It promises to be a magical winter in Toverland. From 25 November you can enjoy our winter concept in Toverland: Winter Feelings. Discover all 6 worlds* together as you've never seen them before, with Port Laguna as a literal hotspot. This winter lagoon full of activities and festivities will immediately warm you up. During the Christmas holidays you can enjoy all this extra long, namely until 20:00! Take a quick look below to see what's in store for you this winter!

www.toverland.com/winterfeelings

The atmospheric Candle Festival Stevensweert takes place on and around the historic Jan van Steffeswertplein and allows visitors to enjoy musical performances, winter delicacies, a living nativity scene and much more to get into the Christmas mood.

Since 1998, the Stevensweert Candle Festival Foundation has been organizing the Candle Festival on and around the historic Jan van Steffeswertplein at Christmas time.

At 19:00 the festival opens and from that moment on many candles are lit, various choirs from the area sing their song and you can view a live nativity scene. Of course, mulled wine and fresh waffles will not be missing! There are also Christmas pieces and other Christmas items for sale.

In the parish church of St. Stephanus, in the Protestant church and the Meeting Center, both vocal and instrumental concerts are given in an Advent and Christmas atmosphere. The regional museum Stevensweert-Ohé en laak can also be visited free of charge this evening. Admission is free.

www.gemeentemaasgouw.nl/kaarsenfeest-stevensweert

From December 8,2023 to January 28,2024, the Steinerbos will be transformed into Steinerlights. During a magical walk, admire the most beautiful light projections together with the family. Walk among fairytale objects, be amazed by crazy laser shows and discover countless lights in trees!

steinerlights.nl

This year, Jeugdwerk Thorn is organising a water spectacle on Saturday 22 July. There are water games, tasty fries and even a large obstacle course to whizz down. Of course there will be a DJ for some nice beats and there will be delicious cooling drinks. The sunscreen will flow freely.

Solar Weekend is one of the most creative festivals in the country. Every year, eight hundred creatives and artists contribute to the festival. Expect alternative sports, wacky games, beautiful buildings, art and playful theatre. There is also plenty to see musically. Live acts alternate with great DJs from the House and Techno scene. The entire frontline of hip-hop and urban is also programmed at Solar. If you really want to experience the festival, it is a good idea to be present for the full four days. The campsite is now a festival in itself, with three (!) stages, a 72-hour Silent Disco and the legendary water pistol fight with thousands of participants.

solarweekend.com

Sjwaampop is an annual, two-day free pop festival, which has been taking place since 1983 on the market of Swalmen. The festival has lasted two days since 2012 and attracts several thousand visitors per day. In previous years, we have welcomed De Staat, Di-Rect, Anneke van Giersbergen, La Fuente, Douwe Bob, Wulf, Navarone, Johan Gielen, Wild Romance, Miss Montreal, Chef Special, DeWolff, Memphis Maniacs and Vato Gonzales, among others. So there is something for everyone every year on Sjwaampop!

www.sjwaampop.com

Come to the second edition of the Limburg New Year's Circus with a brand new program!

In 2023, the Limburg New Year's Circus presented a festive, high-quality circus show by a brand new producer in Sittard. The long tradition of circus at the turn of the year received a more than noticed update full of top quality.

Also in 2024, the Limburg New Year's Circus will kick off with unique, spectacular shows in the city center of Sittard. A brand new program filled with twelve exclusive world acts. Artists with name and fame provide the ultimate and high-profile circus experience.

The fastest costume change in the world, the diabolos of a young Italian talent, impressive acrobatics of a golden duo, juggling, charming camels and cheerful donkeys, musical clowns, a large acrobatic troupe, a beautiful show ballet, the cheerful dogs with a trophy cabinet in the prestigious festival of Monte Carlo.

The undisputed highlight is the spectacular double (!) wheel of death, winners of a silver clown 2023. Excitement and sensation guaranteed. For two hours. Accompanied by an extensive live orchestra, the Limburg New Year's Circus presents a top programme in a high-quality tent complex from 4 to 7 January.

An event for all ages. The ideal party to open the new year in style with your family, friends, colleagues, company, association.

