Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the festive atmosphere of Utrecht with our complete event guide. Whether you're a resident or have chosen Utrecht as your holiday destination, this guide will show you the way to all winter activities in the Dom City.
From the cozy Christmas market at Dom Square to the atmospheric lighting in the city center, Utrecht buzzes during the winter months. The historic canals and alleyways form the backdrop for numerous winter events, while the Twijnstraat and Oudegracht fill up with stalls and winter delicacies. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at the Museum Quarter and winter walks along the illuminated wharves.
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Utrecht Holiday Light Displays
Amsterdam Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique light artworks along Amsterdam's canals.
- Description
- Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event where the Amsterdam canals are illuminated with unique light artworks. The thirteenth edition, with the theme 'Rituals,' takes place from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Light Festival
Candle lit Gouda
- What to Expect
- Light festival with 1500 candles in the historic town hall
- Description
- In the evening, 1500 candles are lit behind the windows of the historic town hall and thousands more in the buildings of the city center. There are various activities such as the Winterfair, walks, concerts, and performances in the Gouda Theatre, museums, and churches.
- Where
- Gouda | More Info : Candle lit Gouda
Utrecht Holiday Markets and Shopping
Ice Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- More than 45 stalls with unique Christmas gifts and delicious food and drink options.
- Description
- The Ice Christmas Village on Museumplein offers a delightful combination of delicious food, drinks, and shopping in a cozy winter landscape. With over 45 stalls and various food and drink options, it is the perfect location for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Ice Christmas Village
Country & Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Diverse range of Christmas products and entertainment.
- Description
- The Country & Christmas Fair offers a diverse range of Christmas products, entertainment, and flavors. Visitors can enjoy festive shopping and experience beautiful Christmas entertainment, including a cappella choirs, live music, and street theater.
- Where
- Vijfhuizen | More Info : Country & Christmas Fair
The Hague 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 visit worth more than just the attractions.
- Where
- The Hague | More Info : The Hague Royal Christmas Fair
Green Christmas Market in Rotterdam
- What to Expect
- Sustainable gift items linked to green products.
- Description
- The Groene Kerstmarkt Rotterdam is an intimate Christmas market with local vendors. Here you can find sustainable gift items linked to green products like plants, bulbs, and garden decor. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with crackling Christmas decorations and cozy winter terraces.
- Where
- Rotterdam | More Info : Green Christmas Market in Rotterdam
Haarlem Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- 350 stalls with festive activities and performances.
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Haarlem is one of the largest in the Netherlands, featuring 350 stalls spread across 12 locations in the city center. You can find everything from Christmas decorations to treats, with many festive activities and performances by artists and choirs.
- Where
- Haarlem | More Info : Haarlem Christmas Market
Leiden Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Cozy winter village with chalets, terrace, and food trucks.
- Description
- The Christmas market in Leiden takes place on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht and consists of cozy chalets, a cozy terrace, and food trucks. Visitors can enjoy the hospitality and warm atmosphere.
- Where
- Leiden | More Info : Leiden Christmas Market
Swan Market Utrecht
- What to Expect
- Unique and handmade products from local makers.
- Description
- The Swan Market Utrecht is a platform where creative entrepreneurs can showcase their products to a wider audience. Here you'll find unique and handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, bags, and much more.
- Where
- Utrecht | More Info : Swan Market Utrecht
Christmas Market Zaandam
- What to Expect
- Unique Christmas gifts and delicious snacks.
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Zaandam offers a cozy atmosphere with many stalls where you can find unique Christmas gifts. You can also enjoy delicious snacks and drinks.
- Where
- Zaandam | More Info : Christmas Market Zaandam
Utrecht Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dickens Festijn Deventer
- What to Expect
- More than 950 characters from Charles Dickens' books.
- Description
- The Dickens Festival in Deventer brings the 19th-century English city of Charles Dickens to life in the historic Bergkwartier. More than 950 characters from Charles Dickens' famous novels come to life, including Scrooge, Oliver Twist, and Mr. Pickwick. Visitors can enjoy street performances, hear Christmas carols, and experience the atmosphere of a 19th-century English town.
- Where
- Deventer | More Info : Dickens Festijn Deventer
Utrecht Other Holiday Activities
Winter Station Utrecht
- What to Expect
- Skating between the trains in a romantic winter atmosphere.
- Description
- During Winter Station, the entire Railway Museum is transformed into a romantic winter atmosphere with countless lights, Christmas decorations, and an antique carousel. Skating between the trains is a highlight.
- Where
- Utrecht | More Info : Winter Station Utrecht
Glow Festival Eindhoven
- What to Expect
- Unique light art installations along a 5-kilometer route.
- Description
- GLOW Eindhoven is an international light art festival that transforms the city of Eindhoven into a large open-air museum from November 9 to 16, 2024. The theme "The Stream" represents the fundamental forces that shape our world and existence.
- Where
- Eindhoven | More Info : Glow Festival Eindhoven
Winter Efteling
- What to Expect
- A large outdoor ice rink and numerous light and art installations throughout the park.
- Description
- The Efteling is transformed into a fairy-tale park every winter, featuring magical attractions, where you can enjoy warm moments with your family or friends.
- Where
- Kaatsheuvel | More Info : Winter Efteling