Spring in the Leiden Region
Spring in the Leiden region is so vibrant
Spring is a magnificent time in the Leiden region. With the days starting to feel longer as the sun begins to set later, it’s a great time to watch the flowers that surround the region bloom. There are so many places to see and things to do, the opportunities are endless. While the holiday season may have passed, springtime is filled with its own set of festivities to celebrate, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. To help plan you can look at this year's national and public holiday calendar.
Keukenhof
The season begins with the much-anticipated opening of Keukenhof from 20 March to 11 May. Here visitors can discover over 800 varieties of tulips and a wide range of other flowers by visiting this beautiful botanical garden. Tickets for park admission and bus transportation can be conveniently purchased at the Leiden Tourist Office in-store or directly via the Keukenhof website.
More information
More flower fields
As one of the best perks of springtime, we have gathered the essential details to ensure you make the most of this delightful experience. From breathtaking floral displays to the sweet scent of blossoms in the air, there's no better time to explore nature’s beauty. Immerse yourself in the vibrant bloom and embrace the season in full splendor!
Discover the flower fields around Leiden
Springtime Activities - Discover the blossoming beauty of the region through its scenic flower fields and canals
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VoorschotenLoop 2025
Join the vibrant running festival in Voorschoten with events for all ages and abilities, from the free kids' race to 5k, 10k, and 10 English Miles, complete with music, medals, and prizes! 23 March
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Hanami Festival
Celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture at the Wereldmuseum with a day of food, music, workshops, and more at our Hanami Festival. 23 March
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LeidenWalk
Experience the beauty of Leiden on a fun and scenic walking tour for all ages, perfect for enjoying the outdoors with family and friends! 13 April
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Plant Market
Whether you’re looking to buy some plants for yourself, loved ones, or wish to admire nature’s beauty join as the plant market offers more than 30 stalls of house plants located in the Hortus Botanicus Leiden. 10 May
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OC&C Ringvaart Regatta
Join the celebration as the OC&C Ringvaart Regatta marks 50 years! Take on the 100 km challenge or cheer from the sidelines as rowers push their limits. Will you row or watch? 28 May
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Japan Market
Experience the rich culture of Japan from art and history to diverse goods offering a glimpse of the fascinating world of the Japanese to indulge in. 8 June
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Leidse Hofjes Festival
Combining culture, history, and art, this festival attracts talented musicians from different parts of the world to perform among the city’s picturesque courtyards. 8 and 9 June
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Beats & Bites
Enjoy a weekend of great music and tasty bites at this lively festival. Local bands perform on two stages with delicious food trucks and snacks to savor all in the heart of Voorschoten. 14 and 15 June
King's Day
King's Day is a highlight in Dutch culture and is celebrated nationwide in the Netherlands, on 27 April. The whole country dresses up in orange colors and plays traditional games that you’ll want to try. In Leiden the festivities are endless, you can run into flea markets, parties, and live music at every corner.
Other great options for those who desire to celebrate King’s Day outside the city but stay within the Leiden Region are our neighbouring towns Voorschoten and Leiderdorp.
Learn more about King's Day
Remembrance & Liberation Day
Remembrance Day in the Netherlands, on 4 May, is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of war victims. At 20:00, a nationwide two-minute silence is observed to commemorate those who suffered and gave their lives for the liberation of the Netherlands. Liberation Day follows on 5 May, marking the end of World War II and celebrating freedom in Dutch history. Festivities and events across the country pay tribute to this significant milestone.
Find more information here
Outdoor Activities
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Leiden's Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanic garden in the Netherlands, with some sections dating back to 1590. The gardens feature exotic plants from all over the world, and you can also learn more about the rich history of the gardens themselves.
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A great chance to zone out the loud noise is to visit the historic Leiden courtyards where you can be present and enjoy the stillness of the moment.
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Duivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten offers not only the opportunity to tour the beautiful historic castle but also many scenic walks on the estate itself. The castle also has its own museum, which allows you to learn more about the rich history of the building.
