Our weekly highlights offer personalized advice on cool, exciting, emotional, and interesting activities in the Netherlands. We highlight something every week to motivate you to explore the country.
Weekly Highlight 49 – Christmas and Country Fair at Castle De Haar, Haarzuilens
Late November and time files! Are you feeling Christmas jitters yet? Looking forward to meet-and-greet Santa? Well, believe me, Dutch Castle Christmas Fairs are the place you want to be.
Middachten Castle
Address: Landgoed Middachten 3, 6994 JC De Steeg (Gelderland)
Event: “The True Christmas Feeling at Middachten” from 10–14 December 2025 — a charming Christmas market with lights, warm drinks, music, and a festive winter atmosphere.
Cannenburch Castle
Address: Maarten van Rossumplein 4, 8171 EB Vaassen (Gelderland)
Event: Vaassen Christmas Market from 12–14 December 2025 — cozy stalls with decorations, treats, and the option to visit the castle itself.
Vorden Castle
Address: De Horsterkamp 8, 7251 AZ Vorden (Gelderland)
Event: Christmas Fair Vorden from 12–14 December 2025 — a magical fair with pagoda tents, Christmas gifts, regional products, and thousands of twinkling lights around the castle grounds.
➔ READ MORE – Find all the Christmasfairs in the Netherlands
Week 14 2025: Clock shift, this weekend starts Summer Time
In the Netherlands, the clock shifts from Standard Time (Winter Time) to Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time) on the last Sunday of March each year.
➔ READ MORE: Clock Change from Winter Time to Summer Time
Week 13 2025: Singer Laren Museum
If you are looking for an exceptional and charming museum, go visit the Singer Museum in Laren. This museum showcases a diverse collection of fine art, focusing on 19th and 20th-century European works. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and has a beautiful sculpture garden.
➔ READ MORE: Visit the Singer Museum Laren by GetYourGuide
Week 8 2025: Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
The exhibition ” Sag mir wo die Blumen sind” by Anselm Kiefer is from 7 March til the 9th of June 2025.
➔ READ MORE: Get your tickets at the museum
➔ READ MORE: Anselm Kiefer Exposition at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, ticket by GetYourGuide
Week 46 2024 | Birthday celebration Sinterklaas at 5th December – Life Broadcast
The birthday of Sinterklaas is celebrated yearly on the 5th of December. Daily broadcasted on TV Sinterklaas festivities on the Sinterklaasjournaal.
➔ READ MORE – Sinterklaas Journaal
➔ READ MORE – Must See Holland | Sinterklaas
For people living outside the Netherlands, it’s possible to follow “Het Sinterklaasjournaal” on BVN (Beste van Vlaanderen en Nederland).
Week 44 | Autumn Holiday and Halloween
During the last week of October, schools in the Netherlands enjoy a short autumn break, known as “Herfstvakantie.” This week also coincides with Halloween, which has gained popularity in the Netherlands in recent years. Although Halloween is celebrated in various ways, it may not always be as traditional or spooky as it is in other places.
➔ READ MORE – Halloween
Week 43 | Clock Change Summer Time – Winter Time
If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, it’s important to know about the country’s summer winter time, a clock change.
➔ READ MORE – Clock Change in the Netherlands
Week 42 – Amsterdam Dance Event
Don’t miss this spectacular ADE yearly dance event. ADE stands for Amsterdam Dance Event and it is the world’s largest electronic music conference and festival. This event draws top DJs, producers, and fans for five days of performances, panels, and networking, making it a global hub for electronic music culture. ADE is from Wednesday 16 oktober 2024 om 00:00 til Sunday 20 oktober 2024.
➔ READ MORE – Check out all the ADE highlights
Week 40 | World Animal Day October 4th and Singelloop Utrecht
On Animal Day, it’s time to spoil all our pets like royalties, whether it’s a cat ruling from the couch, a dog demanding belly rubs, or a fish giving you that side-eye for more food! Even our hamsters get an extra spin on the golden wheel of luxury today.
➔ READ MORE – World Animals Day celebrated in the Netherlands
Sunday October 6, Utrecht’s historic center is dedicated to the yearly Singelloop, a run for kids and adults with different distances, 1, 2,5, 5, and 10 km.
➔ READ MORE – Singelloop Utrecht, a yearly run for kids and adults
Week 33 | Students are heading back to University cities
This week, all university cities are welcoming new and returning students to their campuses, offering a great welcome program and introducing them to the cities and student associations. There are about 17 university cities in the Netherlands, each with there own specialty: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Delft, Groningen, Breda, Maastricht, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Enschede, Leeuwarden, Leiden, Nijmegen, Utrecht, Den Haag, Den Bosch, Wageningen en Zwolle. So visiting one of these cities this week you may be surprised by all kinds of funny stuff and crazy things that are happening
Week 32 | All the best Dutch festivals and the start of Tour De France Females at Rotterdam
August is the pinnacle of summer, bringing with it some of the most vibrant and memorable festivals From music and culture to food and arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at some of the best summer festivals and events happening in the Netherlands.Look at some of the best summer festivals and events
➔ READ MORE – An overview of the best festivals in August
➔ READ MORE – Tour de France Femmes, start at Rotterdam
Week 31 | Pride, Milkshake Festival, be nice to each-other
This weekend and week, you must be in Amsterdam to enjoy all the great Pride events like the Pride Canal Parade and the famous Milkshake Festival. This year’s Pride theme is “Together,” which is all about fostering connections and being kind to one another. It seems that the world is becoming increasingly difficult for gay and lesbian individuals. And while you are in Amsterdam make sure to visit the great condomorie store at Zeedijk, this will make you stay in Amsterdam even more spectacular.