Data

• Thursday, January 4 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
• Friday, January 5 at 1:00 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 6 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
• Sunday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

www.limburgs-nieuwjaarscircus.nl

The Heuvelland Marathon is different from other marathons. The Heuvelland Marathon will run from the Drielandenpunt in Vaals to Maastricht in 2024. It is not an ordinary marathon but a nature marathon. The trail runs mostly on unpaved paths, but is not a trail run. There are a number of climbs with a total of 595 altimeters. The start is at 326 m NAP and the finish at 42 m NAP.

Due to its hilly nature, the course is tougher than most marathons. The route goes through the beautiful nature of the Limburg hills with great views and picturesque villages.

In addition to the full marathon distance, a relay form will also be offered for teams of 4 or 2 people (2x 21.1 km).

New! A half Heuvelland marathon starting in Landsrade (halfway) to Maastricht. This can be done both solo (21.1 km) and duo (12.7 and 8.4 km).

In 2025, we will reverse the walking direction again and you will walk from Maastricht to the highest point in the Netherlands in Vaals. Of course, it's nice to complete the double.

www.bearsports.nl

From 1 December to 7 January 2024 you will find the Winter Fever Arena on our iconic Munsterplein in the heart of Roermond! Over the Kiosk, in the middle of the Munsterplein, a transparent and covered pavilion is erected decorated in Christmas atmospheres. In this large pavilion incl. catering there is a roller skating rink for young and old where you can roller skate every day. There is also a Silent Disco and Curling competition organized on the track.

www.weareroermond.com

Performances by local artists and up-and-coming talent on the Kloosterwandplein in Roermond.

www.sjpektakel.nl

Experience the familiar nostalgic Christmas atmosphere from grandmother's time during a steam train journey with the special Christmas Express.

The puffing steam locomotive gently sets the Christmas Express in motion. The steam heater warms the nostalgic carriage comfortably, while wisps of steam decorate your window on the outside.

Enjoy the beautiful winter landscape of South Limburg! Simpelveld is the beating heart of the Miljoenenlijn. In and around the 110-year-old station building, the volunteers will take you back to Christmas in the past.

The staff will be happy to welcome you here in style with old-fashioned Christmas music and atmospheric decorations. While the children take a look at the Christmas manger on the platform, you can enjoy hot chocolate with a piece of Limburg pie or a delicious homemade soup in the station restaurant Brasserie Perron 4.

It is possible to hop on or off at any station along the way. From Schin op Geul it is even possible to use your day ticket to travel for free on the Arriva trains to Kerststad Valkenburg or Wintertijd Heerlen.

miljoenenlijn.nl

## Climb the church of Meijel and experience the highlights of Peel happiness.

Did you know that the tower of the church in Meijel, with a length of 79.8 meters, belongs to one of the highest towers in the Netherlands? And you can climb it! The 'Méélse' church is a multifunctional building with many additional functions, located in a prominent place in the village.

In recent years, the cathedral has undergone a major renovation. The church has new stained glass windows and the roof has also been renewed. In addition, hundreds of LED lamps have been installed to put the church completely in the 'spotlight'. Finally, the tower is also equipped with accessible and homemade wooden stairs. The wood for the stairs has been cut down, processed and processed in our own village with the help of thousands of volunteers.

Climbing the church is not only an experience because of the height but also the beautiful interior and the rich history make the experience unforgettable. At a height of 40 meters you can enjoy a fantastic view!

## Tickets:

• Adults: € 6,50
• Children 0 - 4 years: FREE
• Children 5 - 12 years: € 3,50

Opening hours: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Please note: book in advance via the website.

The people of Maastricht are happy. Share their love with light. That is the cordiality with which Maastricht receives you. Ambient light is available on every corner. In trees and buildings. Even the smallest boutiques give light in a memorable way. The city invites you to find the finest gifts for your loved ones. Or give yourself something sweet. You just have to enjoy this moment. From mid-November to early January you celebrate winter together in Maastricht.

magischmaastrichtvrijthof.nl

The Vastelaoveskirmes can be found on the Munsterplein in Roermond with more than 10 attractions for young and old, e.g.: caterpillar track, breakdance, trampoline, merry-go-round, mini carousel and duck catching. The following food stalls are also included: churros, fish, Vietnamese snacks, cotton candy, popcorn and sweets.

On Carnival Saturday, all brakes will be released during the mega party at the Stationsplein in Roermond.

