Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 safety measures and activities

Because of COVID-19, everything looks different. Christmas town Valkenburg as well. There are still activities like Christmas in MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland. And these will take place. This is thanks to extensive measures that have been taken for your safety. We only ask you to observe a few rules and then we can all safely enjoy a 100% Christmas atmosphere!

The most important thing is to keep a distance of 1.5 metres and plan your day in advance. We wish you lots of fun in advance!

Here is everything you need to know for a safe visit to Christmas in Valkenburg.

Are there any restrictions regarding COVID-19 in the caves? And in the surroundings?

Check the websites of the caves for the specific measures per activity and here for here the measures in Kerststad Valkenburg.

Which activities will not take place?

Unfortunately, due to the measures, Christmas Market Municipal Cave, Christmas Market Velvet Cave, Christmas Fairytales Parade, Route d'Amuse and Santa's Village cannot take place this year. Activities that will take place can be found on the homepage.

Tickets

If I have bought tickets and everything gets cancelled because of COVID-19, will I get my money back?

Yes, if it is decided by the government and veiligheidsregio that the caves should close, the ticket money will be refunded.

If I have bought tickets and I or someone in my environment falls ill and we cannot come, will I get my money back?

No, if you have to cancel, for whatever reason, we will not refund tickets.

For Winter Wonderland: In case it is not possible to visit, it is possible to apply for a voucher to come back another day.

If we report the number of visitors and date of our visit on time, can we enter without tickets purchased in advance?

No, tickets can only be purchased online in advance.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are only available online and can be bought in advance on the Kerst in MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland pages. Tickets are available on date and time block.

If it is impossible for you to purchase your tickets online, you may be able to book your tickets via your accommodation or try to buy tickets (limited availability only) at the Visit Zuid-Limburg Experience (Valkenburg city centre, Theodoor Dorrenplein) or at the Visit Zuid-Limburg Shops (information centres). At the Visit Zuid-Limburg Experience you can also get an overview of all you can do in Valkenburg and its surroundings.

Are there combi-tickets for sale?

No, this year there are no combi-tickets for sale. 

Are there group tickets for sale?

No, because of the COVID-19 safety measures there are no group tickets for sale.

Please note to make sure that you arrive on time. Your ticket is only valid and gives access on the indicated time on your ticket. No sooner, nor later.

Can I also buy a ticket at the checkout?

For Kerst in MergelRijk you can. At Winter Wonderland this is not possible and you have to buy a ticket online in advance.

I have bought tickets for the time block 11.00-11.30 hrs. Do I have to leave the cave within half an hour?

No, the time block of half an hour gives you the space to enter the cave between 11.00 and 11.30 hours. You have an average of 1 to 1.5 hours to visit a cave.

Winter Wonderland works with time blocks of 15 minutes. Within these 15 minutes you can have the tickets scanned. An average visit to the cave is 15 minutes.

How many people can enter per time slot?

No more visitors than the safety and distance in the cave can be guaranteed. Time slots are per half hour or quarter of an hour so that there are no (large) queues.

Caves

What are the COVID-19 measures in the caves (ventilation, mouth caps, distance, walking routes, etc.)?

Check the websites of the various caves for the specific COVID-19 safety measures in that place at that time.

What is the estimated time that people will be present in a cave as we now have to book an arrival time and want to buy other tickets?

Count on a visit time of approx. 1 to 1.5 hours per cave.

For Winter Wonderland: A visit to the cave takes about 15 minutes. If you would like to parttake in other activities in addition to the visit to the cave (depending on what is open), the visit takes an average of 1 to 1.5 hours. 

Are the caves during Christmas in Valkenburg accessible for wheelchair users and disabled people?

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 safety measures, it is currently not possible to visit MergelRijk and Winter Wonderland with a wheelchair, walker or pram. Please contact the relevant organisation if any special requests occur.

Am I allowed to take my dog into the caves?

No, unfortunately it is not permitted to take your four-legged friend (or any other pet) underground, neither in a dog stroller or carrier. This is for the safety of both people and animals.

Accessibility by car

Navigate to Valkenburg town centre and follow the yellow signs to ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’. No navigation in your car or on your phone? Then use the description below:

Coming from direction Köln (Cologne) – Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) – Heerlen, follow the A79 motorway direction Maastricht//Valkenburg. Take exit Hulsberg – Valkenburg Centrum (exit number 4) and follow the yellow signs to ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’ and the instructions of the traffic regulators.

Coming from direction Eindhoven, follow the A2 motorway, direction Maastricht. Leave the motorway at exit Valkenburg (app. 5 km from Maastricht) and follow the signs to get on the A79 direction Valkenburg. Take exit Valkenburg – Houthem (exit number 3). Follow the yellow signs to ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’ and the instructions of the traffic regulators.

Coming from direction Liège – Maastricht, follow the A2 direction Eindhoven and take the exit direction A79 Heerlen / Valkenburg. Take the exit Valkenburg – Houthem (exit number 3). Follow the yellow signs to ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’ and the instructions of the traffic regulators.

Accessibility public transport

What way can I best travel to Kerststad Valkenburg?

By train or bus

Are you coming by train or bus? On 9292.nl or via the app you can plan your trip from any starting point in The Netherlands. You best can check nsinternational.nl when traveling internationally. From Valkenburg station it is a 5 to 10 minutes’ walk to Santa’s Village, the town centre and the entrance to Christmas Town Valkenburg. Face masks are compulsory on public transport.

Parking

Where can I park my car?

Follow the routing in Valkenburg for all parking spaces.

Where are there parking spaces for the disabled?

There are a number of spaces reserved for the disabled in almost every car park.