Autumn in the Leiden Region

Autumn in the Leiden Region

With the leaves turning red and the weather getting colder, the many canals and charming old houses in the Leiden region become even more beautiful. This is also a great time for both indoor and outdoor activities. On this page you can find tips on how to make the most out of autumn!

Triceratops horridus: this giant herbivore is an icon of the dinosaur era. And extremely rare too, only a handful of skeletons can be seen worldwide. Until now!
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The Bronze Age began more than four thousand years ago with the introduction of the new metal bronze, which led to major changes in societies.
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Celebrate 450 years of parades in Museum De Lakenhal and uncover Leiden's passion for them.
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Get pulled into orbit at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave with their fascinating exhibition about black holes.
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The Castle Duivenvoorde in Voorschoten, will open its doors to the public from April 6th to December 18th.
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Leidse Hout
Leidse Hout

Join Kimberly from Wildwood Wisdom for a peaceful walk through Leidse Hout - the foresty area of Leiden to re-connect with nature and with one another.

Find more information here
Escape the City
Escape the City

Are you going on a city trip to Leiden and do you plan to explore the city? With an Escape the city you can turn this visit into a super fun lasting memory. Take a city walk and play this interactive puzzle game during the walk.

Find more information here
The Hidden Stories of Leiden
The Hidden Stories of Leiden

Embark on a journey to find hidden gems, famous sights and unique places through this self-guided audiotour!

Find more information here

Meet&Mingle

Would you like to meet other internationals over a drink and in a cozy atmosphere during the colder Autumn days?

We know that meeting new people can sometimes be hard, which is why we organise our monthly Meet&Mingles! Joining is free, and we encourage everyone living or working in the Leiden region to come.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12:00 noon, Saint Nicholas will set foot at the Beestenmarkt!
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The arrival of Saint Nicholas has been a huge event in Leiderdorp for many years. Hope he comes, because the book is lost. Maybe the mayor can help.
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This year, Saint Nicholas and his helpers will visit the centre of Voorschoten on Saturday 23 November. The Pietenband, Ballonpiet, Glutenvrije Piet and the Danspiets will of course also be coming to Voorschoten.
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Saint Nicholas will be returning to Zoeterwoude again this year! On Saturday 23 November he will arrive at Noordbuurtseweg near Bouwlust around 11:30.
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Food & Drinks

The Leiden region has plenty of cozy restaurants, bars and cafés to offer.

You can warm up at one of the terraces on a rainy afternoon or grab a bite after a museum visit. Or do you want to meet a friend for coffee? You will find that there is something for everyone, from street food to fancy restaurants, from popular places to hidden gems.

Discover the culinary hotspots in the region

Leiden's Ontzet

Leiden's 'Ontzet' ('relief') refers to the liberation of Leiden city on the 3rd October 1574 from the Spanish forces. It has been commemorated every year since, with celebrations throughout the city.

A range of activities and events take place during this time, starting from the 1st October and continuing until the 3rd.

We are on the eve of a special celebration: in 2024 it will be 450 years ago that Leiden was liberated. We have a special mission for this anniversary year: 3 October by and for everyone. We do not only want to look back on our shared history, but also look ahead to our shared future.

