What to do in December

And so we are already starting the last month of 2024! Do you agree that the year went by so quickly? December is of course already full of festive events, but if you still want some tips, we have them for you!

Italy Event at Castle Duivenvoorde

On December 6, 7 and 8, lovers of all things Italian can indulge themselves during the Italy Event at Duivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten. This event is also held every year in the summer on the grounds of the fairytale Kasteel de Haar. So this winter edition will focus on another beautiful castle and it promises to be another atmospheric, cozy and above all delicious days.

Visit a Christmas market

In December there are of course a lot of Christmas markets to visit and you really don’t have to go abroad! For example, visit the Christmas market in Haarlem. Here you are welcome from December 13 to 15. Or visit the Midwinter Festival Graft on December 14 and 15 in the historic center of De Rijp. This party is completely in the style of Dickens. Of course, there are many more fun Christmas markets to visit in our country. An overview of them can be found in this blog.

Japan Light & Food Festival 2024

Lovers of Japanese and Korean cuisine beware: this December is going to be a treat! The Japan Light & Food Festival is truly a total experience. Be surprised by the beautiful light art, enjoy the delicious food and go on a world tour with the music and performances. On December 13, 14 and 15 the festival is in Zaandam and on December 20, 21 and 22 in Rotterdam. December has never been so delicious!

Light evening in Delft

The Delft Lichtjesavond is one of the biggest Christmas events in the Netherlands. This year everyone is welcome on December 10: that’s when the Christmas tree on the Grote Markt is lit. There is also plenty to see and do. Admire the attractive store windows, stroll around the Christmas market and enjoy beautiful music. If you were not yet in the Christmas spirit, that feeling will certainly come during this cozy event!

Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague

The Royal Christmas Fair is here this year from December 5 to 23! This cozy market can be visited daily on the Lange Voorhout from noon to 9:00 pm. So you have all the time to shop for your Christmas presents. While shopping, also be sure to enjoy all the beautiful historic buildings of The Hague. Admission is free and who knows, you might even get your picture taken with Santa Claus!

Luminous nights at Castle de Haar

From December 12 to January 5 you can enjoy a beautiful light show at Castle de Haar during the Luminous Nights. During your visit a magical story will be told, made even more beautiful by light projections. A great experience for all ages. This event always fills up quickly and goes on time slots. So be there on time!

Have a great time skating!

A winter activity that many people love to do is ice skating. Now unfortunately, skating on natural ice has been almost impossible in recent years due to mild winters, but fortunately there are plenty of skating rinks to skate to your heart’s content. For example, go skating at the iconic Jaap Eden Skating Rink in Amsterdam. You can even skate there until March 23, 2025! And from December 6 to January 5, 2025, there is plenty of ice fun in Groningen during Wintergoud. More tips on great skating rinks can be found in this blog.

Enjoy December!

Photos: www.Canva.com