Magisch Maastricht (Magical Maastricht)

This year Maastricht is again a unique Christmas destination which knows how to fascinate everyone. The shops are open every Sunday and the beautiful decorated window shops invite you to shop endlessly.

During “Magisch Maastricht” the “Magisch Cultuur Festival” will take place. The streets, squares, cafés, museums and theatres of Maastricht will be filled with various acts, from theatrical performers, harmonies and bands, percussionists, and (children)choirs to several musical performances, church bells and carillons and magical expositions which can be admired.

From the 12th of November 2011 you can enjoy the Magical Light Route. At the Central Station of Maastricht a 10 meter high Christmas tree will rise and Square 1992, the Market and Mosae Forum will have wonderful chandeliers. At the “Hoeg Brögk”, a new design bridge in the city centre of Maastricht, a light path will be created over the river Maas. A huge text message tree will appear by shopping centre Mosae Forum where all profits will be donated to the Ronald McDonald house. And lets not forget the Onze Lieve Vrouwe square where you can also taste the real Christmas spirit by the 200 mistletoes in the trees.

Some of the things to do during Magical Maastricht:

2nd of December 2011
Let the magic begin; grand opening Magical Maastricht
On Friday the 2nd of December ay 5.30 PM Magical Maastricht will officially be opened by a special openings speech by the Mayor of Maastricht, Mr Onno Hoes. Afterwards you can witness a spectacular light- and ice dance show, performed by “Close-Act” and “IJstheater” (Ice theatre) on the Vrijthof.

3rd & 4th of December 2011
FASHIONCLASH Market
FASHIONCLASH Market puts young designers and upcoming labels in the spotlight during the magical December month in Maastricht. Come and visit the FASHIONCLASH Market on Saturday the 3rd en Sunday the 4th of December in Centre Céramique (the public library of Maastricht), where more than 40 young designers show and sell their unique clothes, jewellery, accessories, furniture and design. On the 3rd of December opened from 10 AM – 3 PM and on the 4th of December from 1 PM – 5 PM. Entrance is free.

4th, 11th & 18th of December 2011
Magical organ concerts
The festive concerts, with a rich Christmas repertoire, are provided by Hans Leenders and organists from the city and the Euregion. The entrance is free.
Sunday December 4th; Chapel “Zusters onder de Bogen”
Sunday December 11th; Chapel “Cellebroederskapel”
Sunday December 18th; Chapel “Ursulinenkapel”

9th, 10th & 11th of December 2011
Magic Music Maastricht
This is a new music festival during Magical Maastricht with 10 stages where more than 20  national and international artists will perform. Several authentic music styles like roots, blues, jazz, rock ‘n roll, rockabilly and soul will pass by. All concerts are free accessible and will take place in the city centre of Maastricht.

18th of December 2011
Christmas carols on the Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
Christmas carols, performed by the ‘1000 voices’ choire together with a musical group and Pastor Kurris. The concert starts at 5 PM.

18th of December 2011 until the 1st of January 2012
Lightshow “Hoofdwacht” (Main Guard House)
From the 18th of December 2011 until the 1st of January 2012 “Zicht op Maastricht” presents another visual lightshow on the Vrijthof (duration: 20 minutes). The show takes place every night at every hour from 5 PM until 10 PM and can be viewed for free.

21st of December 2011
On Wednesday the 21st of December at 8 PM you can visit a free concert from the South-Limburg choirs “Transparence” and “Vocal Group Odeon” at the Amrâth Grand Hotel de l'Empereur.

22nd of December 2011
The “Maastrichter Kerstmannen Stadsloop” (Maastricht Santa Claus City Run)
Run the 4 km long track of the Magical Light Route dressed as Santa Claus. Everyone can participate, it is a recreational run where al contestants are dressed as Santa Claus and carry a bag which will be filled along the way with gifts from the local shops on the route. Participation costs €15,- including the Santa Claus suit (hat, beard, coat, belt and bag), a surprise and an official start proof to walk with.
Warming up: 5 PM, Start at 5.30 PM at Mosae Forum SMS- Christmas tree

23rd of December 2011
Soup at the square “Onder de klok”
After the successful happening last year “Maastricht Culinair” will organise a Christmas afternoon from 2 PM until 6 PM in collaboration with “KunstActief” and “Sphinx” at the square “Onder de klok”, which is located at the Stationsstraat in Maastricht. Everyone who passes by will be treated with a free cup of special soup with will be prepared with directions of Peter Harkema from Château Neercanne.

Come and enjoy the heart-warming winter in Maastricht!