A guide to the Maastricht Christmas Market. 1 December 2017 to 1 January 2018

Do you smell that? It’s hot spiced wine wafting through the air mixed with gingerbreads and nuts. It’s Christmas in Europe which means one of the most festive ways to get into the spirit of the season: Christmas Markets! Ornately decorated stalls nestled together in city squares selling hand painted glass ornaments, seasonal food, and all-around Christmas cheer. Growing up in South-Africa I never experienced the magic that is Christmas in Europe.

When it comes to Christmas I always feel like a kid again. But Europe seems to add an extra touch of magic. Walking into the markets is just an overwhelming sense of fun, friends, and happiness.

All year round, Maastricht is a wonderful city with just that atmosphere that everybody loves, but around Christmas, the city takes on that extra spellbinding edge. Under the nickname of “Magical Maastricht”, the city goes into full Christmas mode, so visit the Christmas market, go skating on the ice rink on Vrijthof square and see the sea of lights from the top of the Ferris wheel.

The Ferris Wheel was my favorite part of the Market, and the view was Spectacular

 

GOOD TO KNOW

Many of the stalls selling glühwein (and some food) will have something called a “Bonstrook” this is extra money that you’ll pay for the cup, usually a few euros. Once done with your drink you can keep the cup (usually they are a great souvenir as they say the location and date). Bring cash, most sellers will only take cash at a Christmas market. The winter markets can be cold, so make sure to bring something warm and comfortable shoes. You’ll most likely be on your feet to peruse the stalls.

WHAT TO EAT

Gingerbread – Also known as “Peperkoek”, you’ll find both soft and hard gingerbread sold. They also like to sell it in heart shapes, wrapped in plastic, with words written on the cookie. I can’t say these are very tasty, but they are pretty!

Crepes – If you’re in the mood for something sweet this is the perfect Christmas market food. Rolled up with Nutella, cinnamon, sugar, or honey, anyone can get their fill from this simple classic. 

Frikadella – One of my favorite foods at the Christmas markets are these hamburgers made with pork. Usually served with onions and mustard they make for the perfect hearty meal. Don’t forget to grab some fries or 

Fries – Known as “Frites”, The Dutch enjoy their fries with mayonnaise and also with other unique toppings

Candied nuts – the perfect warm Christmas market treat to pop in your mouth as you amble from stall to stall. These fragrant nuts will make you whip your head around as you walk past! You can also try roasted chestnuts aka “Maroni” if you’d like as well.

Deep fried doughnuts – Know as the famous “Oliebollen”,Oliebollen are a variety of dumpling made by using an ice cream scoop or two spoons to scoop a certain amount of dough and dropping the dough into a deep fryer filled with hot oil. In this way, a sphere-shaped oliebol emerges. Oliebollen are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve and at funfairs. In wintertime, they are also sold at Christmas Market.

WHAT TO DRINK

Glühwein – You cannot go to the Christmas market without glühwein! I’m totally addicted to this hot, mulled wine made with spices. It will keep you warm inside as you drink this sweet liquid. Some markets also serve “Geflambeerde bowl” which is a mixture of punch and glühwein and topped with a rum-soaked sugar cube then set on fire. Go ahead, order two. If you’re alcohol-free you can also order kinderpunsch!

Everyone deserves a winter wonderland break and Europe’s Christmas markets make for the perfect magical escape. This Christmas market in Maastricht was my favorite and I made the best memories. I’m already counting down the dates until next year!

xoxo

Chante’

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