5 neighbourhoods to explore during Magical Maastricht
There’s nothing more magical than visiting Maastricht in December! Magical Maastricht transforms the city into a fairy tale, filling it with Christmas cheer. The city’s streets are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and enchanting Christmas decorations. But besides the famous Christmas market on Vrijthof square, you can enjoy many other winter activities at various locations in Maastricht. If you want to escape from the crowds and enjoy the magic in peace and quiet, we have some tips for each neighbourhood! All of the neighbourhoods can be reached by public transport, by bike, or on foot.
Sphinxkwartier
The Sphinxkwartier is a cool, innovative neighbourhood that’s always full of things to do and see. And December is the perfect time to enjoy that cosy Christmas feeling here, too. In the evening, for instance, the Brikkegebouw building is illuminated by a large work of light art in the form of an advent calendar – complete with windows and doors in moving animated images. The Sphinxkwartier also boasts a historic landmark: the Sphinxpassage. Go on a journey through time in this 120-metre-long corridor filled with tiles, images, and objects that tell the story of the Sphinx factory’s past.
Feel like watching a heart-warming Christmas film? Then the Sphinxkwartier is the perfect place – it has both a blockbuster cinema and an art house cinema! Throughout December, Pathé shows a whole range of lovely Christmas films for young and old alike. If art house is more your thing, head over to Lumière and enjoy a wide selection of cultural films, documentaries, international films, and children’s films.
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Jekerkwartier
Home to the historic city walls as well as the most charming restaurants and independent shops, Maastricht’s gorgeous Jekerkwartier offers lots of things to do and see. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones, you’re sure to strike gold in one of the Jekerkwartier’s charming little streets. Alongside unique fashion stores for young and old, including Le Marais Deux or KALKMAN, there’s a wide choice of gift shops, bakeries, and delicatessens. Time to shop!
Worked up an appetite after all that shopping? Good news: you don’t have to look far to find an excellent restaurant! Head over to Koestraat and be spoilt for choice by the wide range of world cuisines on offer. And since you’re here, be sure to check out Café Sjiek – the ideal place to indulge in a Maastricht-style lunch or dinner.
Let’s take a break on a magical walk! Follow the romantic light route that leads you to the city park. Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in leafy surroundings, right in the middle of the city. Walk across the little bridge along the Jeker river, pick a bench, and reflect on the magical day you’ve had.
Discover the Jekerkwartier
Wyck
A day-out in Wyck is always a good idea. Wyck is loved by many for its quaint streets, which look even more enchanting during Magical Maastricht. If you’re taking the train to Maastricht, you’ll be in Wyck as soon as you exit the station. Walk into the neighbourhood, and you’ll be amazed by the beautifully decorated Christmas tree on Stationsstraat. Selfie time! Stroll along the charming streets and visit every concept store and vintage shop (you might just find another Christmas outfit for this year!). In between shopping, be sure to stop off at one of the lovely lunch and coffee shops, which you’ll find on every street corner.
There will be a beautiful light route in Wyck this year, plus a stunning piece of light art. Have you seen or heard about the ‘Brugwachtershuisje’ (bridgekeeper’s lodge) on St. Servatius Bridge? Have a closer look, and you’ll see a work of art in the form of a poem that will speak to everyone who visits Maastricht or lives here. Winter magic is never far away in Wyck.
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Céramique
Fancy a day of arts and culture this December? Then it’s time to head over to the Céramique neighbourhood, home to the famous Bonnefanten and other cultural highlights. With an impressive permanent collection of both ancient and contemporary art and various temporary exhibitions, a visit to the museum is always a good idea. This winter, the museum is displaying Werner Mantz’s photography as part of the exhibition ‘The Perfect Eye’. Immerse yourself in the artworks and let time pass you by.
Can’t get enough of arts and culture? Check out Centre Céramique on Plein 1992 square – it’s a short walk from the Bonnefanten. Centre Céramique hosts various temporary exhibitions of photography and visual culture (this winter’s exhibition is ‘Portraits from here/1955-1966’ by Frans Grummer).
After an afternoon spent soaking up some culture, a cup of coffee is exactly what you need. Grab a takeaway coffee from Coffee Lovers and take a leisurely stroll along the Meuse, or admire the view of the city from De Hoge Brug bridge.
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Sint Pieter
A trip to Sint Pietersberg hill is an absolutely must in December! Walk up the hill, through the woods, and enjoy a pit stop at the vantage point looking over the ENCI quarry – the perfect place to admire the views over the stunning surroundings. And what’s the best way to end a winter walk? With a cup of hot chocolate, of course! Head over to Buitengoed Slavante, which offers panoramic views over the Meuse.
If you want to combine a winter walk with another activity, how does a tour of Maastricht’s caves sound? Book a ticket at Maastricht Underground and go on an adventure in the mysterious, underground tunnel system. You’ll be guided through the dark, historic tunnels and shown the works of art hidden in the underground corridor system. Just another bit of magic, right here in Maastricht.
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