Haarlem Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Haarlem and surrounding areas
Haarlem sparkles for the festive season across the historic district with radiant Holiday lights and a roster of things to do around Grote Markt and the Grote Kerk where Wintercircus Haarlem, Kerstmarkt Haarlem, and the Sinterklaas Arrival create family-friendly excitement. Seasonal festivals and Santa experiences round out the calendar. From market stalls to lively performances, Haarlem offers charming holiday attractions rooted in local tradition and atmosphere.
Find the best Haarlem Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
37 eventsIndoor winter wonderland with ice skating and snow tubing
Christmas Parties
14 eventsNationwide Christmas brunch and lunch delivery
Christmas Shows
10 eventsEuropean circus artists in a nostalgic Anton Pieck-style tent.
Christmas Lights
8 eventsReal ice skating rink in a Christmas village
Christmas Activities
31 eventsSpectacular New Year's Eve fireworks and light show
Editor's Picks (6)
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New Year's Eve Fireworks & Light Show at Museumplein
(Amsterdam)
Spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks and light show
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Electric Fireworks Amstelveen
(Amstelveen)
Spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display
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Winter Wonderland Noordwijk
(Noordwijk)
Real ice skating rink in a Christmas village
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Archeon Light Festival
(Alphen aan den Rijn)
Historical light presentations with storytelling
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Wintercircus Haarlem
European circus artists in a nostalgic Anton Pieck-style tent.
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The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
(Amsterdam)
Classic holiday ballet with live orchestra
Events Happening Soon (6)
Haarlem Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Haarlem
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Haarlem!
Haarlem Christmas FAQ
The biggest events include the Haarlem Christmas Market at the Grote Markt and the Castle Christmas Fair at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg. These events draw large crowds with festive stalls, entertainment, and holiday activities.
Haarlem celebrates with a blend of traditional Dutch festivities and local customs, including the transformation of historic streets into festive markets and the recreation of 19th-century Christmas scenes during the market period.
The city center and surrounding residential neighborhoods are known for their charming holiday lights, with several streets becoming popular walking trails for enjoying neighborhood displays during the season.
The Grote Markt area hosts the main Christmas market with numerous local artisans and vendors. Additionally, smaller artisan markets and craft fairs pop up in nearby squares and community centers throughout Haarlem during the season.
Strolling through the free neighborhood light displays, visiting public holiday installations, and enjoying the open-air markets without admission fees are great budget-friendly ways to experience Haarlem’s festive season.
Families can enjoy the festive markets with kid-friendly workshops, live performances, and seasonal treats. The Castle Christmas Fair nearby also offers interactive activities and a magical setting that appeals to children.