Experience the cosiest winter in The Hague

The Hague - As the temperature drops, Royal Winter comes alive in The Hague. Experience the royal city by the sea at its best in winter, from its vast coastline to the historic city centre. Count the thousands of lights in Scheveningen harbour, enjoy a steaming mug of mulled wine at the Royal Christmas Fair or do your holiday shopping in style in the courteous shopping areas; The Hague is ready to welcome visitors with open arms.

3, 2, 1 ... GO. Thursday 21 November, the festive countdown to open Royal Winter took place. While the public could enjoy the vibrant Hague shopping night, party lights were switched on all over the city.

With dusk setting in, dozens of Christmas trees sprang to life. Together with the cheerful light figures all over the city, these provided extra cosiness into the new year. And on all digital city screens, an atmospheric winter video was shown for five minutes at the same time.

This winter, you can enjoy the whole city: from Scheveningen to Kijkduin to the historic city centre. The extensive and most up-to-date winter programme can be found at denhaag.com/winter.

Royal Winter in the city centre

The city centre of The Hague is ready for the cosy winter months. The winter themed walk will take you past all the beautiful buildings, festive mood lighting and many events organised by the city.

From 5 to 23 December, the Lange Voorhout will be the stage for the Royal Christmas Fair, one of the most beautiful and fun-filled Christmas markets in the Netherlands. With dozens of Christmas houses, thousands of LED lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine and a visit from the one and only santaclaus, this Christmas market captures the imagination of many.

During the weekend from 6 to 8 December, Snowfest descends on the Koekamp. The highlights include the 10th anniversary edition of the Rock-A-Rail snowboard competition on Saturday. Top-level riders from home and abroad will show off their best snowboard tricks at this special venue.

Other highlights you won't want to miss are:

• Evenings of Light in the Haagse Toren
• Rootz Winter Beer Festival
• Wine Festival Grote Kerk
• Hofkwartier Winter Market
• Cosy Christmas cinema ‘A Royal Christmas Cinema’ in the Waalse Kerk
• Grand Christmas Circus Malieveld
• Laser show during New Year's Eve at Hofvijver
• Winter tram ride in a historic tram via an atmospheric route to Scheveningen 

Shopping for the holidays? Be surprised and amazed in December every weekend until Christmas and on 23 and 24 December with beautiful winter street entertainment and lots of (Christmas) atmosphere in the shopping areas. On several days, shops will be open extra long.

Winter activities in Kijkduin

Of course, Kijkduin is also decked out in winter atmospheres! During Winter Wonder Kijkduin on Sunday 8 December, a Father Christmas band will perform the most popular Christmas hits and at the Holiday Festival parade, magical candy figures and nutcrackers will come to life. On Saturday 14 December, you can take part in a Christmas bingo and the shops in New Kijkduin will be open extra long.

The Hague Market

With the festive season just around the corner, The Hague Market is the place to find everything you need for an atmospheric and tasty dinner. Here you will find a rich selection of fresh ingredients and unique products - everything to complete the festive menu. And besides ingredients, the market also offers plenty of choice in festive decorations, gift ideas and winter delicacies.

In short, celebrate winter in style and come to The Hague, the winter capital of the Netherlands. Discover the royal charm, enjoy the winter activities and be enchanted by the magic of Royal Winter in the Hague. For all information on the winter programme in The Hague, visit denhaag.com/winter

Have a Royal Winter is co-sponsored by the municipality of The Hague, the State Property Company, entrepreneurs and (cultural) leisure institutions from The Hague.