The Hague Lights Up: Winter Magic Across the City

Image: Christmas tree in the Passage – Francine Van Der Wansem

The Hague – December is in full swing, and winter energy can be felt throughout the city. The Christmas market attracts daily visitors from home and abroad, ice rinks are buzzing with activity and the winter programme continues to grow. From atmospheric Christmas trees and sparkling light installations to ice skating, live music and festive entertainment, The Hague’s winter calendar is packed with experiences for all ages. This season, the city shines in warm illumination, with festive streets and iconic locations dressed in winter splendour. From the city centre to the coast, the magic of winter is everywhere. Have a Royal Winter.

Flying Fish above the Hofvijver

Until 15 January, two striking light art installations can be admired: Fish Are Jumping and Firefly Field by Dutch designers Studio Toer. The glowing flying fish and fireflies are beautifully reflected in the water, bringing extra atmosphere and light to the heart of the city. Visible both during the day and in the evening, they invite visitors to pause and enjoy the view. This temporary light art gives the Hofvijver a unique winter character and enhances the beauty of The Hague’s Museum Quarter.

Winter Square at Grote Marktstraat

From 20 to 24 December, Grote Marktstraat is transformed into a cosy winter square filled with twinkling lights, music and seasonal cheer. Enjoy sparkling entertainment, festive food and drinks, and a warm Christmas atmosphere right in the city centre.

Extra handy: the Winter Square features a cheerful gift-wrapping service, ready to beautifully wrap your presents. While you enjoy a hot chocolate, your Christmas gifts will be prepared and ready for under the tree.

More highlights

• Cirque du Soleil: until 4 January
• New Year’s Eve Comedy Show with Sjaak Bral: various dates
• Winter tram ride from the city centre to Scheveningen: 13 December – 11 January
• Christmas Sing-Along – Jubilee Edition 2025 at the Atrium: 14 December
• A Royal Christmas Cinema: 19 December
• Grand Christmas Circus at the Malieveld: 19 December – 4 January
• SnowFest: 19 – 21 December
• Countdown moment at the Hofvijver: 31 December

Experience a Magical Winter in Scheveningen

This winter, the seaside resort is transformed into a magical setting filled with light, music and special performances. Let yourself be enchanted and enjoy a programme full of surprises for young and old alike.

Kurhaus in the Spotlight

From 18 December to 4 January, the Kurhaus is literally in the spotlight every evening. A captivating video projection brings the iconic building to life, adding sound and colour to Scheveningen while telling the famous (stage) history of the Kurhaus.

Skate by the Sea – Ice Skating with a Sea View

Scheveningen’s Cool Event goes all out this year with a second ice rink measuring 60 metres long and 8 metres wide, featuring a glass wall with views of the sea. From 6 December to 4 January 2026, visitors can enjoy winter fun by the coast every day from 12:00 to 22:00.

From 17:00 onwards, the rink transforms into an atmospheric disco ice rink. Daily activities are organised, and a range of packages is available, from family days to corporate outings. The boulevard remains fully accessible throughout the event.

Magical Scheveningen & the Bonfire Tradition

During Magical Scheveningen, the winter event by the sea, light, music and wonder come together for all ages. On the weekends of 27 and 28 December and 2 and 3 January, between 16:00 and 19:00, visitors are immersed in a world of atmosphere and imagination.

The traditional Scheveningen Bonfire is also part of the winter experience: a five-day programme of entertainment. From 27 December onwards, builders begin stacking pallets – a remarkable spectacle that culminates in the iconic bonfire, lit around midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The new year is traditionally welcomed with the Unox New Year’s Dive on 1 January – a refreshing start to the year, true to The Hague’s spirit.

More highlights in Scheveningen

• Surfin’ Santas: weekend of 13 December
• Christmas in the Straet – Keizerstraat: 13 December
• 150 years of the Scheveningen Lighthouse: 13 December
• Scheveningen Bonfire: 27 – 31 December

Winter Fun in Kijkduin

From 13 to 21 December, Nieuw Kijkduin hosts winter activities at Deltaplein, centred around a 22-metre-long tubing slide. Visitors can slide down on inflatable rings in a setting of twinkling lights, Christmas trees and winter stalls.

The slide is free of charge for primary schools from Loosduinen (by reservation). Other visitors receive a token when purchasing a package from participating local businesses.

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

The winter programme is made possible with the support of the Municipality of The Hague, the Central Government Real Estate Agency, Stichting BinnenstadsManagement Den Haag, Stichting Buitengewoon Scheveningen, and a large number of The Hague-based entrepreneurs, hotels and cultural and leisure organisations.