Winter Activities in the Netherlands
Winter in the Netherlands is a season of charm and coziness, offering unique experiences that blend natural beauty, cultural activities, and outdoor fun. Whether you want to explore frosty canals, warm up in a cozy café, or marvel at sparkly light displays, the Netherlands has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of the Dutch winter.
Why Visit the Netherlands in Winter?
Winter in the Netherlands is a magical time of year. While it may not guarantee snow, the crisp air and shorter days create the perfect atmosphere for festive lights, hearty Dutch cuisine, and seasonal traditions. The off-peak travel season also means fewer crowds at major attractions, giving you more space to enjoy the country’s unique charm.
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Outdoor Winter Activities in the Netherlands
Christmas Markets
Dutch Christmas markets aren’t as famous as they are in Germany, but some villages and cities take on the challenge of turning their town squares into magical Christmas markets. Many places also create themed events and markets that attract many visitors like the Dickens Festival, Amsterdam’s Winter Paradise, and the famous Valkenburg Christmas markets in caves. Click here the full post on Christmas Markets in the Netherlands.
Ice Skating on Canals
Ice skating is a quintessential Dutch winter activity. When the temperatures drop low enough, the country’s canals and lakes freeze over, transforming into natural ice rinks. Popular spots include the Kinderdijk windmills, the picturesque canals of Giethoorn, and, if you’re lucky, even parts of Amsterdam’s iconic canals. While this doesn’t happen as often as it used to, locals still get very excited when it’s possible to pull out their skates and get on the ice.
Best Ice Rinks to Visit
If nature doesn’t cooperate, artificial ice rinks across the Netherlands ensure you can still enjoy a skating adventure.
ICE*Amsterdam: Located on the back side of the Rijksmuseum, this rink offers a stunning backdrop for your skating experience. Open from November 15, 2024-February 2, 2025.
Schaatsbaan Rotterdam: A large outdoor rink perfect for skaters of all levels. Open from November 23, 2024-March 1, 2025. Find your Rotterdam hotel here.
Jaap Edenbaan: A local favorite 400-meter rink in Amsterdam, great for families or casual skaters. Open from October 12, 2023-March 23, 2025.
Please check each website for specific open days, hours, and prices.
Winter Beach Walks
The Dutch coastline is stunning year-round, but winter brings a special serenity to the beaches. Stroll along Scheveningen, Zandvoort, or the beaches of Texel for fresh air and breathtaking views. Afterward, warm up at a nearby beach pavilion with a hot chocolate or bowl of soup.
Winter Walking and Cycling Trails
For nature lovers, winter is the perfect time to explore the Netherlands’ national parks and scenic trails. The Hoge Veluwe National Park offers frosty woodlands while the Kennemerduinen (close to Amsterdam) provides sandy dunes dusted with winter frost. For a quieter experience, head to Biesbosch National Park, where waterways and wetlands take on a serene winter glow. Stunning nature is never too far away in the Netherlands.
Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Winter is the season of light festivals, where cities transform into open-air art galleries:
Amsterdam Light Festival: Running from November 28, 2024 through January 19, 2025, this festival features light art installations along the canals, best viewed on a canal cruise or an evening walk.
GLOW Eindhoven: Held in November, this cutting-edge festival showcases stunning light art and innovative displays. Next year’s dates are set for November 8-15, 2025.
Trajectum Lumen Utrecht: A must-see for its creative installations that also play with the city’s architecture. Explore from December 1, 2024-March 29, 2025.
Ice Sculpture Festival
The Ice Sculpture Festival is open from December 14, 2024-March 2, 2025 in Flevoland. Ice artists from around the world participate in this event to showcase their passion and creativity.
Winter Efteling: A Fairy-Tale Wonderland
The Efteling theme park transforms into a magical winter wonderland each year. Expect enchanting lights, bonfires, and seasonal activities like ice skating—all set against the park’s fairy-tale backdrop. Discover the enchantment from November 11, 2024-February 2, 2025.
Indoor Winter Activities in the Netherlands
Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’re craving some alpine adventure, visit SnowWorld Amsterdam (Zoetermeer) or SnowWorld Landgraaf. These indoor ski resorts offer slopes for all skill levels, making them ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
Cozy Cafés and Heated Terraces
Dutch cafés are particularly inviting in winter, offering a warm escape with hot drinks and seasonal treats. Try Café de Prins in Amsterdam for a classic Dutch atmosphere, or explore Utrecht’s canalside cafés with heated terraces and blankets.
Relaxing at Thermal Baths and Spas
For the ultimate in relaxation, visit one of the Netherlands’ renowned spas. Thermen Bussloo, Fort Resort Beemster, and Hotel and Wellness Zuiver offer options such as saunas, thermal pools, and wellness treatments—perfect for recharging after a day of exploring.
Must-Visit Museums and Seasonal Exhibits
Winter is a fantastic time to dive into the Netherlands’ rich culture. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are year-round favorites, but don’t overlook regional gems like the Teylers Museum in Haarlem or the Mauritshuis in The Hague. Some museums also host special winter-themed exhibitions, so check their schedules.
If you live in the Netherlands, purchasing the Museumkaart each year will allow you to visit almost 400 museums in the Netherlands for free.
Tips for Enjoying Winter in the Netherlands
Dress Warmly: Layers are key, including a waterproof shoes, underlayers, waterproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves.
Check Weather Conditions: Download apps like Buienradar to monitor weather conditions
Book Ahead: Popular activities like light festivals and indoor skiing can sell out quickly.