6x why you want to visit Magical Maastricht Vrijthof in the morning
Every year, from late November onwards, Maastricht's Vrijthof transforms into a fairytale winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, a beautiful Christmas tree and cosy stalls with winter delicacies. Not to mention the ice rink, the Ferris wheel and burning braziers. Everything exudes the warm Christmas atmosphere Maastricht is so famous for during the festive months. How about a visit to Magical Maastricht Vrijthof in the morning? The way to discover the winter highlights in peace and without the hustle and bustle of the day. We give you six reasons why a morning visit to Magical Maastricht Vrijthof is worthwhile.
See the sunrise from the Ferris wheel
Waaaat - yes really, it can be done! One of the most special experiences in the morning is a ride in the Ferris wheel as the sun rises. From a great height, you can watch Maastricht wake up: the morning sun, the glittering lights on the square and the view over our beautiful city. If this isn't another good start to your day... Don’t forget to take photos of the view and a snapshot of yourself as a keepsake!
Taste the fresh flavours
When you think of the Christmas market, you think of freshly baked waffles, apple strudel with whipped cream, freshly roasted nuts and so on. In particular, all these goodies make a visit to Magical Maastricht on the Vrijthof so cosy. Visiting the market in the early hours? That means everything will be extra fresh for you. And let's be honest, a cup of hot chocolate or a freshly baked oliebol taste just that little bit better when you have the square almost to yourself, right?

Start the day with breakfast at Magical Maastricht
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast while sitting among the Christmas trees and Christmas decorations. Because from 10.00 am you can join us at one of the catering outlets on Vrijthof. Choose a fresh cappuccino with a croissant or a piece of flan. Feeling hungrier? A bowl of soup with bread as an early lunch is also a must. The cosy winter decor of Magical Maastricht Vrijthof makes your breakfast or lunch a delightful moment just for you, and it’s a great way to start your day nice and calmly.
Take a quick tour
Forget long queues at the skate rental and waiting times at your favourite attraction, because in the early morning you avoid the big crowds. So you'll have more time left over to quietly enjoy everything Magical Maastricht at the Vrijthof has to offer. Whether you want to go ice-skating, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or just stroll around - it's just that little bit easier and faster in the morning. Even if you only have an hour to spare!
Enjoy the peace
The early hours on the Vrijthof bring an almost magical silence. In the morning, it seems as if the whole of Vrijthof is just for you. Stroll past the atmospheric stalls on the square, admire the lights and start the day with something delicious and experience how Maastricht slowly wakes up. And when you do enjoy the peace and quiet, combine your visit to Magical Maastricht Vrijthof with a moment for yourself. Step inside the nearby Saint Servatius Basilica or Saint John's Church, for example, and light a candle. The atmosphere of the basilica gives you the opportunity to really reflect on the upcoming holidays.
Make the most of your day in Maastricht
Another great advantage of a morning visit to Magical Maastricht: you still have the whole day afterwards to explore the rest of the city. Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the historic centre, enjoy the shop windows beautifully decorated for the holidays, and quietly do your Christmas shopping in the unique boutiques and well-known shops. Stroll along the river Meuse, explore the charming Wyck district, or warm yourself up with lunch in one of the many cosy cafés and restaurants. Maastricht has so much to offer in winter, and with an early start at Vrijthof, you'll make the most of your day in this beautiful city!