Discover the Netherlands in winter

See twinkling lights, everywhere

© Janus van den Eijnden via Amsterdam Light Festival

The winter months here are always sparkly, no matter what part of the country you’re visiting. Even outside the Christmas period, you’ll find streets, trees and bridges decked out in fairy lights. Several towns also host public light shows. At Utrecht Lumen, you can admire the city’s beauty while taking in a series of light art during a pleasant three-kilometer walking route. In Zwolle, head to the Nederlands IJsbeelden Festival to see an impressive display of ice sculptures that glow against a wintery backdrop. And, of course, the famous Amsterdam Light Festival is always worth a visit. Book a boat trip to see the installations from the world-famous canals.

Walk through a winter wonderland

In Dutch, uitwaaien means to go for a walk in cold weather to feel refreshed and de-stressed. With a nip in the air, try it for yourself and blow away those cobwebs. The Netherlands, in general, is very walkable.
Dunes, heathlands, forests – these terrains are beautiful all year round, but there’s something even more dazzling about them in winter. Take a hike through the Netherlands’ countryside and discover local wildlife in areas such as the Hoge Veluwe in Gelderland, Nieuw Land National Park in Flevoland, De Maasduinen National Park in Limburg and the Schoorlse Duinen in North Holland.

© Jeroen Mikkers via Shutterstock

Skate your way through towns and cities

© Marcel van Kammen via Merk Fryslân

Ice skating is a favorite pastime here in the Netherlands. Perhaps no one captured this better than the Dutch painter Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634), who became famous for his landscapes portraying people skating on frozen lakes and rivers. If you’re lucky enough to visit when frost descends on the land, you may see one of Avercamp’s wintery scenes in real life. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen every year. Yet, at the back of many closets here, you’ll find a pair of skates waiting to be used. So if you’re visiting during a particularly cold and frosty spell, look to the canals and waterways to see if people have taken to the ice. Many places also set up small ice rinks, often near landmarks or as part of Christmas markets. Skates are usually available for hire, so, if you’re feeling brave, you might have a go yourself!

The Netherlands is also home to the Elfstedentocht, an epic 200-kilometer skating event that takes place through Friesland’s 11 cities – when the conditions are right. Learn more from expert Wiebe Wieling below.

Discover seasonal art and culture events

© Guido Pijper via RBT

The Netherlands is a top destination for those looking for art and entertainment. The shorter days and winter chill don’t discourage this in the slightest. Shelter from the cold in one of many museums dotted around the country – you’ll find many options in smaller towns and cities, just as in the major cities. We’d also recommend checking out the programs of theatre and music venues at this time of year. Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, for example, hosts productions of many seasonal classical favorites, alongside special events.

Or wrap up warm and stay outdoors. If you’re travelling with children, we recommend Winter Efteling. From November to March, the ‘Dutch Disneyland’ transforms into a wintry playground with music, theatre and special performances.

If you’re not so tied to keeping warm, there’s something truly extraordinary you can try. On New Year’s Day, around 10,000 people take to the country’s coastline and lakes to take a dip. Wearing swimwear and orange woolen hats, hordes of excited swimmers run into the waters for a cool way to kick off the new year.

Shop at local markets

© Mihaiulia via Shutterstock

If you’re in the country during the festive season, don’t miss the Christmas markets held in many towns and cities. Find the perfect gift and feel the spirit of the season with mulled wine and your favorite holiday tunes. But keep in mind, these are not the only markets you can explore during winter. Beyond the holiday season, there are many other stalls to peruse.

Shelter from the rain at De Markthal in Rotterdam, where you can find food from all over the world. The building itself is a major tourist attraction due to its iconic archway and artwork. Looking to find your next favourite pre-loved clothing item? Head to the IJ-Hallen in Amsterdam, the self-proclaimed largest flea market in Europe. And for something more local, we recommend a quick search online to find weekly markets in areas outside the cities.

Tuck into a traditional Dutch meal

© Ferdy Francis

After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, settle down and fuel up with some hearty and warming Dutch favorites. Stamppot and hutspot are one-pot dishes of smoked sausage or bacon with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetables such as carrots, kale and endive. If you’re in need of a sugary pick-me-up, Chocomel, a rich chocolate drink, will certainly do the trick. And we always recommend traditional Dutch apple tart – in equal measures crumbly, gooey and cinnamon-y. Other sweet wintery treats to try are kerstbrood (‘Christmas bread’, a sweet bread with candied fruit and filled with almond paste) and oliebollen (deep-fried buns with raisins and powdered sugar, often served at the end of the year).