5 special districts during Magical Maastricht

The Sphinx Quarter is a hip and innovative district where there is always a lot going on. The magic of Christmas can also be felt here in December. For instance, in the evening, the Brikke building is lit up by a large work of light art, in the form of an Advent calendar with windows and doors in moving animation images. You will also find a historical landmark in the Sphinx Quarter: the Sphinxpassage. Take a journey through time in this 120-metre-long corridor filled with tiles, sculpture and objects that tell the story of Maastricht's Sphinx past.

If you feel like watching a cosy Christmas film, the Sphinx Quarter is the right place. Because there is a cinema and a film house here! At Pathé, you can always find a cosy Christmas film for young and old in December. If arthouse movies appeal more to you, Lumière Cinema is where you want to be. Choose from a wide selection including cultural films, documentaries, international films and children's films.

The Jeker Quarter is a beautiful part of Maastricht with a varied offer. You can walk here from the historical city wall to the nicest boutiques and restaurants in no time. Still looking for the perfect Christmas presents for your loved ones? Then you will always succeed in the atmospheric streets of the Jeker Quarter, where you will find not only the most unique fashion boutiques for young and old, such as Le Marais Deux or Atelier Pauline, but also gift shops, art studios and delicatessens. Time to shop!

Is your stomach starting to growl after all that shopping? Then you don't have to look far for a good restaurant. Just think of Koestraat, where you can choose from all sorts of different cuisines. In addition, a visit to Café Sjiek is never a bad idea. Delicious lunch or dinner in Maastricht style.

Take a break on a magical walk! Follow the lights that lead you to the city park. Just a moment of optimal enjoyment of peace and nature, right in the middle of the city. Walk across the little bridge along the Jeker, sit on a bench and look back on the magical day you had.

A day out in Wyck promises a successful day. Wyck has always been known for its atmospheric streets, but during Magical Maastricht it is extra atmospheric here. If you arrive in Maastricht by train, you are immediately in Wyck. Walk into the neighbourhood and you'll walk straight into the beautifully decorated Christmas tree on the Percée. Time for a photo opportunity! Stroll through the cosy streets and visit each concept store, where you might find a Christmas outfit for this year! In between shopping, make a stop at one of the lovely lunch and coffee spots you'll find on every street corner.

There is also a beautiful route to walk in Wyck. Follow the lights through the neighbourhood's most atmospheric and cosy streets. Enjoy the beautifully decorated shop windows, the unique buildings and the magical cosiness.

Does a day of art and culture in December sound appealing? Then visit the Céramique district. Here you'll find the renowned Bonnefanten Museum. With its impressive permanent collection of both old and contemporary art, as well as its ever-changing exhibitions, a visit is always worthwhile. Can't get enough of art and culture? Then we recommend also visiting Centre Céramique. From the Bonnefanten you can easily walk there. Centre Céramique houses the Maastricht Museum, where you can dive into the history of the city.

After an afternoon of culture sniffing, a cup of coffee is well deserved. Get a coffee to-go at Coffeelovers and take a leisurely stroll along the Meuse or admire the view of the city from the Hoge Brug.

The district of Sint Pieter should definitely not be forgotten during the December month. Take a brisk walk over Mount Saint Peter (St. Pietersberg hill), through the woods, with a pit stop at the ENCI quarry viewpoint. Take a moment to contemplate the views in this beautiful setting. And how do you end a brisk walk? With a hot chocolate, of course! You can get this at Buitengoed Slavante, where you have a view of the Meuse.

Combine a winter walk with an activity? How about a tour of Maastricht's caves? Book a ticket at Maastricht Underground and go on an adventure in the mysterious system of corridors located underground. Your guide will take you into the history of the caves and show you impressive works of art you would never expect to see there. These are also the magical aspects of Maastricht.