Kerstgrotten Valkenburg is known throughout December for its magic: thousands of lights, atmospheric market stalls, hot chocolate, and visitors from across Europe who come to experience its unique Christmas atmosphere. What visitors do not immediately see is everything that happens behind the scenes to keep this special location clean, safe, and welcoming.
One of the organisations responsible for this is Jaro, a sister company of Breedweer. Jaro has been active in Valkenburg for many years, including at sports centre De Polfermolen. Through this existing partnership with the municipality and the location, a unique assignment emerged: being responsible for cleaning services and restroom inspections in and around the Christmas caves for six weeks.
From Sports Centre to Christmas Caves
Project manager Wilma takes us through her working day. During this period, De Polfermolen serves as the operational base. This is where supplies such as toilet paper, cleaning materials, and sanitary products are stored. From here, the restrooms in and around the caves are stocked and cleaned every day.
“The Christmas caves are beautifully decorated,” Wilma explains. “There are lights and decorations everywhere… It truly feels like a Christmas cave. But with thousands of visitors every day, everything also needs to remain clean, tidy, and hygienic at all times.”
International Crowds at Kerstgrotten Valkenburg, Organised to Perfection
Every day, buses filled with visitors from Germany, France, England, and other countries arrive at Kerstgrotten Valkenburg. On weekdays, the number of visitors ranges from approximately 1,700 to 3,400 per day. During weekends, that number can rise to as many as 8,000 to 9,000 visitors.
This requires a great deal of flexibility. While one employee is usually sufficient under normal circumstances, Jaro works with multiple team members at the same time during weekends. Staff work in rotating shifts, with long working days that also include Saturdays and Sundays.
“Everyone has their own tasks and responsibilities,” Wilma explains. “That’s necessary because the pace is high.”
A Partnership That Works
What stands out is how smoothly everything comes together: stallholders, volunteers, bus drivers, and cleaning staff all work closely together. Volunteers step in where needed, colleagues help each other restock supplies, and communication lines are short and efficient.
“Everything is organised from start to finish,” says Wilma. “From placing orders and managing toilet paper supplies to the daily cleaning. That’s what we do best.”
Invisible Work, Essential Results
The restrooms are clean, well stocked, and accessible to everyone, including facilities for baby care and support for visitors with limited mobility. For many visitors, this may seem like a given, but that is exactly what makes Jaro’s work so important: it allows others to enjoy their visit without worry.
For six weeks, day after day, Jaro contributes to the experience of one of the most unique Christmas markets in the Netherlands: Kerstgrotten Valkenburg. Quietly operating behind the scenes, yet making a significant impact.
