Make the most of the 2016 Christmas holidays with our expert-curated guide to unforgettable family outings, free events, fairs, and festivals across the Netherlands. Whether you're planning budget-friendly adventures or festive celebrations, find inspiration for quality time with loved ones.
The 2016 Christmas school holidays run from Saturday, December 24, 2016, to Sunday, January 8, 2017—uniform dates across all provinces. Plenty of time for family outings, days out, and top events, fairs, and festivals.
Visiting Farm Het Achterhuis in Leerdam hosts a cozy Christmas Surprise Afternoon for families on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, and Wednesday, January 4, 2017. Enjoy surprise activities, a welcome hot drink (tea, coffee, or chocolate milk) with treats, and feed stale bread to the animals.
Where: Visiting Farm Het Achterhuis, Hoogeind 20a, Leerdam
When: Wednesday, December 28, 2016; Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Time: 13:00 – 16:30
Admission: €8.00 pp
Join the iconic Unox New Year's Dive on Scheveningen Beach on January 1, 2017. Brave participants earn pea soup; register from 10:30 am. Spectators welcome to cheer on the divers.
Where: Scheveningen Beach, Strandweg 39-99
When: January 1, 2017
Time: 12:00 pm
Access: free
Savor good food, theater, and communal joy at Winterparade Amsterdam from December 20 to 30, 2016. Feast at a 120-meter-long table while enjoying singing, dancing, and performances. Tickets on presale now!
Where: Zuiderkerk, Zuiderkerkhof 72, Amsterdam
When: December 20 to 30, 2016
Time: 19:00 - 22:00
Admission: €45.00 all in
The Railway Museum transforms into Winter Station from December 24, 2016, to January 8, 2017, with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, poffertjes, and free ice skate rentals. Family fun awaits!
Where: Railway Museum, Maliebaanstation, Utrecht
When: December 24, 2016, to January 8, 2017
Time: 10:00 – 19:00 (24-26 & 31 Dec, 8 Jan until 17:00)
Admission: €16.00; free with museum card or for kids 0-3
Kids' paradise at Indoor Christmas Holiday Spectacle Bunnik from January 4 to 7, 2017: bouncy castles, obstacle courses, football cage, slides, and ball pit. Non-stop fun!
Where: Broekies Entertainment Group, Shouldermantel 35-a, Bunnik
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Admission: €7.50 (incl. ranja & cotton candy); free for parents
Experience vagabond life at National Prison Museum's Landlopers Day on December 28, 2016: street performers, old games, artisan stalls, and more.
Where: National Prison Museum, Oude Gracht 1, Veenhuizen
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Admission: €8.00; €3.00 (kids up to 12)
Festive oliebollenfeest from December 27-31, 2016, with fireworks shows on 30-31 Dec. Child-friendly entertainment galore.
Where: Land van Jan Klaassen, Gildeweg 6, Braamt (Montferland)
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 (Dec 31 until 16:00)
Admission: €11.00 (from age 2)
Traditional carbide shooting spectacle on December 31, 2016, with 100 milk churns and post-event music.
Where: Veldstreek 3, Zevenhuizen
Time: 09:30 – 16:30
Admission: free
Extend the Christmas magic at Winterfair Vaeshartelt on December 26-27, 2016: live nativity, music, winter terrace, birds of prey show.
Where: Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt, Weert 9, Maastricht
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 (birds show Dec 26 at 13:00 & 15:00)
Admission: free
Hunt treasures at Christmas Antique Market Tilburg on December 25-26, 2016: furniture, crockery, collectibles—perfect last-minute gifts.
Where: Koepelhal, Ns Plein 3, Tilburg
Time: 09:30 – 16:30
Admission: €6.00 (kids up to 12 free with adult)
Indulge in food, drinks, entertainment, and shopping at Stuff & Smullen Cherish the Christmas in Breda on December 26, 2016.
Where: De Faam, Liniestraat 19, Breda
Time: 12:00 – 20:00
Access: free
's-Hertogenbosch square becomes Winter Paradise from December 10, 2016, to January 8, 2017: ice rink, Advent calendar, performances. Check website for full program.
Where: Parade, 's-Hertogenbosch
Time: see website
Admission: free
Thrilling acts at 21st International Circus Festival Enschede, December 24-30, 2016: jugglers, acrobats, animals. Family favorite!
Where: Go Planet Expohal, Colosseum 70, Enschede
Time: see website
Admission: from €22.00
Endless Festival Deventer, December 27-30, 2016: music, theater, films, exhibitions across 50+ activities.
Where: Various venues in Deventer
Time: see website
Access: see website
Don't miss nationwide Christmas markets for cozy vibes. For more, explore top German Christmas markets.
