Best Places to visit the Netherlands this Winter (Mountain Hiking, Skiing and more)

You might not readily associate The Netherlands with a traditional winter holiday when there are all the gorgeous European alpine locations. Still, it is a Northern European country and, therefore, gets seasonal weather. So you can certainly experience a white, snowy cold winter. You might not think about going mountain hiking in the Netherlands, but there are some awesome places to go and terrific things to do. Here are some ideas for the best places to visit in the Netherlands in winter and some unmissable events.

Visit Deventer for Dickensfestijn

Although the works of Charles Dickens are quintessentially English, Dickensfetijn makes Deventer one of the favourite Netherlands winter destinations. For one weekend in December, part of Deventer city’s centre is transformed into a Victorian English landscape, and the streets become an immersive Dickensian experience. From actors in traditional clothing to themed stalls selling old-fashioned food and drink, you can live out your Oliver Twist fantasies!

Attend the carol concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam

The festive season is the perfect time for winter holidays in the Netherlands because Amsterdam is special at Christmastime, and the carol concert at the Concertgebouw is one of the premier musical experiences. Admire the beautiful grandeur of the setting and Christmas ambience, combined with professional-level choral singing that will fill your heart with festive joy. Grab a cup of mulled wine and a couple of sweet winter treats, and settle in for some joyous singing that will lift the spirits.

Go to the Amsterdam canals for some ice skating

When the weather gets cold enough, the iconic Amsterdam canals completely freeze over and become the perfect canvases for a spot of ice skating. It is a common sight to see locals and visitors alike enjoying some time on the ice, with plenty of vendors around the canals who can rent you a pair of boots for a small charge.

Go to Groningen for the Christmas market

Something that sets European countries apart from the rest of the world is the traditional Christmas markets that pop up all over the continent. One of the best in The Netherlands is the WinterWelVaart in Groningen. You can spend hours browsing the huge array of market stalls selling crafts, gifts, food and drink and more. The thing that makes the WinterWelVaart so special is that it takes place along the canal, incorporating floating stalls and vendors into the mix and making the atmosphere unmistakably Dutch.

Get a thrill at Winter Efteling

From mid-November, Efteling Theme Park transforms for Christmas. Imagine a forest trail that is filled with thousands and thousands of lights, bonfires, winter treats and snowy pines, not to mention a few themed rides at the end of the trail. Still boasting all the year-round rides and attractions, Winter Efteling is a joy for kids and adults. It’s the cherry on top of the cake for a winter holiday in the Netherlands.

Enjoy the best places to ski in the Netherlands

Although there are no natural ski destinations in the Netherlands, there are indoor dry slopes for some winter sporting fun on your winter break. The best skiing in the Netherlands is done indoors at places like Montana Snowcenter, Skidome Rucphen and SnowWorld Landgraaf. Indoor dry slopes can be a great way to introduce beginners to the sport of skiing, and don’t be disheartened by the fact that the top ski spots in the Netherlands are all indoor establishments. They can be just as fun, and you don’t have to worry about inclement conditions outside!

Catch an exciting round of speed skating

Any keen fan of the Winter Olympics will be able to tell you that The Netherlands excels in the sport of speed skating. Some of the most famous and celebrated speed skaters in history have been Dutch. Professional competitions are regularly held at rinks around the country, so look online to find one near to you on your holiday. Jaapeden is always a good start.

Enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival

Working to a specific theme every year, artists (including some very high profile names) from all over the world descend on Amsterdam between December and January to illuminate various routes in the city centre with their illuminated artworks. The exhibits can be seen on a walking or cycling tour and even on a boat trip along the canals.

Catch a flick at the International Documentary Festival

If you prefer your fun activities on winter holidays in the Netherlands to be indoors, the IDFA will appeal.
The International Documentary Festival Amsterdam is the biggest film festival in the country, and the documentaries are shown in independent cinemas all over the city from mid-November onwards.

Buy Christmas decorations at Utrecht’s Flower Market

Although open every Saturday all year round, the Bloemenmarkt in Utrecht turns all festive. Located by Janskerhoof in the city centre, there are Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes on sale alongside the most wonderful decorations and wreaths made from natural leaves and flowers. Utrecht also boasts many unique boutiques, so a shopping trip is a bit out of the ordinary.

Get your groove on at Eurosonic Nooderslag

Music festivals are thought of as a summer activity, so fans love that Eurosonic in January in Groningen. Artists from all over Europe play during the first three days, while the last day (Nooderslag) is reserved only for Dutch artists. There are also awards ceremonies and numerous music-themed conferences.

Have a day at the seaside at Scheveningen

You need to be a hardy soul if you’re going to choose a seaside destination for a winter holiday in the Netherlands, but if you wrap up against the cold, there’s a lot of fun to be had without the crowds. Scheveningen is the country’s premier beach resort. You can take bracing walks on the beach, take wonderful winter photos, ride the Ferris wheel on the pier and visit the Ice Expo.

Netherlands winter destinations might not be obvious, but they are diverse and interesting, each offering a different experience. Check out Destinia hotels in the Netherlands for an unforgettable winter break.