The Hague in the Top 5 Most Popular Winter Cities in the Netherlands

The Hague – Winter is just around the corner, and the city is preparing for a sparkling season full of light, atmosphere and experiences. According to Verian’s image survey ‘Den Haag in Beeld’ 2025, The Hague now ranks among the top five most popular winter cities in the Netherlands. Visitors particularly appreciate the unique combination of city and sea, the charming historic centre, the cultural offerings and the relaxed Hague hospitality.

With its winter theme Have a Royal Winter, The Hague invites visitors to indulge in everything the city centre, Scheveningen and Kijkduin have to offer.
New this year are the light projections at the Hofvijver and on the Kurhaus, two dazzling showpieces that literally cast The Hague in a new light.

From sparkling Christmas trees to ice-skating fun, from light art to live music – The Hague’s winter calendar is packed with events and activities for all ages. This winter, the city shines like never before, with illuminated squares, festive streets and a heart-warming atmosphere. Have a Royal Winter!

Alderman Saskia Bruines (Economic Development): “The fact that The Hague is one of the top five most popular winter cities in the Netherlands is wonderful recognition. I’m proud of all the businesses and cultural institutions that make our city shine every winter, from the city centre right to the sea. I warmly invite everyone to come and enjoy the new light projections, the full winter calendar and our typical Hague hospitality.”

Winter Atmosphere in the City Centre

The Royal Christmas Fair celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. From 4 to 23 December, the Lange Voorhout will once again transform into one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Alongside atmospheric stalls and delicious scents, there is something extra to enjoy this year: a sparkling lights parade that will make its way through the city centre several times.

The city will also be buzzing with music. On 12 and 13 December, The Hague hosts Jazz en Route, a free festival where jazz and soul come together. During these days, the Noordeinde and the Lange Voorhout turn into a magical walking route filled with live music and intimate performances at surprising locations.

Light Installations at the Hofvijver

From early December until mid-January, the Hofvijver will be beautifully illuminated with two special light installations. These artworks bring warmth and colour to the dark winter months and create a stunning spectacle in the heart of the city. Their reflection in the water creates a magical effect that invites visitors to pause and take in the moment. Come and experience the Hofvijver in enchanting winter light.

Winter Square on Grote Marktstraat

From 20 to 24 December, the Grote Marktstraat will be transformed into a cosy winter square full of lights, music and seasonal cheer. Enjoy sparkling entertainment, festive snacks and drinks, and a warm Christmas atmosphere right in the city centre.

Also handy: at the Winter Square you can have your gifts wrapped at the cheerful wrapping service while you enjoy a hot chocolate. They’ll make sure your presents are ready to go straight under the Christmas tree.

Experience a Magical Winter in Scheveningen

This winter, the seaside resort turns into a magical setting full of light, music and special performances. Be enchanted and enjoy a programme full of surprises for young and old.

New this year is a spectacular light projection on the Kurhaus.
From 18 December to 4 January, every evening from 17:00 to 23:00, the façade of this iconic seaside hotel will be transformed into a breathtaking light artwork. With colour, music and movement, the projection tells a winter tale that blends the grandeur of the Kurhaus with the magic of Scheveningen – free to admire from the boulevard.

The winter fun begins with Lichtjes in de Haven (Lights in the Harbour), which will be lit on 29 November and illuminate the harbour until 31 January.

During Magical Scheveningen – the winter event by the sea – light, music and wonder come together. Experience the festive magic on the weekends of 27 & 28 December and 2 & 3 January between 16:00 and 19:00, and be transported into a world of atmosphere and imagination.

At Madurodam, the park sparkles with winter ambiance from 11 November, while Cool Event treats visitors to ice-skating fun on the rink at the Kurhausplein until 8 February, with the new Dining on Ice experience on 10 December as a highlight.

The New Year begins on 1 January with the traditional Unox New Year’s Dip, a refreshing start to the new year in true Hague style.

More highlights in Scheveningen this winter:

• Scheveningen Light Walk: 22 November
• Surfin’ Santas: weekend of 13 December
• Christmas in de Straet – Keizerstraat: 13 December
• Scheveningen Bonfire: 31 December

Winter Wonder Kijkduin

The renewed family seaside resort Kijkduin will also transform into a charming winter paradise. On 7 December from 13:00 to 17:00, enjoy Christmas music, a cheerful Winter Wonder Parade and meet Princess Elsa & Co. Of course, Father Christmas will be there too. Take a Polaroid photo with the X-mas girls, hand in your wish list to Santa, and get creative in the magical Christmas workshop at Daily Taste – from decorating baubles to making your own Christmas card.

Kijkduin sparkles with festive lighting, warm music and cosy winter terraces – perfect for a beach walk or a drink with a sea view.

From 13 to 21 December, you can also slide down the tubing track and enjoy charming Christmas stalls full of winter fun.

Local Winter in The Hague

In the dark days of winter, nothing beats a warm smile from someone who welcomes you with open arms. A friendly word, the right advice and personal attention.

You’ll find all of this in The Hague.

From the stylish city centre to lively neighbourhoods and charming local streets, each shopping area has its own character and surprises. Every neighbourhood offers something unique.

From 1 December, count down to the holidays together. Open a new box in the online advent calendar each day and be surprised by gifts from Hague entrepreneurs.

The Hague Market and Five Shopping Streets in Schilderswijk and Transvaal

Just a stone’s throw from the centre lies the Haagse Markt, the place where the world is at your feet without crossing any borders. A shopping paradise with more than 500 vendors offering everything you can imagine: from vintage leather jackets and boxes of dates to woks and old paintings. As well as fresh fish, steaming roti, sweet baklava and enormous watermelons.

The market is also the connecting hub between five unique shopping streets in Transvaal and Schilderswijk. The Kempstraat, Paul Krugerlaan, Hoefkade, Hobbemastraat, Hobbemaplein and Koningstraat offer a warm mix of cultures and surprising shops. Head out and discover flavours from around the world.

More Winter Highlights

• Cirque du Soleil: until 4 January
• Funky Friday: 28 November
• Taste of Winter: 29 & 30 November
• Sjaak Bral New Year’s Show: various dates
• Winter tram ride from city centre to Scheveningen: 13 December – 11 January
• Christmas Sing-Along – Jubilee edition 2025 at the Atrium: 14 December
• Great Christmas Circus Malieveld: 19 December – 4 January
• SnowFest: 19 – 21 December
• Hofvijver Countdown Moment: 31 December

Discover the full winter programme at denhaag.com/winter.

The winter programme is made possible by the Municipality of The Hague, the Central Government Real Estate Agency, the Hague City Centre Management Foundation, Stichting Buitengewoon Scheveningen, and a large number of Hague entrepreneurs, hotels and (cultural) leisure organisations.