Last updated: December 01, 2024
Discover the festive atmosphere of Leiden with our complete winter guide. From locals to visitors, this guide leads you through all winter activities our historic university city has to offer during the December month.
The city center forms the heart of the festivities, with the Nieuwe Rijn and Rapenburg as central points. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated canals, winter markets around the Hooglandse Church, and the cozy cafes and restaurants surrounding the Pieterskerk Square. The historic city center transforms with atmospheric lighting and traditional decorations, while the shopping streets like Haarlemmerstraat and Breestraat offer a varied selection of winter activities.
Contact information and details below.
Light artworks along Amsterdam's canals.
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event where the canals of Amsterdam are transformed into a unique canvas for light art. In this edition, 'Rituals', more than 20 light works are displayed along the canals and in the waters of Amsterdam.
Where: Amsterdam | More Info: Amsterdam Light Festival
Floating ice rink and nostalgic fair.
Winter Wonder Weken in Leiden offers a wide range of activities, including the House of Sinterklaas, a floating ice rink, and a nostalgic fair. Visitors can also participate in a UV light tour through the Hortus and enjoy a Christmas market on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht.
Where: Leiden | More Info: Winter Wonder Weeks
Unique floating Christmas market on the Nieuwe Rijn
The Christmas market in Leiden takes place on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht and offers a cozy winter village with chalets, a cozy terrace, and food trucks. Visitors can enjoy the hospitality and warm atmosphere.
Where: Leiden | More Info: Leiden Christmas Market
Over 350 stalls with unique Christmas products and activities.
The Haarlem Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, featuring 350 stalls across 12 locations in Haarlem's city center. You can enjoy Christmas activities and performances by artists and choirs.
Where: Haarlem | More Info: Haarlem Christmas Market
Special programming with Christmas choirs and children’s activities.
The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague is a 19-day Christmas market featuring numerous 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 worthwhile visit.
Where: The Hague | More Info: Royal Christmas Fair
Sustainable gift items with a link to green products.
The Green Christmas Market is an intimate Christmas market featuring local vendors offering sustainable gift items such as plants, bulbs, and garden decor.
Where: Rotterdam | More Info: Green Christmas Market
Unique Christmas market with live music and special products.
The Funky Xmas Market is a unique Christmas market at the Westergasterrein in Amsterdam. Here you can enjoy delicious Christmas snacks, special products, live music, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
Where: Amsterdam | More Info: Funky Xmas Market
Unique Christmas market with diverse range of entertainment and taste.
The Country & Christmas Fair offers a diverse range of entertainment and taste, with many stands that are pre-checked for quality, originality, and product type. Visitors can enjoy festive shopping, beautiful festive entertainment, and a mixed offer of food and drink stands.
Where: Vijfhuizen | More Info: Country and Christmas Fair
Tribute show with ABBA Christmas songs.
ABBA Gold brings the greatest hits and Christmas songs of ABBA to life in a unique tribute show. The band members will add various Christmas songs to the well-known ABBA repertoire, including 'Merry Christmas' and naturally the closer 'Happy New Year'.
Where: Leiden | More Info: ABBA Gold Christmas Special
Hypnotic mix of funky afrobeat and soul jazz.
Liquid Sun Orchestra presents a hypnotic mix of funky afrobeat and swinging soul jazz, inspired by the legendary Fela Kuti. Their music combines elements of traditional African rhythms with influences from other styles.
Where: Leiden | More Info: Swing Concert: Liquid Sun Orchestra