Once again, you can take advantage of a Christmas Markets Pass, which offers you many benefits and convenience. The Pass enables visitors to gain admission to both underground markets for € 7,00 instead of € 8,00. A discount of no less than € 1,00! Last year, many tour operators took advantage of the opportunity to pre-order Passes and the extra convenience this offers.

As a tour operator, the Pass gives you a number of benefits. In addition to the € 1,00 discount per Pass on admission prices for both markets, you have the added convenience of having ordered, paid for and received the Passes before you even start out! This means that your customers no longer need to queue up at the ticket office, but can walk straight into the markets on submission of their tickets. This is an extra service you can offer your customers!

The special Pass has been developed especially for tour operators, can be ordered exclusively from the South Limburg tourist information office (VVV Zuid-Limburg) and costs € 7,00 per Pass. The Pass can also be collected in person from the South Limburg tourist information office in Valkenburg aan de Geul (Th. Dorrenplein 5), during normal opening hours. However, should you be interested, we would advise you to submit a order for these Passes beforehand in writing. Depending on your requirements, we can send these to you by registered post (*) or you can arrange to have these pre-ordered Passes picked up yourself from the tourist information office in Valkenburg aan de Geul.

The Christmas Market at the Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave)
This is the oldest and also the largest subterranean Christmas Market in Europe attracting countless numbers of visitors each year. To get visitors into the Christmas mood, the age-old system of underground galleries in the Gemeentegrot will once again be adorned with decorations, professional stands and many products. For example, in the Roman section of the cavern, you can enjoy a heart-warming drink along with some mood-creating music.

The Christmas Market at the Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave)
It doesn't get any more Christmassy than Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” and that's where we're going. As usual, this theme is tastefully transformed into beautiful decorations, entrancing animations and intimate surroundings in this romantically illuminated system of underground galleries. Halfway through the cavern, there will be an opportunity to partake of refreshments at a suitably adorned catering establishment. Along with the (de-luxe) Christmas and gift items on offer, this provides a unique and surprising experience!

Once again, the organisers of both markets in Valkenburg aan de Geul will be going to great lengths to ensure the quality of stands. They have an effective policy in place which ensures a balanced selection of stands and Christmas and gift items. The Christmas markets in Valkenburg are unique and well worth a visit!

Opening hours
The Christmas markets are open from 19th of December 2010.

The Gemeentegrot:

- Monday to Friday: 12.00 (noon) - 9.00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.
- Thursday 23rd of December: 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.

The Fluweelengrot:

- Monday to Friday: 12.00 (noon) - 9.00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.
- Wednesday 22nd of December: 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. 

Tips
Avoid busy periods at weekends between 11.00 and 16.00 and come during the week or in the evenings as much as possible. See also accompanying arrangements for coaches.

Our staff in the Information & Bookings department will be glad to tell you about all the possibilities that the Pass offers, ordering and payment methods and the special arrangements for coaches set in place by the Valkenburg aan de Geul municipality.

If you would like to combine your visit to the Christmas markets in the Gemeentegrot and the Fluweelengrot with another excursion or activity, we would be glad to give you advice on putting together a (customised) group-based programme. Our professional staff can provide you with full details on accommodation and the diversity of other options that the South Limburg region has to offer.