• Line up Sjtasiefestasie: will follow a.s.a.p.
• 10 February 2024 12:30 - 18:30
• Station Square
• From €5.55

www.weareroermond.com

The official opening of the carnival in Venlo. Various carnival artists will perform in Venlo.

www.boetezitting-venlo.nl

The carnival parade starts at 14.11 through the streets of Itervoort. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

The carnival parade starts at 14.11 through the streets of Heel. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

The carnival parade starts at 13.11 through the streets of Sittard. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

The carnival parade starts at 13.33 through the streets of Maastricht. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

The carnival parade starts at 14.11 through the streets of Thorn. The most beautiful cars pass by.

degeitebuk.nl

The carnival parade starts at 14.11 through the streets of Wessem. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

The carnival parade starts at 13.11 through the streets of Roermond. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

The carnival parade starts at 13.00 through the streets of Venlo. The most beautiful cars pass by.

www.optochtenkalender.nl

Tens of thousands of visitors from all over the region and far beyond visit the Sint Joepmarkt in Sittard every year. An annual fair where the men and women of the market sell a colourful collection of products.

The market has been a popular market for more than 200 years. The first St. Joep's Market was held on March 19,1803. The mayor of Sittard received permission from Napoleon Bonaparte for this market, which was a cattle market until the end of the 19th century.

The Sint Joepmarkt is not only the first fair of the year, but also the largest in the Netherlands. More than five kilometres of stalls line up through the historic city centre of Sittard. Many of the market vendors advertise their merchandise in an original way. Something that makes this market a very popular event for many visitors

www.weekmarktensittardgeleen.nl

The Wednesday Market. Every Wednesday from 9:00 to 15:00

The Wednesday market focuses primarily on food and culture. Although it retains its traditional market functionalities, the Wednesday market is, above all, an experience for the visitor, with weekly cooking presentations and performances. The market itself boasts a variety of different products such as fresh fish, artisanal local products, and the famed textile market.

The Biological Market. Every Thursday from 13:00 to 18:00

At this biological market in Wyck, you can stumble open all sorts of great foods. Under the “think global, act locally” motto, you can enjoy products that have been grown with care and love. Pure bliss!

The Friday Market. Every Friday from 9:00 to 15:00

With approximately 400 stalls, the Friday Market is one of the largest wares markets in the Euregion. The fish market stands out, attracting customers from Belgium and even the North of France! The market also possesses a great selection of textiles and furniture.

De Vlooienmarkt. Every Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00

Skitter through an erratic assortment of goods at the flea market on Saturday, whether it be vintage fashion or antique furniture. Eigenzinnige Markt. Every Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 Find hidden gems in the broad selection of curiosities, antiques, and art at this peculiar market.

www.bezoekmaastricht.nl

The Feelgood Market is a bustling place, full of sustainable, hand-crafted, original, and inspiring (local) products. You can also find tasty (biological) bites, drinks, workshops and great live music. A great day trip for the family!

Parents can relax and stroll through the market while there are numerous fun activities for the children.

www.feelgoodmarket.nl

More information on: www.weert.nl/markt

More information on: www.weareroermond.com/markten-in-roermond/

Every year, Valkenburg is transformed into Christmas City Valkenburg, with enchanting scenery, warm Christmas lights, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You can see, smell, hear, and taste Christmas both above… and below ground! Discover the most unique Christmas market in The Netherlands!

https://www.kerststadvalkenburg.nl/

Magical lights, small stalls with food and souvenirs, cozy Christmas activities, the Sint Jans Church and the Basilica of Sint Servaas watching over you… and, of course, the André Rieu Christmas concert. Come and saunter about while enjoying the Christmas atmosphere at the Magic Maastricht Christmas Market. The concert itself will be on the 16th of December and must be booked ahead of time:

https://www.andrerieu.com/nl/tour/maastricht-kerst-met-andre-16-december-2023

Around the old basilica and Market Square of Meerssen, the Annual Fair is held every year on the first Sunday of September. It is a large market with a varied offer in this beautiful location. There is a separate art and flea market and there is also a lot of entertainment at this market.

There is plenty of parking space nearby and the train and bus station is within walking distance (±300 m) from the market.

Sunday, September 1,2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.