Christmas route through Utrecht
It’s that time of year again: the days are getting shorter, Christmas lights are twinkling throughout Utrecht’s city centre, and the search for Christmas gifts can begin. This Christmas route takes you past the best shopping streets, the historic Dom Square, beautifully decorated spots full of Christmas spirit, and the most beautiful nativity scene in the Netherlands. Along the way, you will discover a cosy spot for hot chocolate. This is the perfect way to enjoy your winter visit to Utrecht.
1. Start: Hoog Catharijne – starting point at the large Christmas tree
Your route begins in Hoog Catharijne, where a magnificent Christmas tree stands proudly in the main hall and the shopping centre is festively decorated. Do you still need gifts? Then browse shops such as Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger, or Rituals. There is plenty of inspiration to be found for under the tree.
2. De Singel – stroll along the water towards Grand Hotel Karel V
3. Grand Hotel Karel V – winter tranquillity in the gardens
Behind the imposing walls of Grand Hotel Karel V, you will find a hidden gem in the heart of Utrecht: a 10,000 m² garden full of history and greenery. Part of these centuries-old monastery gardens are freely accessible and form the heart of the hotel. There is now also a large illuminated Christmas tree in the middle of the garden, which makes it even more atmospheric at this time of year.
4. Café Elize – the perfect place for hot chocolate
Stroll through the beautiful monastery gardens of Charles V. You will arrive at Mariaplaats, a charming square full of cosy spots and the most beautiful Christmas decorations. At Café Elize, you can warm up with a creamy hot chocolate topped with rich marshmallows.
5. Zadelstraat – a charming street with atmospheric Christmas lights
From Mariaplaats, walk towards Zadelstraat. Here you will pass the atmospheric shop window of Keck & Lisa, highly recommended for original Christmas gifts and must-have items. The shop is especially fun to visit during the Christmas season. The route continues towards Domplein.
6. Domplein – the heart of the city, always magical in December
On Domplein, the historic heart of the city, Christmas lights sparkle between the centuries-old buildings.
7. Winkel Van Utrecht
In this shop, you will find typical Utrecht products and the best Christmas gifts. Many products come from local Utrecht makers, which makes every gift or souvenir extra unique.
8. De Kerst Kringloop Utrecht
A Christmas shop that is good for the world and for the heart: you will find a festive mix of second-hand Christmas items, creative upcycled products and fun activities. All proceeds go to the UMC Utrecht & Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital Foundation and the St. Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein, for the benefit of cancer research.
Please note: this shop is open until Tuesday 23 December.
9. Oudegracht – one of the most beautiful streets along the canal
Via the Oudegracht, perhaps the most beautiful street in the city, you can cross over to the Abraham Dolehof. This is a quiet and idyllic part of Utrecht that feels extra atmospheric in the winter months. Continue on to the Catharijneconvent.
10. Catharijneconvent – admire the most beautiful nativity scene in the Netherlands
The courtyard of the museum is home to the most beautiful nativity scene in the Netherlands. In St. Catherine’s Cathedral, more than 600 eighteenth-century Neapolitan nativity figures shine in a spectacular setting featuring Utrecht icons such as the Dom Tower and the Winkel van Sinkel.
The nativity scene will be on display from Friday 12 December.
11. Twijnstraat – boutiques and cosy eateries
Next, walk to Twijnstraat, a characteristic street full of boutiques, specialty shops and cosy eateries. It’s no surprise that this is a favourite part of town among Utrecht residents.
12. Ledig Erf – cosy square, lovely stop on the route
At the end of Twijnstraat, you will find the always lively Ledig Erf, a square that takes on a cosy, village-like atmosphere in winter. With its illuminated trees, the cinema vibes of Louis Hartlooper Complex and cosy cafés, this is the place to enjoy a glass of wine on the heated terrace.
13. Vismarkt – atmospheric part of Oudegracht
From there, you can walk straight to the Vismarkt: perhaps one of the most photogenic places in Utrecht in December. The lights reflect in the water, and the terraces are tucked away under blankets and heat lamps.
14. Ganzenmarkt (Daen)
Via the Vismarkt, you can walk to Korte Minrebroederstraat and arrive at the Ganzenmarkt: a cosy square with nice shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit Winkel Daen, where you will find not only clothing but also plants and an atmospheric café.
15. Oudegracht – Admire the beautiful Christmas wreath at the Pracht shop
For the last part of the route, walk from Ganzenmarkt to Bakkersbrug. Here, pop into the Pracht shop, perfect for a last-minute special gift or a nice souvenir. What’s more, the shop is beautifully decorated with a festive Christmas wreath. From here, walk back to Hoog Catharijne.
16. Back to the starting point
From here, it’s just a few minutes’ walk back to the heated Hoog Catharijne shopping mall. As you walk through the mall towards the station, you can look back on a successful day out in Utrecht.
