Christmas Market at the Oude Haven in Rotterdam
The annual Christmas Market at the Oude Haven transforms one of the most charming spots in Rotterdam into a wonderfully festive winter setting.
- Atmospheric Route Around the Harbour: Stroll past cosy Christmas stalls, sparkling lights and warm fire pits as you make your way between historic ships, the iconic Cube Houses and inviting cafés and restaurants.
- Cosy Central Point at the Gelderse Plein: Here you’ll find the main bar, winter treats, fun children’s activities, musical performances, Christmas choirs and even Santa Claus dropping by regularly.
- When: –
- Free Entry
- Where: Gelderse Plein, Rotterdam
- Website: derotterdamsekerstmarkt.nl
Nostalgic Christmas Market, Leiden
A charming scene will be set up on the beautiful Hooglandse Kerkgracht where lovely Christmas gifts can be purchased. Of course, the option to enjoy a delicious warm mulled wine or hot chocolate will not be missing.
- When:
– –
– – - Opening Hours: 12:00–17:00
- Free Entry
- Where: Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden
- Website: www.visitleiden.nl
Amsterdam Winter Paradise

The Amsterdamse Winterparadijs immerses you in a cosy winter village full of Christmas lights, pine trees and festive winter decorations.
- Covered ice rink: A large ice rink with real winter charm forms the heart of the festival. Skates can be rented on site.
- Attractions and games: Spread across the grounds are fun attractions, winter themed games and great photo spots.
- Winter decorations: Thousands of lights and atmospheric decorations create a warm and festive ambiance.
- When: December
- Where: RAI, Europaplein 1
Light Festival Amsterdam

The canals and streets of Amsterdam are transformed into a magical museum of light each year.
- Beautiful winter event – The canals and streets of Amsterdam are transformed annually into a magical light museum.
- International light art – Admire the large light installations created by artists from various countries.
- All around the city centre – Light sculptures are spread throughout the heart of Amsterdam, perfect for a special evening walk.
- Unique boat route – Take a special festival boat tour and see all the highlights from the water.
- Where: Prins Hendrikkade
Grand Christmas Circus

The Grand Christmas Circus in The Hague has been a beloved Christmas tradition on the Malieveld for more than 25 years and is one of the oldest and largest Christmas circuses in the Netherlands.
- A New Show Every Year: Each season the circus presents a completely new production filled with international top acts.
- International Top Performers: Admire award-winning acts from the Netherlands and abroad, featuring breathtaking aerial acrobatics, spectacular juggling and world-class hand balancing.
- More than two hours of spectacle: This family show offers over two hours of variety, excitement and surprises, with acts both in and above the ring.
- Where: Malieveld, The Hague
- Website: kerstcircusdenhaag.nl
Ice rink on the Museumplein

With its nostalgic drawbridge, sparkling lights and the iconic view of the Rijksmuseum, this is one of the most atmospheric places in the city to go ice skating.
- Iconic location: Skate in the cultural heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Concertgebouw.
- Amsterdam winter tradition: For nearly three months, the ice rink forms the centre of winter cheer on the Museumplein.
- For all ages: Whether you're skating your first laps or have years of experience, the rink is suitable for all ages and levels.
- Where: Museumplein
- Website: www.schaatsbaanmuseumplein.nl
Ice Rink in Scheveningen

Every winter, Scheveningen transforms into a magical winter paradise during the Cool Event. Right on the Kurhausplein, a covered ice rink of no less than 600 m² sparkles, with the iconic Kurhaus hotel in the background.
- Where: Kurhausplein, Scheveningen
- Website: www.cooleventscheveningen.nl