Learn more about Leiden's Ontzet

Floating Ice Rink Leiden
Floating Ice Rink Leiden
Experience a winter fairytale in Leiden under the atmospheric festive lights. Come and skate again this year on...
7 December 2024 until 5 January 2025
The Annunciation
The Annunciation
Artist and researcher Krien Clevis spent several years documenting the transition of six Leiden churches—Hartebrug...
until 2 February 2025
Leiden Run Club
Leiden Run Club
Join the Leiden Run Club! We run the Singelpark together every 1st and 3rd of the month.
until 6 July 2025
Sinfonietta Voorschoten
Sinfonietta Voorschoten
Once again this year, Sinfonietta Voorschoten - led by Aikaterini Sampakou - offers you a beautiful autumn concert.
Sunday 24 November
Crazy Pony Christmas Day
Crazy Pony Christmas Day
Monday 23 December there will be another crazy pony day at the Nieuwendijk Hoeve in Oude Ade. What could be more...
Monday 23 December
Rembrandt's Four Senses - His First Paintings
Rembrandt's Four Senses - His First Paintings
A celebratory exhibition at Leiden's Museum de Lakenhal, from the 20th of January 2024 until the 30th of March...
until 30 March 2025
Save The Date! Dutch Life Sciences Confrence 2024
Save The Date! Dutch Life Sciences Confrence 2024
The Dutch Life Sciences Conference Will take Place on December, 12, 2024
Thursday 12 December
Kimono. Mirror of modernity
Kimono. Mirror of modernity
Japan Museum SieboldHuis presents the exhibition 'Kimono. Mirror of modernity'. Discover the unique fusion of Japanese...
until 8 December
Triceratops: the herd
Triceratops: the herd
Triceratops horridus: this giant herbivore is an icon of the dinosaur era. And extremely rare too, only a handful...
until 31 August 2025
Tell Me More Storytelling (EN) : The Afterlife
Tell Me More Storytelling (EN) : The Afterlife
Listen to captivating stories and music at Theater De Generator's monthly TELL ME MORE storytelling evenings –...
Friday 6 December
Family Christmas Tattoo Show
Family Christmas Tattoo Show
The city of Leiden will be surprised with a fantastic family Christmas tattoo show on Saturday, December 14, 2024....
Saturday 14 December
Astronomy on Tap
Astronomy on Tap
Astronomical bar meetup
monthly
Leidse Hout Nature Connection
Leidse Hout Nature Connection
Join Kimberly from Wildwood Wisdom for a peaceful walk through Leidse Hout - the foresty area of Leiden to re-connect...
monthly
Workshop Japanese Tea Ceremony
Workshop Japanese Tea Ceremony
This Japanese Tea Ceremony tea workshop is provided by Naoko Oba. Naoko has years of experience as a tea master...
Saturday 15 February 2025
Book Club (Reading Circle) English Literature
Book Club (Reading Circle) English Literature
Do you read English literature with relative ease and pleasure and do you enjoy exchanging thoughts in English...
8 January 2025, 5 February 2025 and 5 March 2025
Clay Studio Leiden Workshops
Clay Studio Leiden Workshops
Workshops and private lessons by professional ceramic artist whose work is represented in museums in Europe and...
16 December, 23 December and 2 more days
Escape the City
Escape the City
Are you going on a city trip to Leiden and do you plan to explore the city? With an Escape the city you can turn...
until 1 January 2026
Nostalgic Fair
Nostalgic Fair
In December, the nostalgic fair returns to Leiden! This charming fair brings back the atmosphere of the past with...
7 December 2024 until 5 January 2025
Home Energy Saving Workshop for Internationals
Home Energy Saving Workshop for Internationals
After two successful workshops beginning this year, you are invited to this 2 hour free workshop. The workshop...
Thursday 28 November
LKO Symphony Orchestra
LKO Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1989, the LKO Symphony Orchestra has grown into a vibrant symphony orchestra with 40 passionate members...
weekly
Workshop: Hosting events (EN)
Workshop: Hosting events (EN)
Storytelling workshop with Xina Mercken
Monday 2 December
Work Cafe
Work Cafe
Are you currently unemployed, but would you like to get started? Are you in danger of losing your job or are you...
weekly
Visit the Young Rembrandt Studio for free
Visit the Young Rembrandt Studio for free
Meet the young Rembrandt in a beautiful 7-minute 3D video experience in the house where he was taught by master...
weekly
Market in Leiderdorp
Market in Leiderdorp
Every Thursday, the market vendors are ready for you at the market in Leiderdorp.
weekly