Leiden Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of J.S. Bach's Weihnachts-Oratorium, a cherished tradition at Pieterskerk Leiden. This year's performance features the acclaimed Nederlands Kamerkoor alongside the distinguished German ensemble Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, led by conductor Peter Dijkstra. Experience the complete masterpiece, from the festive cantata for Christmas Day through...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a special Christmas concert by La Parranda de Teror. This event promises a festive musical experience, perfect for celebrating the season.

Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas celebration with Sinfonia Rotterdam's performance of 'Magical Christmas with The Nutcracker'. This enchanting concert features the beloved second act of Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet, bringing to life famous pieces like the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The program...

Prepare for a magical Christmas at Wintercircus Haarlem, presenting over 30 spectacular shows with Europe's finest circus artists. Be amazed by dazzling illusions, breathtaking aerial acts, and traditional circus skills in a festive, nostalgic atmosphere. Enjoy a full two hours of excitement, with opportunities to meet the performers after the...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra's "Christmas Concerts 2025." They present a captivating lineup of classical performances, from Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker Suite to enchanting works by Bach and Mozart. Families can delight in "The Nutcracker" puppet show, while vocal enthusiasts will enjoy "Christmas with...

Prepare to be amazed by the 39th World Christmas Circus, featuring a dazzling lineup of award-winning international circus artists. Witness gravity-defying acts, including the Flying Caballero's groundbreaking aerial maneuvers and the enchanting performances of the Secret of my Soul duo. This magical event promises a festive and unforgettable experience for...

Step into a world of enchantment with 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,' a beloved ballet performance by the Dutch National Ballet. This spectacular production features Tchaikovsky's magical score, brought to life by the Dutch Ballet Orchestra, and showcases breathtaking choreography. Immerse yourself in a visually stunning spectacle of elaborate...

Experience the enchantment of the Christmas Market in Leiden, a magical holiday event nestled in the heart of the city. Historic streets are transformed into a festive wonderland with charming wooden chalets offering delightful Christmas gifts and artisanal crafts. Indulge in delicious winter snacks and warm beverages from food trucks...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague. This expansive market transforms the historic Lange Voorhout into a festive paradise with thousands of lights, cozy fires, and dozens of charming cottages. Visitors can find unique gifts, enjoy live entertainment, and meet Santa Claus. It's...

Delft transforms into a winter wonderland during the 'Donkere dagen van Delft' festivities. Experience the magical 'Lichtjesavond' as the city's Christmas tree is illuminated, marking the start of a season filled with joy. Glide across the ice at the Winters Delft rink, browse the charming Christmas market for unique gifts...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs. This enchanting event transforms Rai Amsterdam into a festive paradise, offering a unique blend of seasonal activities. Glide across the ice rink, race down the snow tubing slopes, or enjoy breathtaking views from the Ferris wheel. Discover delightful market stalls...

Experience the magic of Amsterdam's premier Christmas market, Christmas Village, located on the iconic Museumplein. This beloved event transforms the square into a festive wonderland, offering a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and holiday cheer. Discover unique Christmas gifts from over 45 artisan vendors, indulge in delicious festive food and...

Experience the enchanting Dordtse Decemberdagen in Dordrecht's historic city center. This festive event features an expanded December Market with over 50 chalets offering unique gifts and decor. Enjoy culinary delights from food trucks, a nostalgic carousel, and a magical Dwaalspoor light route. Don't miss the ice skating rink for a...

Join the Nieuwjaarsgala Noordwijk for a memorable New Year's Eve celebration at the prestigious Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. This cherished tradition, organized by and for the community, offers a festive evening of music, dancing, and toasting to welcome the year 2026. Dress in your finest black-tie or gala attire...

Discover the finest dining experiences for Christmas 2025 in Heemstede. TheFork presents a curated selection of restaurants perfect for your holiday celebrations, offering festive menus and a warm atmosphere to make your Christmas memorable.

Start your Christmas holidays with a delightful brunch delivered right to your door. Hapjes aan Huis offers a wide array of fresh, locally-catered Christmas brunches and lunches, available for delivery throughout the Netherlands. They handle the preparation, ensuring you can enjoy a relaxed and delicious start to your festive celebrations.

Ring in the New Year aboard the historic ss Rotterdam with a spectacular Sylvester Party. The ship's grand, authentic halls will be transformed with glitter and glamour for an unforgettable night. Enjoy a full evening of entertainment, including live bands, DJs, and sing-along sessions, complemented by unlimited drinks and delicious...

Experience a stress-free holiday with a customizable Christmas dinner delivered right to your door. Choose from a wide array of delicious dishes, including festive salads, hearty main courses, and decadent desserts. They handle the cooking, so you can focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones. Perfect for any...

