Valkenburg Netherlands’ Velvet Cave Christmas Market, also known as Christmas Market Fluweelengrot, is truly one of the most unique holiday experiences in Europe. Set in the winding passageways of an ancient underground limestone cave, The Velvet Cave market is completely different from what might come to mind when you think of a traditional European Christmas Market. The unique setting is filled with centuries-old history that you’ll learn about as you make your way through the cave, passing by murals, carvings, religious relics, and the remnants of the cave’s wartime past.

If you’re looking to experience a European Christmas market with a twist, trust me when I say you have to add the Velvet Cave Christmas market to your list! It was by far the most fascinating Christmas market that I have ever visited, and I can promise it will be unlike any other Christmas market that you have experienced.

Here is everything you need to know about Valkenburg’s Velvet Cave Christmas Market, Fluweelengrot.

The Fascinating History Behind The Location of Velvet Cave Christmas Market

The Velvet Cave is more than just an interesting setting for Valkenburg’s Christmas market; there is a fascinating history behind it that dates back centuries. Inside, you’ll find that the cave walls bear the evidence of its history, with fascinating murals, inscriptions, and carvings left by those who sought shelter here centuries ago.

Velvet Cave was originally created as a result of limestone mining, and the mined marlstone was used to build many of the region’s historic buildings, including castles and churches. Over time, the Velvet Cave became more than just a quarry. During the Middle Ages, it served as a refuge for townspeople during times of conflict. The cave’s intricate network of passageways offered a safe haven. It also played a key role in Valkenburg’s defense. When invaders and enemies were spotted from the hilltop castle, knights would go into the cave networks and emerge with a surprise attack, completely catching their enemies off guard.

In the 1700s, part of the cave became a church chapel serving the local population, which you will encounter closer to the end of the cave.

In World War II, the cave once again served as a refuge for locals and Allied soldiers. Remnants of this period, including large drawings and murals, are still visible on the cave walls today, offering a glimpse into its wartime significance.

Today, the Velvet Cave is a museum that can be visited year-round, but during the holiday season, it transforms into one of the coolest Christmas markets in Europe. As you explore the festive market, which has countless stalls offering delicious foods and interesting goods, you can also admire the ancient murals and sculptures that tell the story of the cave’s multifaceted past. It’s this unique blend of history and holiday cheer that makes the Velvet Cave Christmas Market such a memorable experience!

Tips for Visiting Valkenburg’s Velvet Cave Christmas Market

• Book Tickets in Advance: The Velvet Cave Christmas Market is extremely popular, especially on weekends, and you need to purchase tickets to enter. Entry costs 15 euros for adults and 12 euros for children.  If you plan to visit during the weekend or really close to Christmas, book your tickets online ahead of time to secure your spot.
• Visit on Weekdays: Weekends can get really crowded, so opt for a weekday visit if possible to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. We visited on a weekday and while it was still fairly busy, the entrance line was short and it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cave floor can be uneven in places, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must when visiting the Velvet Cave Christmas Market!
• Dress Warmly: While underground, the cave can feel damp and chilly. Layers and a warm coat will help you stay comfortable while exploring the market.
• Take Your Time Visiting: There’s so much to see and do, so plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the market and the town center. I was surprised at just how big the cave networks were, and we spent around 2-3 hours exploring the market! This is definitely not a market you want to rush so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the cave.
• Don’t Skip Valkenburg’s Other Christmas Markets: Valkenburg has multiple Christmas markets, including the Municipal Cave and Santa’s Village. Make a whole day (or two) of exploring them all!

How to Get to Valkenburg

Reaching Valkenburg, nestled in the southern Netherlands, is relatively straightforward and sets the stage for your enchanting visit to the Velvet Cave Christmas Market.

• By Plane: The nearest major airport is Maastricht Aachen Airport, just 15 minutes away by car or taxi. For more international connections, you can fly into Brussels Airport (1.5 hours from Valkenburg) or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (2 hours 15 minutes from Valkenburg) and take a train or car to Valkenburg.
• By Car: If you prefer driving, Valkenburg is well-connected via the Dutch and European highway network. Parking is available near the market area, but spaces can fill quickly during the holiday season. We drove our rental car as a day trip from our base in Belgium and parked in the Berkelplein 82 Parking Lot, which had plenty of parking available during the weekday.
• By Public Transport: Buses and trains run regularly from Maastricht to Valkenburg, so if you are based in Maastricht, Valkenburg is a super easy day trip to take via public transport in under 20 minutes. International travelers can connect to Maastricht via high-speed trains like the Thalys or ICE and then take a regional train to Valkenburg.

Once in Valkenburg, the Velvet Cave is a short walk from the city center, with plenty of signs to guide you to the market.