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Leiden has plenty of cycling routes that will take you around beautiful scenery from the countryside to the coast and more, you can make a list of trips to take to see more of the region.
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Boerderij 't Geertje is an organic, small-scale farm where everyone is welcome to come and see the animals at their petting zoo. They also have a restaurant and shop that sells food and related items made from their farm. It's a perfect family-friendly activity to enjoy and support local.
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The Milieu Educatief Centrum in Leiderdorp organises activities for kids every Wednesday afternoon. Every week is a different activity, both indoor and outdoor.
Food & Drinks
Leiden is home to many charming hotpots for going out to restaurants and cafés, especially during spring when the weather makes these venues a lot more enticing to visit.
There are so many places to try in the region and if you’re a big foodie you’ll want to check out our guide to add to your list.
Discover the spring hotspots in the region
Meet&Mingle
Would you like to meet other internationals over a drink in a refreshing environment during the spring 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.
Register for our next Meet&Mingle
More Events Happening in the Leiden Region
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Repair Café Voorschoten
Repair Café Voorschoten
A Repair Café is an event that revolves around repairs. At the location where the Repai...
monthly
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Visit the Young Rembrandt Studio
Visit the Young Rembrandt Studio
Meet the young Rembrandt in a beautiful 7-minute 3D video experience in the house where...
weekly
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Plants & Planets
Plants & Planets
In Plants & Planets you will travel through time and space: from the Big Bang to th...
weekly
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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 30 March
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Enchanted by GOLD
Enchanted by GOLD
Wereldmuseum Leiden will celebrate the premiere of its new exhibition in December; Ench...
until 26 October
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Art exhibition by Anneke Kaai in the Marekerk
Art exhibition by Anneke Kaai in the Marekerk
16 paintings depict the theme "relationship with God"
29 March, 5 April and 7 more days
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International Sewing Class
International Sewing Class
New at your sewing machine or rather sewing with guidance and good company? In the sewi...
until 19 July
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Triceratops: the herd
Triceratops: the herd
Triceratops horridus: this giant herbivore is an icon of the dinosaur era. And extremel...
until 31 August
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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
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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 Esc...
until 1 January 2026
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Discover Leiden with a city walk
Discover Leiden with a city walk
Do you opt for a walk past all the highlights? Or are you delving into Rembrandt's Leid...
until 1 January 2026
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The Hidden Stories of Leiden
The Hidden Stories of Leiden
Discover the stories behind Leiden's hidden gems, famous sights and unique places throu...
until 1 January 2026
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Online UWV EURES Workshop
Online UWV EURES Workshop
UWV EURES supports employers and jobseekers, facilitating labour mobility. In cooperati...
31 March, 7 April and 5 more days
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Language Café Leiderdorp
Language Café Leiderdorp
You will learn to speak Dutch better in the Language Café. You talk to each other about...
weekly
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Modern Jive Partner Dancing Lessons
Modern Jive Partner Dancing Lessons
Ceroc is a complete night out and is a great way to meet people, have a few laughs and...
weekly
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Work Cafe
Work Cafe
Are you currently unemployed, but would you like to get started? Are you in danger of l...
weekly
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LKO Symphony Orchestra
LKO Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1989, the LKO Symphony Orchestra has grown into a vibrant symphony orchestra...
weekly
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Kinderkring
Kinderkring
Every Wednesday morning from 9.30 to 11.00 h. you are welcome to join the Kinderkring....
weekly
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Grand Café de Burcht - Quiz Night
Grand Café de Burcht - Quiz Night
Every Wednesday is quiz night at Grand Café de Burcht
weekly
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Activities for kids in Milieu Educatief Centrum Leiderdorp
Activities for kids in Milieu Educatief Centrum Leiderdorp
The Milieu Educatief Centrum in Leiderdorp organises activities for kids every Wednesda...
weekly
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Concert Hans Henkemans
Concert Hans Henkemans
The famous Dutch pianist, composer and psychiatrist Hans Henkemans (1913-1995) spent hi...
Thursday 3 April