➔ READ MORE – Pride Amsterdam
➔ READ MORE – Condomerie Amsterdam
Week 30 | Open for visiting Palace Noordeinde The Hague
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit and experience Palace Noordeinde this year. The palace is only open to the public for a few days each year. You can visit Palace Noordeinde in the city center of The Hague until August 4th. This palace is where King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima work.
➔ READ MORE – Palace Noordeinde
Week 29 | The largest FunFair in the Benelux is the Tilburgse Kermis
The biggest, largest, and most exciting funfair in the Benelux is the Tilburgse Kermis in Tilburg, Netherlands. This 10-day event held annually in July features more than 200 attractions, including thrilling rides, games, and food stalls. Drawing over a million visitors each year, it transforms the city into a vibrant festival of fun and entertainment. The best day to visit this fair is on Pink Monday.
➔ READ MORE – Tilburgse Kermis last from 19 until 28 July
Week 27/28 | Museum Voorlinden is awesome, a absolute must visit
This museum is a must-see, featuring a recent exposition of Ron Mueck’s amazing sculptures. It’s located in the dune area near Wassenaar and The Hague, making it a breathtaking attraction.
➔ READ MORE – Museum Voorlinden, Wassenaar, The Hague
Week 26 | Keti Koti, Broken Chains, Commemoration of Dutch Slavery Past.
KETI KOTI – BROKEN CHAINS – NATIONAL MEMORIAL AND FESTIVAL
In all major cities, Keti Koti Broken Chains festivals are organized to commemorate the shameful Dutch history of slavery.
➔ READ MORE – Keti Koti Commemoration of the Dutch Slavery Past
Week 25 | Openair Musicfestival Vondelpark Amsterdam
Vondelpark Amsterdam offers an unforgettable experience. Every weekend in the summer, you can enjoy an enchanting open-air concert at the Vondelpark Theatre. Revel in live music under the stars surrounded by beautiful greenery. Come and be captivated by the magic of music in the heart of Amsterdam! You can find the schedule at Vondelpark openluchttheater.
➔ READ MORE – Vondelpark Openaire Theater, Agenda
Week 24 | Explosion of Summer Festivals
An explosion of Summer festivals are organized in the Netherlands. Explore the Netherlands like never before with over a thousand festivals and events. This country is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Although Amsterdam is a fantastic destination, it is important not to overlook the many other attractions that the Netherlands has to offer. Every corner of the country comes alive with cultural celebrations, music festivals, charming towns, picturesque countryside, and unique activities.
➔ READ MORE – An explosion of Festivals in summertime, check out this agenda
➔ READ MORE – Everything you all ways wanted to know about festival in the Netherlands
Week 23 | Pride Utrecht 2024 is all about love
The theme of Pride Utrecht is “It is all about love.” Pride Utrecht is a yearly event that hosts the Utrecht Pride boat parade, providing a stage for organizations dedicated to the LGBTQI+ community. In 2024, 50 boats were participating in the Canal Parade.
➔ READ MORE – Pride Utrecht – June 1, 2024
Week 22 | Militracks German vehicles WO2 at War Museum Overloon and the Dutch National Military Museum in Soest
I was surprised to learn about a two-day festival in Overloon showcasing German WWII vehicles. The event, called Militracks, features motorcycles, cars, trucks, half-tracks, and armored vehicles used by the Wehrmacht. It highlights the advanced technology of these vehicles, often superior to the Allies, and includes dynamic displays and rides. However, German and Nazi uniforms and symbols are strictly forbidden at the event.
➔ READ MORE – Event Militracks German Vehicles at War Museum Overloon
The Dutch Military Museum in Soest offers an impressive portrayal of the Netherlands’ defense history. It features extensive exhibits that provide a clear and engaging insight into the nation’s military past. The museum is a must-visit for those interested in Dutch military heritage.
➔ READ MORE – Dutch National Military Museum Soest
Week 21 | Pentecost, fairs, and festivals
The Pentecost weekend starts at Saturday 18 May. Sunday 19 and Monday 20 May. Most supermarkets will be open all weekend, a especially in the bigger cities. There is a lot to do at this long weekend. Pentacros, or as we say Pinksteren, most people are free of work and schools are closed. On Tuesday May 21 normal life will start again. So what can you do at the Pentacros weekend? For example go to one of the beach villages, take a walk in one of the nature parks with or without a guide, visit a castle some have nice fairs organized, make a boattrip to one of the Wadden Islands or the Markerwadden, make a city trip to one of the historic cities, or book your self a ticket to one of the nicest festivals organized in the Netherlands. It is spring and the weather is good so lets have some sunny fun time.
➔ READ MORE – Loads of entertainings for young and old in the Pentacros weekend
➔ READ MORE – Nature parks are great in spring, for exemple Kruller Muller Museum at Veluwe Park
Week 20 | Ascension Festivals and Mothers Day
On May 9th, kick off the long holiday weekend with a Dew Walk. Rise early and venture into the woods to dance barefoot in the dew. If that doesn’t pique your interest, consider attending one of the many Ascension Festivals instead.
➔ READ MORE – Ascension Festivals Agenda
Show Mom how much she means to you this Mother’s Day with a cozy coffee date and a decadent cake surprise! Celebrate her with these sweet gestures and make her day extra special.
