Images of a festival site in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands during winter

The Netherlands is a beautiful country to visit during winter. The country transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes, festive markets, and ice-skating rinks. Winter here is not a season to endure but an opportunity to embrace joyously. So, we have compiled the best things to do in the Netherlands during winter!

Visit a Christmas Market

The Netherlands has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. These markets are filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and unique gifts. Here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit in the Netherlands:

  • Christmas Town Valkenburg: This enchanting market is located in a cave and boasts over 50 festive stalls.
  • Christmas Market Haarlem: This market, located in the Spaarnesta, is known for its winter finery.
  • Magical Maastricht: This Limburgian market is known for its festive atmosphere and delicious food.
  • Royal Christmas Fair: This market is located in The Hague’s historic center and is known for its festive atmosphere.
An image of Wonderland in the Netherlands.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a popular activity in the Netherlands during winter. The country has many outdoor ice-skating rinks that are open to the public. So, ice skating is one of the best things to do in the Netherlands. Here are some of the best places to go ice skating in the Netherlands:

  • Ice*Amsterdam: This ice-skating rink is in front of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Ice*Amsterdam is open from November to February 2.
  • Leiden Ice Rink: This ice-skating rink is in Leiden and is open from December to January 3.
  • Ice Village Rotterdam: This ice-skating rink is in Rotterdam and is open from December to January 2.

Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that takes place from November to January. The festival features light installations by artists from around the world. The Amsterdam Light Festival showcases breathtaking light installations along its famous canals, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. You can explore the city under a radiant winter sky and capture the magic of illuminated art.

Winter Efteling

The Efteling is a theme park located in the Netherlands. During winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, ice-skating rinks, and winter-themed rides. You can delight in festive decorations, winter-themed rides, and captivating shows. This magical amusement park transforms into a fairytale realm, offering a unique winter experience for visitors of all ages.

An image of souvenir stores at Christmas in the Netherlands.

Go to a Museum

The Netherlands has many world-class museums that are worth visiting during the winter. Here are some of the best museums to visit in the Netherlands:

  • Rijksmuseum: This museum is in Amsterdam and is home to many famous works of art, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch.
  • Van Gogh Museum: This museum is also in Amsterdam and is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world.
  • Mauritshuis: This museum is in The Hague and is home to many famous works of art, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Conclusie

The Netherlands is a beautiful country to visit during the winter. From Christmas markets to ice skating rinks, there are many fun activities to enjoy. We hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your next winter trip to the Netherlands!

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