote Kerk
If the church is open, step inside to warm up and see its interior. Concerts are sometimes held there during the holiday season.
Eating nearby
Beyond the market, Dordrecht has restaurants serving Dutch classics. In winter, look for stamppot, a dish of mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage, and erwtensoep, a thick pea soup. Cafés along the harbour offer pastries and coffee. Booking ahead is wise on busy weekends.
Other winter things to do
1. Visit Dordrechts Museum: a warm place with paintings from the Golden Age to the nineteenth century.
2. Take a walk along the Nieuwe Haven: a pretty harbour, particularly in the evening.
3. Explore the Biesbosch in winter: quiet and atmospheric, though check ahead for boat tours, which are limited in the cold season.
Combining with other markets
If you like Christmas markets, consider adding the markets in Rotterdam, Delft or Valkenburg. Valkenburg’s cave Christmas market, in the south of the Netherlands, is especially well known. Plan travel times, since many markets are busiest in the evenings.
A note on safety and accessibility
Crowds can be tight, so keep an eye on your belongings. Cobbled streets can be icy, which makes walking difficult. If you use a wheelchair or a pushchair, ask the tourist office about accessible routes.
Tips for families
Children usually enjoy the lights, the music and the sweet treats. Bring a small pushchair or a carrier, because cobblestones are bumpy. Choose a quiet corner for a break, and look out for activities for kids, such as workshops or small rides. Keep an eye on the time, since trains back to Rotterdam can run less often late in the evening, and check the last departure before you settle into a long dinner.
The Dordrecht Christmas market may be modest in size, but the setting more than makes up for it. Pair it with a warm drink, a walk by the water and good company, and you have the ingredients of a pleasant winter evening.
More like this: browse our Netherlands section.