➔ READ MORE – Mother’s Day in the Netherlands
WEEK 19 | 14 FREE LIBERATION FESTIVALS
After Remembrance Day it is time to celebrate Freedom. May 5th is National Liberation Day. To celebrate freedom there are 14 liberation festivals organized, spread across the Netherlands and all free to enter! From noon until dusk, we celebrate freedom and connection until the early hours. Don’t miss these vibrant celebrations, where the party goes on until around 11pm! Some of these liberation festivals conclude with a dazzling fireworks show, bringing the celebration of freedom and solidarity to a magical ending!
➔ READ MORE – Liberation Festivals – All 14 festivals are free to enter
WEEK 18 | Commemorate and Liberation Day
Commemoration Day in the Netherlands pays tribute to those lost in conflicts, culminating in a nationwide moment of silence. Liberation Day celebrates freedom and the end of Nazi occupation during World War II, marked by festivities across the country.
➔ READ MORE – Commemorated on 4 May and Liberation Day on 5 May
WEEK 17 | King’s Day is the best party in the Netherlands
King’s Day is the day you have to be in the Netherlands. Wear an orange outfit and join the party. King’s Day starts on April 26 at 6 p.m. and lasts until April 27 at 6 p.m. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, all cities large and small, everyone is celebrating. The Royal family celebrates King’s Day in the city of Emmen in the north of the Netherlands. Follow the Royal family through Emmen and enjoy all the festivities. This tour of the royal family can be seen on National TV.
➔ READ MORE – Broadcast National Dutch TV King’s Day Emmen
➔ READ MORE – King’s Day in Emmen with the Royal Family
➔ READ MORE – King’s Day 2024
WEEK 16 | Race of the Classics, start Rotterdam, finish Amsterdam
Flower Parade Noordwijk, Haarlem
The biggest and most spectacular flower event between the tulip fields is the annual Flower Parade. This flower parade is held in the Bulb Region called ‘Bollenstreek’ in Dutch. A parade of dozens of floats traces a colorful ribbon from Noordwijk to Haarlem. The floats are made of thousands of flowers depicting beautiful creations.
After arriving in Haarlem the floats are displayed on the Grote Markt so visitors can view them up close. ➔ READ MORE – The biggest and most spectacular flower event
➔ READ MORE – Flower parade Bloemencorso Bollenstreek
The Race of the Classics is a prestigious annual sailing regatta where university students compete in classic sailing ships along the Dutch coast, covering 350 nautical miles from Rotterdam to Amsterdam. Combining competitive sailing, teamwork, and a celebration of maritime heritage, participants promote sustainability and network with industry professionals, creating lifelong memories at sea.
➔ READ MORE – Race of the Classics
WEEK 15 | The Netherlands is most beautiful when all the trees blossom
The season of flowering trees has arrived, which means it’s the perfect time to hop on your bike and go see the blossoms. To put it poetically, under the enchanting canopy of flowering trees in the Netherlands, nature creates a masterpiece of ephemeral beauty and peaceful serenity.
➔ READ MORE – Best Blooming Blossom Spots and Routes in the Netherlands
Week 14 | Easter weekend, Paaspop and clock change
Paaspop – From March 29th to 31st, Schijndel hosts its annual 3-day music extravaganza, Paaspop festival, featuring top Dutch talents like Tiësto and Anouk, alongside international stars including Tom Grennan and indie-rock sensations, The Editors. Don’t miss out on this electrifying celebration of music and culture!
➔ READ MORE – Paaspop Schijndel
Clock change – During the Easter weekend, the clock is set forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday, transitioning from winter time to summer time.
➔ READ MORE – Clock Change, from wintertime to summertime
Week 13 | KAMASUTRA JAARBEURS UTRECHT
Kamasutra Festival is an erotic festival and is only for adults. The event starts on 21 March in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
➔ READ MORE – Kamasutra Jaarbeurs Utrecht
➔ READ MORE – Kamasutra, an Amazing Erotic Festival in the city of Utrecht
Week 12 | The Grand Illusion, Teyler Museum – Haarlem
Saint Patrick’s Day – The Hague, Royal Light Festival – Apeldoorn
Step into the enchanting world of ‘The Grand Illusion’ at Teryler Museum Haarlem, where two centuries of magic and wonder unfold before your eyes. Experience the artistry, mystery, and timeless allure of illusion in this fabulous exposition. Expo lasts from 17 February 2024 till 1 September 2024.
➔ READ MORE – Teyler Museum Haarlem, The Grand Illusion – 200 years of Virtual Realities
In The Hague, Saint Patrick’s Day brings a splash of green, Irish cheer fills the streets, a lively scene. From parades to pubs, the festivities convene.
➔ READ MORE – St. Patrick’s Day The Hague is an annual free festival on Grote Markt, The Hague
Royal Light Festival in the city of Apeldoorn starts at the Loo Castle. Experience the free Royal Light Festival in Apeldoorn and De Veluwe, it lasts from March 13th to March 17th, 2024, immerse in global light art, Explore eleven mesmerizing artworks across historic sites, as night unveils its majestic hues.
➔ READ MORE – Royal Light Festival Apeldoorn
➔ READ MORE – Royal Light Festival, a beautiful impression of the Royal light art festival
Week 11 | Ramadan
Ramadan is starting this weekend and we wish all Muslims, Ramadan Mubarak. In 2024, Ramadan starts on Sunday, March 10, and lasts until April 8. Ramadan has started and we wish all Muslims, Ramadan Mubarak. During Ramadan, Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. The purpose of fasting is to become more mindful and patient. Moreover, fasting is taught to feel what life can be like for people less fortunate than you, myself, and I. Fasting makes one feel the value of food.
