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Netherlands

Winter Activities In the Netherlands

If you are looking for a festive break to get you in the Christmas mood, there are loads of winter activities in the Netherlands for you to enjoy.

From the magical outdoor skating rink in Groningen, to the mesmerising Candle Night in Gouda, and the huge Christmas market in The Hague, you can visit plenty of festive places located within just a few hours of each other when you travel to Holland with your car on a short break or Rotterdam Mini Cruise.

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Winter activities in the Netherlands
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Winter in Groningen
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Candle Night in Gouda
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About the city

The Hague’s Royal Christmas Fair

One of the best winter activities in the Netherlands is visiting The Hague’s Royal Christmas Fair – the biggest Christmas fair in the country. Get lost among the twinkling lights and familiar Christmas carols at the romantic Lange Voorhout to get into the ultimate Christmas mood, and pick up some unique Christmas gifts.

When you travel to the Netherlands with your car, you don’t need to worry about bringing lots of traditional Christmas gifts home with you, as there’s no need to battle with luggage restrictions. So feel free to fill your car boot with delicious chocolate, beautiful Christmas decorations, elegant wood carvings, and warm winter clothing before heading home.

During the Royal Christmas Fair, you’ll also be able to enjoy entertainment from choirs, theatre groups, and street entertainers, all while being warmed by a steaming cup of hot chocolate or gluhwein of course!

If these winter activities in the Netherlands have inspired you to visit this wonderful country during the festive period, book your short break or Mini Cruise with us today and start planning your Christmas trip.

Winter in Groningen

Drive just two and a half hours from Rotterdam port and you’ll reach Groningen, a wonderful winter wonderland full of cosy dining spots, fun activities, and gorgeous buildings. This medieval city blends a vibrant, youthful atmosphere that will energise your visit with a cultural delight that will give you a real taste of the Netherlands.

Enjoy exploring fascinating museums, admiring amazing Dutch architecture, taking a winter stroll along calming canals and trying out the city’s fantastic ice rink. Surrounded by stalls serving hot chocolate and warming gluhwein, this ice rink offers the perfect opportunity to get into the winter spirit.

Depending on when you visit Groningen you may be lucky enough to be there for WinterWelVaart, a fabulous festival that sees dozens of old ships on display in the beautiful historic city centre. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy live music and a great arts and theatre programme.

Candle Night in Gouda

Join the people of Gouda for an evening filled with music, theatre and cultural highlights. Candle Night, held on one night in December every year, sees this traditional town switch off all of their street lights and replace them with candlelight to create an incredibly scenic atmosphere.

The iconic Christmas celebration dates back decades and still takes place at the central market square, where the mayor of Gouda lights a giant Christmas tree to kickstart the festivities. The Christmas tree is gifted to Gouda each year by its Norwegian sister town, Kongsberg, and watching it being lit up surrounded by historic buildings is definitely the highlight of Candle Night.

While you’re in Gouda, don’t forget to celebrate their famous cheese by visiting the cheese museum, wandering around the Thursday cheese market, and trying lots for yourself!