Leiden Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Leiden and surrounding areas
The festive season in Leiden centers on the historic district with sparkling Holiday lights and a lively calendar of festive events and family-friendly activities around the Hooglandse Kerk and the canals where Rotary Santa Run Leiden, Winter Wonder Weeks, and the Christmas Market in Leiden bring community spirit. Seasonal concerts and markets fill the streets. From illuminated walks to artisan stalls, Leiden offers warm holiday experiences for families and visitors alike.
Find the best Leiden Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
38 eventsIndoor winter wonderland with ice skating and snow tubing
Christmas Parties
14 eventsNew Year's Eve party on a historic steamship
Christmas Shows
10 eventsEnchanting Nutcracker act with Mozart and a blockflute concerto.
Christmas Lights
8 eventsReal ice skating rink in a Christmas village
Other Christmas Activities
30 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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New Year's Eve Sylvester Party on ss Rotterdam
(Rotterdam)
New Year's Eve party on a historic steamship
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Rotterdam New Year's Eve Fireworks
(Rotterdam)
Spectacular National Fireworks display over Erasmus Bridge
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Archeon Light Festival
(Alphen aan den Rijn)
Historical light presentations with storytelling
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Stadsintocht Sinterklaas Delft
(Delft)
Sinterklaas's arrival by boat and festive city procession.
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Electric Fireworks Amstelveen
(Amstelveen)
Spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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See all in Scheveningen →Leiden Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas events include the Winter Wonder Weeks featuring the Nostalgic Christmas Market, ice skating on the Floating Ice Rink, and the Rotary Santa Run through the city center.
Leiden celebrates with traditions like the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Rotary Santa Run, and festive markets that combine historical charm with modern holiday cheer, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The city center around Hooglandse Kerkgracht and the canal-side neighborhoods near the Nieuwe Rijn are known for their beautiful Christmas lights and festive walking trails.
The main Christmas markets and local artisan stalls are primarily located at Hooglandse Kerkgracht and surrounding squares in Leiden’s historic center during December.
Enjoy free walking tours of the holiday light displays, visit the public Christmas markets, and explore festive decorations throughout the city center without any admission fees.
Families can enjoy the Floating Ice Rink, nostalgic fun fairs, and seasonal performances during the Winter Wonder Weeks, all offering engaging activities for children.