➔ READ MORE – Ramadan Mubarak and eid ul Fitr in the Netherlands
Week 10 | International Women’s Day 8 March celebrated in the Netherlands
On March 8, the Netherlands celebrates International Women’s Day, and in particular gender equality and empowerment. It underlines the contributions of Dutch women to society, culture and politics. On March 8, numerous activities are organized in the Netherlands in the context of International Women’s Day. An overview of these events can be found on the website of the Knowledge Institute for Emancipation and Women’s Studies
➔ READ MORE – Overview of all events Women’s Day 8 March 2024
➔ READ MORE – International Women’s Day in the Netherlands
Week 9 | Gouda, prettiest outside market ever, and cuddle a lamb
Cuddle New Born Lambs. This week is a good week to visit zoos and peddling zoos. The weather is nice, a bit cold but, lovely blue skies and it is sunny. Maybe you like to visit a lamb farm and it’s possible to cuddle some lambs.
➔ READ MORE – Cuddle a cute newborn lamb in springtime
➔ READ MORE – Zoos in the Netherlands
➔ READ MORE – Pedding zoos and city farms
week 8 | Chinese New Year The Hague, the Huishoudbeurs, and Burlesque Festival.
Chinese New Year in The Hague: fireworks, parade with dancing lions and dragons. Year of the Dragon starts on Feb. 24, 2024. Symbolizes prosperity, strength, and courage.
➔ READ MORE – 2024, Year of the Dragon, Atrium of the city hall The Hague
➔ READ MORE – Chinese New Year Festival in The Hague
Huishoudbeurs RAI Amsterdam, also known as The Housekeeping Fair, is an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors looking for new deals and inspiration in the fields of cooking, beauty, living, and more. It is a popular event where people can shop, taste new products, watch live demos, and enjoy various activities. It’s mostly a female thing but men are also welcome!
➔ READ MORE – Huishoudbeurs Rai Amsterdam
The Burlesque Festival is an annual celebration of burlesque art. It features performances, shows, workshops, and competitions by national and international artists. Several cities host Burlesque Festivals this weekend, attracting enthusiasts of the art form.
➔ READ MORE – Burlesque Festival
Week 6 | Carnival and Valentine’s Day
This week in the Netherlands, Carnival brings vibrant parades and colorful costumes, followed by Valentine’s Day, where sweet sentiments whisper across the country as lovers exchange heartfelt tokens of affection amidst the charming canals and cobblestone streets, painting the Dutch landscape with warmth and celebration.
➔ READ MORE – Carnival in the Netherlands
➔ READ MORE – Valentine’s Day 14th February
Week 5 | CoBrA Museum Modern Art | Expo Anton Corbijn
The exposition Anton Corbijn lasts until 12 mei 2024. Anton Corbijn is a great photographer, famous for his mostly black-and-white photography of numerous musical artists and fashion. He makes iconic images with stark contrasts and a focus on the emotional and personal aspects of his subjects.
➔ READ MORE – CoBrA Modern Art Museum Amstelveen, near Amsterdam – Expo Anton Corbijn
Week 4 | Egmond Wandel (walking) Marathon and Counting Garden Birds
The Egmond Wandel Marathon is an annual walking event in Egmond, attracting participants nationwide. The event occurs in January, but details such as the route and date may vary. Check the official website for updated information.
➔ READ MORE – Egmond Walking Marathon on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January 2024
Bird Protection Netherlands organizes an annual event called “Nationale Tuinvogels Telling,” which encourages people to count birds in their gardens. This event fosters citizen participation and contributes to bird conservation efforts while increasing appreciation for avian biodiversity in Dutch gardens.
➔ READ MORE – National Bird Protection, The Netherlands
Week 3 | Ice Sculpture Festival Zwolle
Zwolle’s Ice Sculpture Festival is happening from 16th Dec to 25th Feb. The festival features the world’s best ice sculpting artists who created unique and creative ice artworks in a large ice hall, “De IJsselhallen”. They used 275,000 kilos of ice and 275,000 kilos of snow. The festival will take you to a magical world of snow and ice sculptures, some of which are 6 meters tall.
➔ READ MORE – Zwolle, Ice Sculpture Festival
Week 2 | Utrecht city center light art
In the historical city center of Utrecht, you can walk tracks along two amazing Light Shows. Let me tell you more about these events. We are talking about the event “Trajectum Lumen” and the light show “I Light You”.
➔ READ MORE – Utrecht, amazing light art in the city center of Utrecht
Week 1 | Lego Walk-in for young and old creating Lego Art at Kunsthal Rotterdam
Lego Master Ernesto Lemko will be at Kunsthal Rotterdam on Wednesday, January 3rd, from 10 AM to 5 PM to collaboratively create a fantastic Lego artwork titled ‘What Connects Us.’ An incredible amount of Lego bricks will be available for use. The Lego masterpiece will be constructed in the Kunsthal’s auditorium on Wednesday, January 3rd. Don’t miss this opportunity to join in the fun and creativity!”
