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Winter in the Leiden Region

Winter in the Leiden region has so much magic to offer

Embrace the cosy charm of winter in the Leiden region, where the atmosphere gets warmer as the days get colder. Experience the magic of the season as the Winter Wonder Weeks transform Leiden city centre. Enjoy this festive time, and join in on the fun!

Winter Activities - Explore the region and its many charming streets and alleyways!

Meet&Mingle

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

Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is a beloved tradition amongst many Dutch people, and his arrival brings many traditional snacks, presents, and music. 

There are two important Sinterklaas festivities in the Netherlands:

The Sinterklaasintocht marks Sinterklaas' arrival in November, traditionally by boat, accompanied by helpers called 'Pieten' or Pete. Sinterklaas makes his way through the city in a parade on horseback or even a motorbike, handing out pepernoten and engaging with the children and community.

During Pakjesavond on the 5th of December, Sinterklaas delivers presents to younger children and older children and adults participate by exchanging surprises with hidden gifts.

Read more about the Sinterklaas traditions

Activities For Kids - Winter in the Leiden region starts early! Sinterklaas' arrival in November marks the beginning of the holiday season. There is always something fun to do for kids!

  • In December, the nostalgic fair returns to Leiden! This charming fair brings back the atmosphere of the past with classic attractions such as a vintage carousel!

    Read more

  • The city of Leiden will be surprised with a fantastic family Christmas tattoo show on Saturday, December 14, 2024. It has become an unmissable event in Leiden, being organized for the 9th time.

    Read more

  • A heated tent, a colorful Christmas atmosphere with a sea of lights, cosiness, and a spectacular program make this Christmas circus a true spectacle and the perfect addition to the Leiden winter.

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  • TRIXS Trampoline Park Leiderdorp/Leiden offers an exciting place for bouncers of all ages with unique activities and lots of fun things to do!

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  • Indoor playground, laser games, glow golf and climbing park! Come and play at BubbleJungle. An indoor park for kids, young and old! They will run out of energy exploring the entire 3000m2 indoor park.

    Read more

  • Monday 23 December there will be another crazy pony day at the Nieuwendijk Hoeve in Oude Ade. What could be more fun than a day of pony riding, grooming ponies, playing games and eating there.

    Read more

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 winter hotspots in the region
People drinking coffee Wine glasses at a dinner table

Special Opening Hours

Around the hollidays, Leiden shops are offering extended opening hours for your convenience - whether you're doing Sinterklaas or Christmas shopping, there's always a suitable time. In addition, shops have adjusted opening hours on public hollidays. Wondering when the shops will be open during the winter months? Follow the link below for all opening hours.

Overview extended opening hours (in Dutch)
Christmas lights in the city centre

New Year's Eve

Dutch people love celebrating New Year at its fullest! From chilly dives in the sea, to a warm taste of oliebollen, everything is possible in this magical night. Most importantly: fireworks. This tradition requires a bit of extra caution, so be sure to check the recommendations from the municipality of Leiden.

Learn more about New Year's Day traditions
Flikkersterren

Exhibitions - Discover some of the 13 museums in Leiden!

  • 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.

    Read more

  • The major retrospective exhibition Bronze Age – Fire of Change is about a fascinating period in our history. The Bronze Age (2000-800 BC) began more than four thousand years ago with the introduction of the new metal bronze, which led to major changes in societies.

    Read more

  • The exhibition 'The Orphans Speak' provides an insight into the daily lives of the orphans who lived in the orphanage on the Hooglandse Kerkgracht from 1583 to 1961.

    Read more

  • A celebratory exhibition of Rembrandt's earliest known work at Leiden's Museum de Lakenhal, from the 20th of January 2024 until the 30th of March 2025.

    Read more

More Events Happening in the Leiden Region

  • 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

  • NYE New Year Eve Party @ NEXT Leiden

    NYE New Year Eve Party @ NEXT Leiden

    After a sold-out Halloween Party, Memories and NEXT invite you to the ultimate NYE party.

    Wednesday 1 January 2025

  • 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

  • Bubble Jungle Adventure City

    Bubble Jungle Adventure City

    Indoor playground, laser games, glow golf and climbing park! Come and play at BubbleJungle. An indoor park for...

    until 21 September 2025

  • Comedy Night International

    Comedy Night International

    Prepare for an evening full of English humor and diversity at our Comedy Night: International!

    18 January 2025, 15 February 2025

  • Exhibition The Orphans Speak

    Exhibition The Orphans Speak

    The exhibition 'The Orphans Speak' provides an insight into the daily lives of the orphans who lived in the orphanage...

    until 26 March 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

  • American Pilgrim Museum

    American Pilgrim Museum

    Located in a beautifully preserved house built ca 1365-1370 near the clock tower of the Hooglandse Kerk, the Leiden...

    weekly

  • 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

  • Expat Cinema

    Expat Cinema

    Expat Cinema is back in Leiden!

    weekly

  • Christmas concert Leiden English Choir

    Christmas concert Leiden English Choir

    A versatile mix of modern and 'old' pieces by Ola Gjeilo, Elaine Hagenberg and Simon Capet, among others, but also...

    Friday 20 December

  • Grand Café de Burcht - Quiz Night

    Grand Café de Burcht - Quiz Night

    Every Wednesday is quiz night at Grand Café de Burcht

    weekly

  • Nostalgic Christmas Market

    Nostalgic Christmas Market

    The Christmas market in Leiden can, of course, be found once again this year at the Hooglandse Kerkgracht. For...

    14 December, 15 December and 5 more days

  • Dutch Classes for Children Information Session

    Dutch Classes for Children Information Session

    Your children are starting school but don't speak Dutch? Learn more about International Language Classes (ITK)!

    weekly

  • Housing Consultations by RE/MAX

    Housing Consultations by RE/MAX

    Free housing advice by RE/MAX Makelaarsgilde

    monthly

  • International Friends - Winter Sunshine Visit Panorama Mesdag

    International Friends - Winter Sunshine Visit Panorama Mesdag

    With Christmas just around the corner, the International Friends of the Mauritshuis are delighted to invite you...

    Wednesday 11 December

  • Bronze Age: Fire of Change

    Bronze Age: Fire of Change

    The major retrospective exhibition Bronze Age – Fire of Change is about a fascinating period in our history. The...

    until 16 March 2025

  • Market in Zoeterwoude

    Market in Zoeterwoude

    Every Thursday afternoon, there is a small-scale weekly market in Zoeterwoude.

    weekly

  • Get Ready Tour - Leiden Social Run

    Get Ready Tour - Leiden Social Run

    Are you looking to run a marathon in 2025? Join on Sunday, December 15th, at 9:30 AM in Leiden for a special Get...

    Sunday 15 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

  • 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

  • Video Appointments With the Helpdesk

    Video Appointments With the Helpdesk

    Have some questions and wish to talk to a member of our Helpdesk? Book a video call appointment.

    9 December, 16 December and 6 more days

  • 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

  • International Sewing Class

    International Sewing Class

    New at your sewing machine or rather sewing with guidance and good company? In the sewing class you have a weekly...

    until 19 July 2025

Discover What Else There is To Do

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