Experience the magic of Winter Wonderland Noordwijk, a spectacular winter event for all ages. They offer a charming Christmas village atmosphere complete with a 120m2 real ice skating rink. Indulge in delicious winter dishes and heartwarming treats, surrounded by beautiful decorations and sparkling lights.

Step into a fabled world of light and story at Archeon's Light Festival. This spectacular event transforms the park into a dazzling display, guiding visitors through historical eras from prehistory to the Middle Ages with life-sized light presentations. Enhanced by engaging narratives from Archeotolken, the experience is both visually stunning...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Gouda bij Kaarslicht, one of the Netherlands' oldest light festivals. Thousands of candles illuminate the historic city center, including 1,500 behind the windows of the iconic city hall. The event features a vibrant winter fair, captivating concerts, engaging performances, and guided walks, creating...

Discover the magic of Dwaalspoor, a highlight of the Dordtse Decemberdagen. This enchanting walking route winds through Dordrecht's historic heart, showcasing impressive light projects on monumental buildings. It's a perfect evening stroll, offering a unique perspective on the city's beauty, with a special scavenger hunt available for younger visitors.

Experience the magic of Leiden's Winter Wonder Weeks! Glide across a unique floating ice rink on the Nieuwe Rijn, enjoy classic rides and treats at a nostalgic winter fair on Garenmarkt, and be captivated by the Grand Christmas Circus on Lammermarkt. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of this charming...

Join the joyous celebration as Sinterklaas makes his grand arrival in Leiden on November 15, 2025! Festivities kick off at the Beestenmarkt with music and the official welcoming of Sinterklaas and his Pakjesboot071. The day continues with a vibrant parade, followed by an afternoon of entertainment at the Garenmarkt, featuring...

Lace up your Santa suit for the Rotary Santa Run Leiden, a heartwarming 5km walk through the city's historic center. Over 1,500 participants, all dressed as Santa, create a vibrant spectacle for a good cause. Enjoy music, entertainment, and festive treats along the route, making it a memorable experience for...

Experience a magical winter wonderland at the Drijvende IJsbaan Leiden, a floating ice rink on the Nieuwe Rijn. Glide under festive lights and enjoy themed family mornings or silent disco events. This event also supports the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, making your visit a heartwarming contribution.

Dive into the new year with the iconic Nieuwjaarsduik in Scheveningen! This massive tradition, dating back to 1960, sees thousands brave the chilly North Sea. Participants receive a signature orange Unox hat and a warming bowl of pea soup post-dive. Join the collective warm-up and the exhilarating plunge for a...

Experience the magic of Scheveningen transformed into a luminous spectacle on November 22, 2025. This enchanting evening walk invites participants to choose from 5, 10, or 15-kilometer routes, each offering a unique journey through the illuminated streets. Discover surprising light moments, enjoy ambient music, and embrace the cozy winter atmosphere.

Join the magical Stadsintocht Sinterklaas Delft on November 22, 2025, as Sinterklaas and his beloved Pieten arrive by boat and parade through the historic city. Witness their grand entrance on Pakjesboot 7, followed by a festive procession culminating in an exciting end-of-event party on the Markt. It's a day filled...

Embrace the new year with a bracing plunge into the sea at the Zandvoort New Year's Dive. Thousands of brave participants, cheered on by friends and family, take a refreshing dip on January 1st. A special warm-up session with music precedes the invigorating dive, followed by a warm cup of...

Rotterdam hosts its annual National Fireworks display at the Erasmus Bridge, offering a breathtaking spectacle to welcome the New Year. While consumer fireworks are prohibited throughout the city, attendees can enjoy the professionally orchestrated show. Public transport, including metro lines C and E, offers free travel to and from the...

Prepare for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration as Amstelveen lights up the sky with Electric Fireworks. This event promises a breathtaking display of synchronized pyrotechnics, marking the transition into the new year with a spectacular show. It's a dazzling spectacle designed to create lasting memories.

Ring in the New Year at Amsterdam's Museumplein with a spectacular, free public celebration. The event features a massive fireworks and light show at midnight, preceded by a lively pre-show with live music starting at 10:30 PM. A special early evening show is also planned for children. This is the...

Glide across the ice at the vibrant Rembrandtplein ice rink, a beloved winter tradition in Amsterdam. Surrounded by festive lights, charming chalets, and a lively atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy the season. After skating, warm up with delicious Dutch treats and hot beverages.

Join the joyous celebration as Sinterklaas and his cheerful Pieten arrive in Maarssen! Witness their grand entrance by boat along the canals, followed by a festive carriage procession through the village streets. This beloved tradition promises smiles and excitement for all ages.

Join the festive celebration as Sinterklaas and his beloved Pieten make their grand arrival in Maarssen. Experience the traditional procession as they sail through the picturesque canals, bringing joy and excitement to the town. This beloved annual event marks the beginning of the Sinterklaas season, promising a memorable experience for...