➔ READ MORE – Walk-in Lego art “What Connects Us”, Kunsthal Rotterdam
Week 52 | Happy New Year, Fireworks, New Year Parties, and New Year Dive
New Year’s Eve is in the Netherlands usually celebrated at home with family and friends. Oliebollen are eaten, there’s a toast with champagne and fireworks are set off at midnight. But there are also a lot of people, especially the young ones that like to go to New Year’s parties and festivals. And a lot of people love to go to a public fireworks show at midnight. Read all about fireworks, fireworks shows, parties, and festivals on New Year’s Eve:
➔ READ MORE – Fireworks, Parties, a New Year’s parties in The Netherlands
➔ READ MORE – Oliebollen, the Dutch New Year treat
➔ READ MORE – New Year’s Dive
Week 51 | Beautiful Ancient Neapolitan Nativity Scene in the Netherlands
Step into the enchanting world of the Neapolitan Nativity Scene, a mesmerizing display housed in the Catharijne Cathedral, affiliated with the Museum Catharijne Convent in Utrecht. From December 14, 2023, to January 14, 2024, this captivating Christmas tableau unfolds, inviting visitors to delve into its magic.
➔ READ MORE – Neapolitan Nativity Scene at Museum St. Catharijne Cathedral Convent Utrecht
Week 50 | Buy yourself a Christmas Rose-Hellebore flower plant at a Winter market or Christmas Fair
The beautiful Helleborus blooms around Christmas. In addition, other colorful Helleborus species bloom in winter. The Helleborus orientalis in particular is a beautiful variety, which flowers in February and is available in different shades.
➔ READ MORE – Winter Markets and Christmas Fairs in the Netherlands
Week 49 | Light Festivals in the Netherlands
It is the first week of December and a lot of exciting festivals and feast days are ahead. This week is the start of several Light festivals, for example, Fabrique des Lumières, an indoor light festival in Amsterdam at Westergas; The World Famous Amsterdam Light Art Festival is an outdoor light show that is admission-free. The Light Art Tour is extra spectacular to watch from a boat, canal cruises can be booked. For more information about Dutch Light Festivals or as we say “Licht Festivals” check the website Lichtfestivals Nederland, this site offers a good and complete overview.
➔ READ MORE – Fabrique des Lumières, Amsterdam
➔ READ MORE – Amsterdam Light Art Festival, outdoor
➔ READ MORE – Amsterdam Light Art Canal Cruise
➔ READ MORE – Overview of all the light festivals in the Netherlands
Week 48 | Christmas Fairs and Winter Markets
As the days grow shorter and November comes to a close, we look forward to the upcoming feasts of Saint Nicholas on December 5th, and Christmas on December 25th and 26th. This is a time for joy, laughter, and magical moments. Across the country, enchanting winter and Christmas markets are being organized for everyone to enjoy. You can marvel at the twinkling lights, indulge in festive treats, and discover unique treasures for your loved ones. While some of these markets are free to attend, others require a ticket. It’s important to remember the big Sinterklaas feast on December 5th as well.
➔ READ MORE – Christmas Fairs and Winter Markets
➔ READ MORE – Winterfair, Brabant Hallen 24 till 30 November
➔ READ MORE – Sinterklaas, December 5th, biggest child feast ever
Week 47 | Election Wednesday 22 November – an exciting week is about to start
In July 2023, the Dutch cabinet collapsed, leading to snap elections for the Tweede Kamer on November 22nd. 26 parties are participating and polls are gauging public sentiment. A new centrist party, led by Pieter Omtzigt, is ahead in the polls, but Dilan Yeşilgöz is also popular. The election themes are the housing shortage, climate change, asylum and migration, employment opportunities, taxes, and the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Middle East. Stay tuned for the results.
➔ READ MORE – Elections in the Netherlands – Poll to polls
➔ READ MORE – Dutch Elections, everything you want to know about the Dutch Elections
Week 46 | Arrival of Sinterklaas at 18th November – Life Broadcast
The “intocht,” which is the arrival of Sinterklaas, is scheduled for November 18th and will be broadcasted live on TV. This event marks the official start of the Sinterklaas festivities, where Sinterklaas makes a grand entrance into a town or city, accompanied by a festive parade and celebrations. You can tune in on November 18th to witness the excitement and kick off the holiday season with the arrival of Sinterklaas on television. Additionally, every day at 6.00 PM, from November 13th till December 6th, there will be a special broadcast of “Sinterklaasjournaal.”
➔ READ MORE – Sinterklaas Journaal
➔ READ MORE – Must See Holland | Sinterklaas
For people living outside the Netherlands, it’s possible to follow “Het Sinterklaasjournaal” on BVN (Beste van Vlaanderen en Nederland), a Dutch and FlemSinterklaas’ “intocht” is on November 18th and will be live broadcasted on TV, marking the start of the festivities. Tune in to witness the grand entrance and celebrations. You can also catch the “Sinterklaasjournaal” every day at 6.00 PM from November 13th to December 6th.ish public broadcasting channel. The show airs daily at 18:20 (Dutch time) starting from November 13th. Additionally, the arrival of Sinterklaas, known as the “intocht,” can be watched on November 18th from 13:00 (Dutch time). This provides an opportunity for a broader audience, including those residing outside the Netherlands, to join in the festivities and follow the Sinterklaas celebrations through BVN.
➔ READ MORE – Sinterklaas arrival through BVN channel
Week 45 | Saint Maarten light parade, a very popular saint, protector of the poor, and patron saint of Utrecht
The celebration of Saint Martin is in Utrecht a special, unique, and colorful light spectacle. On the evening of Saint Martin, a parade with life-size illuminated lanterns passes through the city.
