Everything was so different this time last year, and I can’t seem to stop thinking about it. It felt like the coming 2020 was going to be the most exciting and adventure-filled year ever.

It turned out to be the opposite, for most of us. If we’d known then what we know now, would we do it all over again? I’m sure I’d keep the travelling bit!

Take a walk with me through memory lane.

I had just landed a job I wanted in the summer of 2019, becoming a part of the exhibitions industry.

Helping to organize a few larger exhibitions came into reality after months of hard work in the office. Going to Frankfurt and then Paris sounded so exciting.

And it really was! Besides working super long hours, I spent some amazing moments with my wonderful team, laughing at dinners and bonding on the show floor.

The highlight of it all was the celebration of a successful exhibition season behind us by going on a 2-day getaway to Maastricht in December.

(Reminiscing about this now, I realise how blessed I was to be able to travel this much – this non-travel reality just doesn’t do it for me!)

It was quite easy to reach Maastricht with a car from Amsterdam; it took us about 2 hours. The trains drive there regularly, and the ride takes about 2.5 hours from Amsterdam – check out NS’s website for more info.

MAASTRICHT 101

Maastricht is a city with a very different vibe than the rest of the Netherlands, due to its southern location. It almost reminded me of the Mediterranean, with its stoned houses and easygoing atmosphere.

Maastricht is the capital of Limburg province, famous for its hills, vineyards, and a mix of Dutch, Belgian, and German culture.

Its many influences make it interesting to visit both in colder and warmer seasons. In fact, it is the place to be throughout the summer – as the temperatures rise, so does the number of visitors.

The views that stretch out to the hills surrounding the city are unlike anything in Holland. Quite literally since this is one of the highest parts of the country.

The city’s well known for the Maastricht University. Students from all over the world come here to study for the ultimate international experience. You’ll notice them hanging out in Maastricht’s many bars and restaurants. (Usually, of course, right now the corona regulations only allow takeaway/deliveries).

You might also remember the Maastricht treaty, which laid the foundation for the forming of the EU in 1992. It makes it the birthplace of the euro, putting Maastricht (back) on the political map.

The city’s rich history can best be experienced by taking an active part in its cultural scene. Hubs such as the museum Bonnefanten and Centre Céramique attract art lovers of all kinds. They provide a unique setting for further explorations.

MAGICAL MAASTRICHT

The way to experience Maastricht’s undeniable Christmas spirit is by taking a walk under the lights in one of the Magical Light Routes. Luckily, it is still going ahead in 2020 and will extend onto February 2021.

There are 3 different routes to choose from: the Wyck, Sphinxkwartier, and Romantic route. Each of these contains some of the sights and places Maastricht is famous for. It’s the best way to get to know the cobbled city streets all dressed in fairy lights.

The Christmas decorations in Maastricht are something else – not even Amsterdam can compare. An evening stroll beneath all that sparkle will help you forget the pandemic is still with us.

What’s great about spending a few winter moments here is that there’s so much to explore. Although the city is not that big, it has a lot to offer. Maastricht’s five districts all tell their own story yet maintain the charming ambiance.

These are the most vivid memories I have from my trip last year. Hanging out with my colleagues and walking around this beautiful city was so nice. The lights followed us with their magic wherever we went.

MAASTRICHT CHRISTMAS MARKET

Maastricht Christmas market (Maastricht kerstmarkt in Dutch) unfortunately cannot be held this year. Parts of it will still appear but in a different way.

The Christmas village located at Vrijthof square always guarantees a good time. Find a treat for yourself and enjoy it on-the-go! Warm mulled wine and apple pie make it possible for you to taste the Christmas spirit.

I remember seeing many interesting-looking sweets I had never seen before. Also, Christmas stalls that specialize in cured meat and cheese products. The Belgian-French flavours can be felt in each of these, due to the spices and way of presentation. The owners are so friendly and ready to let you sample anything you like, as well as give you a little background on their stuff – tasty & educational!

The carousel offers the most amazing views of the whole city and will get you to feel like a kid again. I went for a ride though I’m terrified of heights and it was a great decision since it doesn’t go fast. Maastricht from above in all those lights is the most picture-perfect fairytale setting you can imagine.

Besides warm food and drinks, you’ll find plenty of gift ideas at the market. Interesting handmade leather gloves and bags of all shapes and sizes are bound to catch your eye. Or go for a simple and practical souvenir glass (that doubles as your temporary wine glass 😊).

Maastricht’s shopping experience doesn’t stop here – you will find so much on your path to getting to know the city! My favourite is the Dominican bookshop, which brings a freshness to a space that was formerly a Dominican church. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance. Musicians like to gather here alongside book lovers.

After a few hours spent at the market, the cold might get to you, as it did to us last December. That’s when we headed to our pre-drinks borrel at Pieke Potloed, where we got to enjoy some of Maastricht’s finest wines and tapas.

There are quite a few good quality restaurants and bars in the city. It’s always worth asking the locals for their top tips, as they do know best 😊. In our case, we went for dinner at Le Tapage – I had chosen a seafood menu and it was amazing. My introduction to lobster happened here, in a soup of all forms, and I loved it.

The wine selection was really good everywhere we went. Even in bars in the centre after the market had closed. The locals didn’t seem to mind a large group of people hanging out and having fun. You just feel welcome.

The following morning, we crossed the Sint Servaas bridge to reach our breakfast destination. Van Wijck was so prettily decorated and the choice of breakfast food is awesome. It’s located in such a cute neighbourhood (close to the station), not even rain can stop you from enjoying it. I really can’t wait to go back to this city!

If you’re up for some corona-proof events in Maastricht, here are my highlights:

• Festival Winternights – unique performing arts from up-and-coming creators (also available online via Zoom)
• Guided tours through the caves that surround Maastricht – see what lies below the surface
• Guided tours through the Fort Sint Pieter – another treat in Maastricht’s history and culture

And since we’ve no place to go…

If you’re unable to physically visit Maastricht and roam the Maastricht Christmas market, don’t let it stop you from enjoying its magic! There are plenty of online goodies that will get you feeling the holiday joy in no time.

My favourites are:

• André Rieu – the famous Dutch performer is usually one of the main reasons to experience the wintertime in Maastricht. This year indulge in the selection of his finest concerts online.
• The Meet Maastricht Podcast – lots of insider info on this lovely city that you won’t hear anywhere else but on this podcast.
• The Lumiére stay at home cinema – make some popcorn and get comfortable. Rent a movie you’d usually watch at Lumiére cinema – choose anything from blockbusters to international titles.

Even though the whole Christmas market concept has changed because of 2020, nothing can take away our ability to enjoy this time of the year.

I do hope you can spend these holidays visiting a place as magical as Maastricht. Getting in touch with its special vibe will keep you warm during the long winter.

If you do go, I’d love to know how your visit was! You can let me know in the comments below or here. 😊