Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the festive December season in Heemstede with our complete events guide. We have compiled all the important activities and festivities, so you won't miss anything our cozy village has to offer.
Around the historic Town Hall Square and the atmospheric Binnenweg, you'll find traditional Christmas markets and winter activities. The illuminated shopping street invites you to enjoy shopping, while the nearby Groenendaal Forest offers winter walks. In the surrounding area, you can also enjoy events in Haarlem, just 10 minutes away, where the Grote Markt transforms into an atmospheric winter paradise.
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Heemstede Holiday Light Displays
Gouda by Candlelight
- What to Expect
- 1500 candles illuminate the historic town hall and other buildings in the city center.
- Description
- Gouda by Candlelight is a beautiful cultural event featuring various activities in the spirit of Christmas. The program starts early in the afternoon at locations throughout the Gouda city center. The highlight is the lighting of the Christmas tree lights between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
- Where
- Gouda | More Info : Gouda by Candlelight
Amsterdam Light Festival
- What to Expect
- 27 unique light artworks along Amsterdam's canals.
- Description
- The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that illuminates the city of Amsterdam with unique light artworks. This year, the theme is 'Rituals', featuring 27 light artworks created by artists from around the world. Visitors can admire the artworks from land or water and enjoy various experiences.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Light Festival
Heemstede Holiday Markets and Shopping
Haarlem Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Over 350 stalls with Christmas activities and performances.
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Haarlem is one of the largest in the Netherlands, featuring 350 stalls throughout the city. Here, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas atmosphere and enjoy all the festive activities offered by these beautiful streets and squares.
- Where
- Haarlem | More Info : Haarlem Christmas Market
Royal Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Special programming with Christmas choirs and children’s activities.
- Description
- The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague is a 19-day Christmas market featuring many Christmas houses, thousands of LED lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine, and almost daily visits from Santa Claus. The special programming with Christmas choirs, storytellers, children’s activities, and musical performances makes this Christmas market a must-visit.
- Where
- The Hague | More Info : Royal Christmas Fair
Amsterdam Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Over 45 Christmas stalls and various food and drink stands.
- Description
- The Amsterdam Christmas Market on Museumplein is a festive day for everyone, from young to old. More than 45 Christmas stalls and various food and drink stands make this market the ideal location for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Christmas Market
Leiden Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Cozy winter village with chalets, a terrace, and food trucks.
- Description
- The Leiden Christmas Market takes place on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht and features chalets, a cozy terrace, and food trucks. Visitors can enjoy the catering facilities and the warm atmosphere.
- Where
- Leiden | More Info : Leiden Christmas Market
Heemstede Other Holiday Activities
New Year's Eve in Rotterdam
- What to Expect
- Unique party on board a historic ship with much glitter and glamour.
- Description
- Oud & Nieuw on board the ss Rotterdam is celebrated grandly with authentic halls, glitter, and glamour. The party starts at 22:00 and lasts until 02:00. There are unlimited drinks, delicious snacks, and entertainment like DJs and a photobooth.
- Where
- Rotterdam | More Info : New Year's Eve in Rotterdam
Flag Day in Scheveningen
- What to Expect
- Historical traditions and local folklore.
- Description
- Vlaggetjesdag Scheveningen is a celebration centered around Dutch herring. There are many activities such as music, children's games, an admiral ship, and a mustache competition.
- Where
- Scheveningen | More Info : Flag Day in Scheveningen
Kaeskoppenstad Alkmaar
- What to Expect
- Historical recreation of daily life in Alkmaar from the 16th century.
- Description
- Kaeskoppenstad is an annual event in Alkmaar that transports visitors back to the 16th century. During this event, the streets of d'Oude Stad are brought to life with historical actors recreating daily life in Alkmaar from that era.
- Where
- Alkmaar | More Info : Kaeskoppenstad Alkmaar
Christmas Buffet Heemstede
- What to Expect
- Top-rated restaurants with diverse cuisines and welcoming service.
- Description
- In Heemstede, you'll find the best restaurants to celebrate Christmas. From Asian to French cuisine, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the culinary delights and the welcoming service in these top-rated restaurants.
- Where
- Heemstede | More Info : Christmas Buffet Heemstede