➔ READ MORE – Saint Martin – Saint Maarten – Light Parade Utrecht
Week 44 | The Great Indonesian Exhibition, Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam
This week started at the Nieuw Kerk Amsterdam “The Great Indonesian Exposition’. Indonesia was a Dutch colony for nearly three and a half centuries, from the early 17th century until it declared independence in 1945. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established trading posts in the archipelago, gradually expanding control. The colonial period was marked by the exploitation of the region’s resources, including spices and rubber, and the forced labor of the local population. The struggle for independence, led by figures like Sukarno and Hatta, intensified after World War II, eventually resulting in Indonesia’s independence on August 17, 1945. The Exhibition last till April 2024.
➔ READ MORE – The Great Indonesia Exposition at Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam
Week 43 | Lego World and Kamasutra Jaarbeurs Utecht
The LEGO World is a grand spectacle at Jaarbeurs Utrecht, LEGO World is a big feast. This festive event often includes LEGO-themed decorations, games, activities, and, in some cases, even a custom-made LEGO cake. It’s a fun and creative way to celebrate a birthday, particularly for everyone who is a fan of building with LEGO bricks.
➔ READ MORE – LEGO World Jaarbeurs Utrecht – news
➔ READ MORE – LEGO Stores in the Netherlands
KAMASUTRA JAARBEURS UTRECHT
Kamasutra is an erotic festival and is only for adults. The event starts on 26, October in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
➔ READ MORE – Kamasutra Jaarbeurs Utrecht
➔ READ MORE – Kamasutra, an Amazing Erotic Festival in the city of Utrecht
WEEK 42 | Franeker Planetarium Museum
The Planetarium Franeker is September 2023 posted on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The phrase “read it in the stars” often refers to astrology, the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets, can influence and provide insights into a person’s life and future. It suggests looking to the heavens for guidance or answers. “Planetarium Franeker” is a historical planetarium located in Franeker, Netherlands, built by Eise Eisinga in the late 18th century. This remarkable mechanical model of the solar system is still operational and accurately represents the positions of the celestial bodies.
➔ READ MORE – Franeker, the oldest and still working Planetarium of the World
Week 41 | Kunsthal Rotterdam Exhibition Ai Weiwei | In Search of humanity
Ai Weiwei exhibition is at Kunsthal Rotterdam. Ai Weiwei is a renowned contemporary Chinese artist, activist, and dissident. He is known for his provocative art installations, sculptures, and social and political commentary. Ai Weiwei’s work often addresses issues such as human rights, freedom of speech, and government censorship. He has gained international recognition for his art and activism.
➔ READ MORE – Kunsthal Rotterdam, a more than fantastic exhibition art house
Week 40 | Animal Day is celebrated on the 4th of October
The Dutch are real animal lovers so it is not a big surprise that Animal Day, or so we say Dierendag, is annually celebrated on the 4th of October. Most Dutch people have a pet, sometimes several pets. This could be a cat, dog, rabbit, marmot, guinea pig, domestic rat, parakeet, parrot, horse, pig, pony, fish, snake, tarantula, or other pet.
➔ READ MORE – Animal Day on the 4th of October
Week 34 | Festival Old Music, Formula 1 Zandvoort and Mysteryland Festival
The Utrecht Early Music Festival makes it happen in the historic center of Utrecht. The extensive program is filled with over 150 concerts and other activities like Summer school Lectures, an Early Music Exhibition, and a STIMU Symposium. The Festival of Old Music in the historic city of Utrecht focused on classical or historical music from earlier centuries. The old historic city of Utrecht with a strong cultural heritage offers a beautiful scene for the Old Music Festival. This festival offers performances of music composed during the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, utilizing authentic instruments and historical performance practices. The festival opens with an open-air concert at Domsquare.
➔ READ MORE – Festival Old Music | Utrecht
Max Verstappen at Grand Prix, Formula 1 in Zandvoort. This weekend it is all about the Grand Spectacle and Max Verstappen at Zandvoort. Max Verstappen will defend his title Worldchampignon Formula 1. One thing is sure, we all love Max Verstappen. Formula 1 Zandvoort is also known as Circuit Zandvoort. This is the Dutch motorsport race track that has a rich history of hosting Formula 1 races and other motorsport events. The circuit is known for its challenging layout, featuring several high-speed corners and elevation changes, making it a favorite among both drivers and fans.
→ READ MORE – Grand Prix Formula 1 Zandvoort
Mysteryland is a well-known electronic dance music (EDM) festival that takes place annually in the Netherlands. The festival has historically been held in the Haarlemmermeer, a municipality located near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Mysteryland is one of the oldest electronic music festivals in the world, with its first edition dating back to 1993. Mysteryland is renowned for its diverse lineup of electronic music acts, featuring genres like techno, house, trance, and more. The festival is also known for its vibrant stages, immersive decorations, and a strong focus on creating an otherworldly atmosphere for attendees. In addition to music, Mysteryland often includes various art installations, interactive experiences, and other forms of entertainment. The festival typically spans multiple days and attracts a diverse crowd of electronic music enthusiasts from all over the world. Camping options are often available for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.
➔ READ MORE – Mystery Land Festival | Haarlemmermeer
Week 33 | Parade Amsterdam, Low Land Festival, and Hoorn Clothday
Parade Traveling Theater Festival Amsterdam. This festival is so very nice to visit. You’ll find the parade at Martin Luther King Park, this is a city park on the Amsteldijk in Amsterdam-South. It is an absolute recommendation, there are nice little theaters and food and drinks at lovely bars and terraces. It starts in the afternoon and is also for kiddies lots of fun. Even if you don’t speak Dutch it is great fun. The Parade stays in Amsterdam from 18 August till 3 September.