What to Expect When Visiting the Velvet Cave Christmas Market

Upon arriving at the Velvet Cave, the excitement begins even before you step inside. You’ll see the cave entrance, adorned in festive decorations, and start to get excited. At the entrance, you’ll either need to purchase a ticket on-site or show your pre-booked tickets to the staff. Pre-booking is highly recommended during the weekend, as this market is one of the most popular holiday attractions in Valkenburg. Once your tickets are sorted, you’ll finally step through the entrance and into the magical underground world of the Velvet Cave.

As you make your way inside, the atmosphere changes immediately. The natural stone walls of the cave are illuminated by warm, twinkling Christmas lights, and the cool, slightly damp air adds to the unique feeling of the setting. You’ll follow the winding pathways, marveling at how the holiday spirit transforms this ancient space into a cozy and festive market. The sound of soft Christmas music echoes faintly through the tunnels, heightening the enchanting ambiance.

Before long, you’ll come across the first vendors, tucked into cozy nooks along the pathways. The stalls are decorated with garlands, ornaments, and twinkling lights, seamlessly blending with the cave’s natural textures. Each turn of the path reveals something new – another vendor offering handcrafted treasures or delicious treats, a whimsical holiday display, or even a small seating area to pause and enjoy a hot drink and a snack while soaking in the magic.

Walking through the Velvet Cave is not just a visit to a Christmas market; it’s an immersive experience where history, tradition, and holiday cheer come together. The combination of the ancient limestone wall steeped in history and the festive decorations creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you won’t find at any other Christmas market in the world. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that you’re in for something truly special.

Historical displays and ancient murals dot the walls between the modern Christmas decorations and stalls, offering insights into the storied history of the cave network. This Christmas market offers a living museum experience in addition to the normal fun of the Christmas market, in a truly one-of-a-kind experience. 

In addition to the interesting history and unique experience that this market offers, it is also just a fantastic Christmas market! Beautiful light displays, delicious treats, and fascinating vendors can be found throughout the cave network, and I truly believe that this market would still be special even if it were not for its unique and storied setting. The unique cave setting and interesting history just make the market all the more amazing. This old-meets-new phenomenon makes the market feel truly special, and for this reason, it is my most memorable Christmas Market experience to date!

Other Things to Do in Valkenburg

Valkenburg is such a charming town, and it would be a shame to only visit the Velvet Christmas Market when in the area!

After spending a couple of hours at the Velvet Christmas Market, we walked to the town center and explored some of the smaller outdoor Christmas markets and shops. Valkenburg is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations during the holidays and it truly feels like a magical Christmas town in the winter!

Here are more things to do while in Valkenburg:

Visit Valkenburg’s other Christmas Markets

Make your way to the Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave) market’s neighbor, the Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave) Christmas Market, which is even larger and equally magical!  This market features additional vendors, more holiday lights, and a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for exploring after the Velvet Cave. Outside of the caves, don’t miss the charming Santa’s Village in the town center, which offers outdoor stalls, an ice skating rink, and fun holiday decorations.

Explore the Valkenburg Castle Ruins

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, and boasting the title of the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands, the Castle Ruins of Valkenburg is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Furthermore, this castle is connected to the very tunnels you will wander through during your time in the Velvet Cave markets, and shares its same history! Explore the remnants of the fortress, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. During the holiday season, the castle often hosts seasonal events and is decorated with twinkling lights, adding an extra layer of magic.

Take a Stroll Through Town

Valkenburg itself is a fairytale town, and taking a stroll through its cobbled streets is an absolute must – especially during Christmastime!  During the holiday season, the town transforms into a Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, festive window displays, and charming decorations lining the streets. Be sure to explore the quaint boutiques and specialty shops, where you can pick up unique gifts, regional delicacies, and holiday trinkets. Don’t miss Halte Sint Bernardus, a former train station turned café and shop, for a cozy stop along your walk. Also make sure to check out the Wilhelmina Tower, which will be adorned with beautiful lights and decorations. You can stroll around the tower and enjoy the sights (and maybe even catch a curling match being played) or opt to travel to the top of the tower for an incredible panoramic view of the town and surrounding area in their wintertime charm. No matter what you end up doing in the town, you will have an incredibly festive and magical time!

For the perfect spot to end your day in Valkenburg, enjoy a drink at Rooftop Bar Tash. Rooftop Bar Tash is located at the top of  Valkenburg’s iconic Black Label Hotel and offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding scenery.

Conclusion

The Velvet Cave Christmas Market in Valkenburg is a magical blend of holiday cheer, unique shopping, and historical intrigue, all set in an extraordinary subterranean setting. With its stunning decorations, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a truly unforgettable way. Combine your visit with a stroll through Valkenburg’s charming Christmas town and you will truly make the most of your holiday adventure in this enchanting Dutch gem!

Planning a Christmas Market Tour around Western Europe? Check out my ultimate guide to Christmas Markets in Luxembourg!

Like this post? Pin it for later!