Winter in the Region of Surprises
This winter, there is plenty to do in the Region again. Experience the Winter Wonder Weeks, enjoy delicious Christmas menus at local restaurants, or visit various museums. Curious to find out what else is happening? Check out this page for the best outings and activities!
Festive dining
On November 30, enjoy the Sinterklaas brunch with the Pakhuis Pieten, including a gift for children up to 10 years old, followed by the Christmas Brunch on December 25 & 26. On Christmas Eve & Boxing Day (December 24 & 26), a Christmas menu will be served. On Christmas Eve, you can also dine à la carte.
Celebrate the holidays in a unique setting at the historic Castle Oud Poelgeest. Enjoy a culinary Christmas full of refined dishes and end the year in style with a relaxing New Year’s Eve package.
For a culinary Christmas dinner or lunch, Restaurant Limes aan den Rijn guarantees a festive evening. They serve multiple high-quality courses and, for enthusiasts, even offer a beautiful wine pairing. Make your reservation soon!
Cultural winter fun
From pioneer Huub Rothengatter to global star Max Verstappen. From December 19 to January 18, the Louwman Museum presents the anniversary exhibition KAMPIOENENMAKERS – 50 years of Van Amersfoort Racing. The exhibition honors the Dutch racing team that, over half a century, has grown into an international breeding ground for motorsport talent and a proven springboard to Formula 1.
The DUNAatelier celebrates twenty years of Katwijk En Plein Air – Painting by the Sea with a special anniversary exhibition. Around 100 works by more than forty artists are on display. The exhibition is free to visit until January 11.
In Plants & Planets you take a journey through time and space: from the Big Bang to the year 2125 and far beyond. Be amazed until February 7 by what science, art, and nature reveal about the development of life on planet Earth.
To the museum - Visit one of the many museums
Winter adventure with the kids
Celebrate the Christmas holiday at Duinrell and enjoy a magical time! Slide and splash in the tropical Tikibad, and discover the winter attractions beautifully illuminated during Rides by Lights. Enjoy shows and activities for the whole family.
From December 27 to 30, the Oliebollen Express will be running at the Katwijk-Leiden Steam Train. Take a fun ride along Lake Valkenburgse Meer, enjoy a warm, freshly baked oliebol, and warm up inside the museum.
From December 12 to 21, step into the world of a nostalgic fair in the city center of Leiden! Enjoy classic attractions, a warm winter atmosphere, and a day full of laughter, play, and fun for young and old.
Christmas markets
Leiden’s nostalgic Christmas Market can once again be found this year on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht (December 12–14 and 18–21). The market is set up as a charming winter village featuring chalets, a cozy terrace, and food trucks.
The Katwijk Centrum Christmas Market is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit from December 9 to 12. Between charmingly lit stalls, you’ll find handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, regional products, and winter treats. The cheerful music, the smell of mulled wine, and the sparkling lights create a magical seaside atmosphere.
Galerie Het Oude Raadhuis in Warmond is organizing its annual Christmas Market on Sunday, December 14, around the Pleintje bij de Pomp in Warmond. There will be 35 stalls offering unique, handcrafted art and artisanal products, as well as stands selling Christmas decorations, festive arrangements, tree ornaments, and much more to bring a warm holiday atmosphere into your home.
Winter Wonder Weeks
This year, the winter months in Leiden revolve around the Winter Wonder Weeks. Visit the Large Christmas circus, the Floating Ice Rink, the family Christmas tattoo show, and much more. The Winter Wonder Weeks begin with the arrival of Sinterklaas and continue into early January, featuring all kinds of winter activities spread throughout the city.
During the holiday season, shops in Leiden extend their opening hours, so you can always find a convenient moment to do your Sinterklaas or Christmas shopping.
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cycling routes
cycling routes
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Tips from the media
Tips from the media
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Walking in the Region
Walking in the Region
