Christmas in Maastricht- A Winter Fairytale
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With all that happened in 2020, I can imagine many of you are ready to inject some festive cheer into your lives. And what’s the best way to do that in Maastricht? Of course, heading out with friends to the Christmas market at the Vrijthof alongside the Ferris Wheel, idyllic Alpine-inspired hut (Almhütte), or the 900 m2 covered ice rink.
Maastricht is famous for its beautiful Christmas market and its holiday spirit. From mid-November until the end of December, Maastricht is transformed into a winter paradise full of sparkling lights and other Christmas decorations’ assortments. People come together, eat tasty snacks, drink hot chocolate and Glühwein, which hypnotize you during the unique winter land that Maastricht becomes during Christmas.
However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges for the holidays. With countries debating on shutting down, people worldwide are coping with the challenge of creating memories and fostering togetherness without spreading the virus to their loved ones. Therefore, the famous Christmas market in Maastricht cannot take place in 2020.
Nevertheless, Maastricht and Maastricht University have organized numerous Christmas events and activities to brighten up this period and make the holiday feel as festive as possible.
One of these special events is the magical light route 2020. The Magical Light Route 2020 strive to be extra special. Maastricht has provided wider space for everyone, so you can take more time to discover the city and its holiday decorations at your own pace. From late November to the last week of December, the Magical Light Route will take you to the city’s most impressive spots. Landmarks will be adorned with Christmas lights, and all you have to do is follow the illuminated route. If you decide to walk the magical light route before 20:00, you can get some hot (alcoholic) drinks along the way in which you support local restaurants and bars during these special times.
Maastricht University has planned numerous activities from an ugly sweater competition to dinner at the InnBetween. Nature walk, poetry contest, or Christmas workout are also included. Everything will be online or live with the corona safety measures in place, of course! To find a full view of all activities planned, check out the link below:
https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/lonely-christmas-you-don't-need-be…
So, if you have time, sign up, and let’s celebrate Christmas together!
A happy holidays to all of you and may this Christmas, despite the challenges, bring you happiness like no other.