➔ READ MORE – Parade Traveling Theater Amsterdam
LOWLAND Festival Biddinghuizen. Lowlands Festival, often referred to simply as “Lowlands,” is a popular annual music and performing arts festival that takes place in Biddinghuizen, which is located in the province of Flevoland in the Netherlands. The festival is known for its diverse lineup of music acts, spanning various genres such as rock, electronic, hip-hop, pop, and more. In addition to music, the festival also features comedy, film, theater performances, and various other art installations. Like many modern festivals, Lowlands emphasizes sustainability and environmental awareness by reducing waste, encouraging recycling, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
➔ READ MORE – Low Land Festival Biddinghuizen
LUMBERJACK Festival Recreation Pit in Lage Vuursche. The Lumberjack Festival lasts 2 days, is free and freely accessible. The Lumberjack Festival program contains various activities and demonstrations like tree climbing, Timber pull saw, ax throwing, chain wood stamping, archery, bushcraft spatula carving, Stihl, and an introduction to mountain biking. There is also a merry-go-round, bouncy castles, and a ball pit. There is nice live music and it is possible to put pictures on to ask. There are cozy seats on the festival site, and the nicest and tastiest food trucks are available. But what this Lumberjack Festival is all about is the National Championships Carving Sculpture Saws
➔ READ MORE – Lumberjack Festival, Lage Vuursche | Recreation Pit near Castle Drakenstein
Week 32 | Love Land Festival Amsterdam
Get your ticket in time for this very popular Amsterdam Loveland Music Outdoor Festival Sloterpark Amsterdam.
Outdoor Music Techno/House festival.
➔ READ MORE – Loveland Techno House Music Festival Sloterpark Amsterdam
Week 31 | Skûtsjesilen
Skutsjesillen is a unique traditional sailing competition that takes place every year at the end of July and the beginning of August in Frisian. It’s a sailing competition on the Frisian lakes. Keep the wind in the sails, without wind a sailing boat cannot move forward. Skutsjesillen last form 5 August untill 18 August.
➔ READ MORE – Skutsjesilen, Frisian Traditional Sailing Competition
Week 30 | Milkshake festival, Gay Pride Amsterdam, and Sister Sledge at Kwaku
How awesome, this week, the first week of August, a lot is happening in the Netherlands. Everybody is feeling and enjoying the summer spirit.
Amsterdam: This whole week, the city is LGBTQIA territorial. This week starts with the Milkshake festival and ends with the “Gay” Canal Pride. In Amsterdam, Gay Pride is also called “Pride Amsterdam”.
➔ READ MORE – Gay Pride Amsterdam
Utrecht: Parade Traveling Theater Festival. This festival is so nice to visit. You’ll find it next to Central Station Utrecht. It is an absolute recommendation, there are nice little theaters and food and drinks at lovely bars and terraces. It starts in the afternoon and is also for kiddies lots of fun. Even if you don’t speak Dutch it is great fun. The Parade stays in Utrecht till 13 August.
➔ READ MORE – Parade Traveling Theater Utrecht
Amsterdam: Kwaku Festival. In 2023 the legendary Lady’s disco pop group Sister Sledge will perform at the Kwaku Festival. It was a great performance, look at our impression.
➔ READ MORE – Kwaku Festival with great Soul Music
Week 29 | July | Kwaku Festival Amsterdam
The Kwaku Summer Festival is celebrated over 4 weekends and is a grand celebration of cultural diversity and identity in the “Bijlmer”, the South Eastern district of Amsterdam. The festival offers international artists, culture, sports, and food from Dutch Guyana. Broad (social) participation in and celebration of the Surinamese roots is the most important pillar of Kwaku.
➔ READ MORE – Kwaku Festival Amsterdam
Week 27 | July | Awakening Festival Hilvarenbeek
We go all in, 3 days and nights of Techno.
For the first time in Awakening history, you can stay the night. Get the complete experience and go for the 3-day weekend ticket that gives you access to the festival & extensive camping (night)program until 05:00 each night.
Location: Awakenings Summer Festival in the city of Hilvarenbeek.
➔ READ MORE – Awakenings Summer Festival
Week 26 | July | Keti Koti, Broken Chains, Commemoration of Dutch Slavery Past.
KETI KOTI – BROKEN CHAINS – NATIONAL MEMORIAL AND FESTIVAL
In all the big cities there are Keti Koti – Broken Chains festivals organized to remember the shameful Dutch slavery past.
➔ READ MORE – Keti Koti Commemoration of the Dutch Slavery Past
Week 23 | Hoornse Stadsfeesten | Hoorn City feast
Hoorn is a nice harbor city near Amsterdam. At the beginning of summer are in this town the well-known Hoornse City days organized. Various activities including music performances, parades, markets, street theater, and other cultural events are organized. It is an opportunity for people to come together, and enjoy the festivities and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. And if you don’t like the festivities you can visit the Jail Museum. `
➔ READ MORE – Hoornse Stadsfeesten
Week 22 | Visit one of the Dutch Water museums
Water, in the Netherlands there is never a shortage of water, if something is sufficiently available in the Netherlands, it is water. But how does the Netherlands deal with this large amount of water? Go to one of the water museums and discover how the Netherlands deals with all this sweet and salted water.
