Event: Netherlands

Gemeentegrot Christmas Market

When:	16 Nov 2007 - 5 Jan 2008 (annual)
Where:	Gemeentegrot
Opening Hours:	Mon-Fri 12pm-9pm; Sat & Sun 11am-9pm (until 6pm 19 Dec)

Christmas markets often look the same from one town to the next, but not in Valkenburg, where they take place under the town in old caves that have existed since the Romans quarried the local yellow stone.

Cosy market stalls selling presents and Christmas items are set up in the festively decorated and candlelit corridors and caverns of the Valkenburg Caves. There is also a buffet with terraces set up on various levels, so when the shopping becomes too arduous you can take a well-earned break.

The original Gemeentegrot Christmas market has been so popular since being established in 1987 that the Fluweelengrot market has been organised in another section of the quarries.

Valkenburg is a pretty little town which grew up around its namesake castle, now a romantic ruin. At the centre of the marlstone hills which gave the area many of its yellow-toned monumental buildings, Valkenburg has much to offer, including the Holland Casino and for the more active, caving and underground mountain bike tours.