Maastricht is set for a magical winter. From late November to early January, the entire city centre will be under the spell of the festive season. The ®-Team at VVV Maastricht  has put together a variety of special group packages for you during this period. The forecast for winter in Maastricht is: heart-warming

This will be the 11th year that Winterland Maastricht gives the city centre real atmosphere and character in the dark winter months (from November 28th till January 3rd 2010). The Christmas market is partially covered and is therefore also accessible during bad weather. The 1000 m² ice rink forms the central point of the wintry landscape, while the 60-metre tall big wheel is a real eye-catcher. 

The Vrijthof is decorated in dazzling winter style with atmospheric Christmas trees complete with tree lights. The Vrijthof also features a life-size Christmas crib scene, and all attractions are decorated and illuminated in Christmas style. 

Father Christmas, who will be living and working at the Vrijthof from 7 December, will feel right at home in this setting and offers visitors the opportunity to admire his house. 

For the very youngest visitors, Winterland offerts a special two-level Venetian-style merry-go-round.  

Another feature is an original mini Christmas train and a genuine roller coaster. Near the ice rink is Café Winterland, where various artists will give performances. 

The square also features a traditional Dutch poffertjes (mini pancakes) stall, an oliebol (deep-fried doughnut) and waffle stall, a sweets and nuts stall, a mulled wine bar and a stall selling pancakes and reibekuchen (German-style rösti or potato pancakes). 

Admission free of charge.

Rederij Stiphout will be organising the X-MaaS Boat on board the MPS “Geulvallei”, anchored between the St. Servaas Bridge and the Wilhelmina Bridge in the centre of the city. The boat will be completely decorated in the spirit of Christmas and will offer visitors a warm and cosy environment. Your guests can enjoy a glass of mulled wine during a 50-minute boat trip on the Meuse in a Christmassy atmosphere. 

Where: Rederij Stiphout, Maaspromenade (Riverside boulevard), Maastricht
When: Departures from December 5th till January 3rd at various times during the day
Who: Cruises for all types of groups
Duration: About 50 minutes
Price: subject to change. Adults €7.00 p.p. Children € 4.20 p.p. (4 to 12 years of age)

For more information about group-oriented activities in Maastricht and surroundings, ask for our free brochure Maastricht: for groups

Father Christmas is lost in the Zonneberg caves. Due to their unerring sense of smell, the reindeer have found their way out, but Father Christmas is missing. Save Father Christmas together with the other children. Follow the trail in the dark tunnels and try to find Father Christmas in time. This “hunt” has been specially designed for children aged 6 to 12.

Where: Zonneberg Caves, Buitengoed Slavante, Maastricht
When: By appointment December 21st and 22d 2009 
Who: Programme is specifically for children accompanied by adults
Duration: About 1 ½ hours
Price: Adults and children €7.25 p.p. minimum of 20 particpants

During the holidays, the city will be transformed into Magical Maastricht. Festive lighting will illuminate the streets, shop windows will be more beautiful than ever, and the warm and inviting scent of mulled wine will be in the air. Christmas stands will dot the city centre, and the Christmas cribs can be admired from 6 December onwards. To make it easier for visitors to be a part of all this, the Maastricht tourist office will arrange historic Christmas walks through the city: discover (or rediscover) the old city centre with the help of an expert city guide.

Where: Departure point in consultation
When: By reservation from December 11th till early January
Who: Programme for adults (also possible with children) 
Duration: About 1 ½ hours
Price: Starting from €64.50 per guide, maximum of 15 people per guide.