18/07/2026
It’s been a while since I ran a dedicated Christmas Market trip to Europe, other than a sea cruise at that time of year.
I can now offer you a ‘cracker’ of a trip by Eurostar! 20-23 November.
This is a three night break to Valkenburg, staying half board in our favourite family run hotel the Hotel Shaepkens. I’ve used them several times before and they put on an excellent spread at breakfast and dinner.
Valkenburg is one of the very few places in the Netherlands that is not completely flat.
It even has a ruined castle on too of a hill! It is where the Red Bull soap box races are held.
It is quaint and pretty little town and is beautifully decorated at Christmas time.
Its streets are lined with bars and cafes where you can sit outside under rugs, warmed by glowing braziers while you drink your Gluhwein or hot chocolate.
On a Saturday night they hold a musical parade that winds through the town complete with decorated floats, dancers and of course the great man himself - St Nicholas!
But the most distinctive thing about Valkenburg is its main Christmas Markets, which are held underground in ‘caves’(well, actually they are old stone mine workings). These are prettily decorated throughout with Christmas trees and fairly lights and are magical places to visit.
There are also some lovely shops to browse, so if you like shopping, you won’t be disappointed.
We are booked on an early Eurostar train out of St Pancras to Brussels where a coach will meet us and take us the rest of the way (thus avoiding two train changes).
We will be in Valkenburg by lunchtime!
To book simply phone Fred.Holidays direct on:
0800 988 3369 quoting our
booking ref: P01425 ‘Valkenburg Christmas Markets’.
NB. If you would like to push the boat out (well ‘train’ out), you can upgrade your Eurostar for the Premier experience and enjoy a more spacious, quieter carriage with a glass of champagne and a light lunch! Enquire about this option when you phone to book.
Here are the posters:
