We've first visited Valkenburg in July of 2009, right after we moved to Belgium. When I heard that they held a Christmas Market in the Velvet Cave, I knew I just had to go back. The Christmas Market runs from November 19 to December 23, so I guess you could say I cut this one a little close. We visited the Market on the last day. Due to the mini blizzard hampering the locals driving, and it being so late in the season, we didn't even have to fight the crowds. 
The theme of this years market was A Charles Dickens' Christmas. The entrance to the caves was very festive. It's hard to remember that the last time we visited these caves, the entrance was just a rocky wall.
Although Christmas Markets aren't really his thing, Russ very generously braved the elements and took me to this one.
The theme of this years market was A Charles Dickens' Christmas. The entrance to the caves was very festive. It's hard to remember that the last time we visited these caves, the entrance was just a rocky wall.
Although Christmas Markets aren't really his thing, Russ very generously braved the elements and took me to this one.
Once you are in the cave, it's pretty cozy. There were lots of lovely booths set up here and there along the path through the cave. This one had some very pretty tapestry purses. 
There were also scenes set up in little nooks and crannies along the route. 
This Nativity Scene was very pretty.
They left some areas open so that you could enjoy the beauty of the caves themselves. This is the chapel in the Velvet Cave.
They even had a restaurant and bar in the middle of the caves. I loved that they set up the bar right beside the carving of a dinosaur.
This Nativity Scene was very pretty.
They left some areas open so that you could enjoy the beauty of the caves themselves. This is the chapel in the Velvet Cave.
They even had a restaurant and bar in the middle of the caves. I loved that they set up the bar right beside the carving of a dinosaur.
There are actually two different Christmas Markets in caves in Valkenburg. They have one in the Velvet Cave, and another in the Municipal cave. We didn't make it to the second one. Maybe I'll put that on my list for next year. If you ever find yourself in The Netherlands during Christmas, head over to the city of Valkenburg and check it out. They have a Christmas parade every Wednesday and Saturday evening, and they light up the downtown area with lots of beautiful Christmas lights each evening from November 19th to January 2nd. There is even live music, with choirs, bands and musical groups performing for your listening pleasure. It's just the thing to get you into the Christmas spirit!
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