World Tourism

During the five weeks before Christmas, the international Christmas Market Fluweelengrot in Valkenburg, in the very south of the Netherlands, will open its doors again. This spectacular marlstone cave with its magical atmosphere is without a doubt the most famous Christmas market location in The Netherlands.

Romance
The atmosphere of the cave will bring back the ancient and almost forgotten legends and memories of the city of Valkenburg. A walking tour of the market will lead you through a romantically lit up Christmas Cave with a 18th century chapel, impressive mural carvings and sculptures. Twinkling lights and magic illumination that reflect the soft marlstone walls break through the rustic darkness of the cave. Gentle Christmas music breaks through the (normally) every day serene silence.

Gifts
A tour of capricious passages will lead you past caverns, decorated niches, stalls with various Christmas items and Christmas gifts for sale (various Christmas decorations, cribs, candles, jewellery, crystal, Belgian chocolate, candy, fantasy figures, marlstone decorations...) and a few stalls that demonstrate old Dutch trade & (handi)craft.

Don’t forget to visit the enchanting catering garden in the ‘heart’ of the cave, to have a bite to eat and experience the famous Christmas drink ‘Glühwein’ (sparkling hot wine)... And of course, don’t forget to taste our local specialties: vlaai (pastry), 'poffertjes' (little pancakes) and pea soup!