➔ READ MORE – Water Museums showing the brave wrestle of the Netherlands
➔ READ MORE – Water Museum Arnhem, everything you always wanted to know about water, dikes, etc.
Week 21 | Food Truck Festival Hilversum | Hoppaa
This free food festival is a true celebration with live music, the most delicious food, and wine every day. There are no less than twenty fantastic kitchens on wheels, the most delicious wines, and bubbles to drink at this Food Truck Festival. The children are also thought of, they can participate in children’s workshops. From May 27 to 29, this tasty and vibrant Food Truck Festival Hilversum is the place to be. Hilversum is a city near Amsterdam.
➔ READ MORE – Food Truck Festival Hilversum
Week 20 | Giant spectacular en exciting May Fair Groningen
The May Fair in Groningen is the largest and most spectacular fair in the north of the Netherlands. With 50 to 100 fairground attractions, the fair starts on Thursday 11th May and runs until Sunday 21st May. It’s located in the city center at the Grote Markt, Vismarkt, and Ossenmarkt.
➔ READ MORE – May Fair Groningen | Biggest fair in the North of the Netherlands
Week 19 | Keukenhof Garden and Castle Keukenhof at the village of Lisse
Don’t miss the beautiful tulip fields in Noord Holland and other areas of the Netherlands. Visit the Keukenhof Garden and Castle Keukenhof in the village of Lisse. The recently restored Castle Keukenhof is now open to visitors. Combine your trip with a visit to Noordwijk at Sea to see deer walking and resting on the streets. Check out the blooming tulip fields picture in week 16.
➔ READ MORE – Castle Keukenhof, Lisse | One of the must-see castles in the Netherlands
Week 18 | 4 and 5 May, Commemorate, National Remembrance Day, and Liberation Day
May 4th and 5th are closely connected. After the end of World War II, May 4th became a day for people to come together and honor the memory of their loved ones who lost their lives during the war. The following day, May 5th, is celebrated as the day of liberation from German occupation, and it is marked with great enthusiasm.
On May 4th at 20:00, citizens and soldiers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died in war or on peacekeeping missions since World War II will be remembered with a two-minute silence.
➔ READ MORE – Remembrance Day, 4th May
On May 5, there will be 14 free festivals across the Netherlands to celebrate liberation. Over 200 popular bands and artists will perform, bringing people together through music. You can find more information about the liberation festivals on their respective websites, each festival has its dedicated website.
➔ READ MORE – Liberation festivals 5th May, 14 free festivals
Week 17 | Kingsnight on 26 April and Kingsday on 27 April 2023
Come to the Netherlands and celebrate with us the birthday of our King Willem Alexander. Just put on some orange outfit, put on an orange hat or an orange boa, and just be happy.
➔ READ MORE – King’s Day 2023
Week 17 | Flower parade through the bulb field area
Overwhelming flower arrangements are made with craftsmanship and love in beautiful color combinations during the yearly flower parade in April. In Sassenheim near the Keukenhof. Just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam. But: where to see the flower among the flock of flower floats in parades in Holland? I will tell you!
➔ READ MORE – Flower parade through the Bulb Fields
Week 16 | Blooming blossom and flowering tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths
Next week it will be lovely nice weather so let’s go out to the countryside. All the fruit trees, orchards, and tulip fields are blooming. This is a great time of the year. I even think that this week will give us Skirtsday. or so we say Rokjesdag.
➔ READ MORE – Blossom, Tulips, Keukenhof, it is flowering and blooming time in the Netherlands
➔ READ MORE – Skirtday, the first nice weather day in springtime
EASTER WEEKEND
PAASPOP – EASTER OPEN AIR MUSICAL FESTIVALS
There are several Paaspop Festivals organized in the southern Netherlands. Paaspop Festivals opens the Dutch outdoor festival season. On Easter, Pop Festivals perform well-known International and National bands and artists. The most famous Paaspop Open Air Music Festival is the three-day festival in the city of Schijndel. A great event with more than 400 well-known national and international acts and an awesome crowd of almost 100.000 visitors.
➔ READ MORE – Paaspop Festival Schijndel
➔ READ MORE – Paaspop Festival Den Hout
➔ READ MORE – Paaspop Festival Zieuwent
DIGITAL TECHNO FESTIVAL AT NDSM AMSTERDAM
If you’re a fan of dancing and music, head over to the Easter festival in Amsterdam North. This three-day festival takes place every year on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of music genres, from disco to techno, at a unique historic industrial location on the former wharf of NDSM. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!
➔ READ MORE – Digital DGTL Techno Festival NDSM Amsterdam
Week 15 | Easter in the Netherlands
Visit at Easter a Dutch bakery, patisserie, or a special chocolate store and buy a chocolate Eastern egg. It is a Dutch Easter tradition to give your loved one, your mother, your grandmother, or a good friend a chocolate Eastern egg. Luxurious chocolate Easter eggs are available in different price ranges, some are quite expensive.
➔ READ MORE – Easter celebrated in the Netherlands
Week 14 | The Passion on Maundy Thursday on National Dutch TV
“The Passion” is an Easter musical about Jesus Christ’s death. It’s free and open to the public. This year, it’s in Harlingen on April 6. Dutch actors, comedians, and musicians perform in the city center. It changes location every year. You can watch it live on Dutch TV at 8:30 pm on Maundy Thursday.
➔ READ MORE – Life Livestream or look back “The Passion 2023” on Dutch TV
➔ READ MORE – The Passion at Harlingen at Sea
➔ READ MORE – Book your hotel at this great, peaceful, and quiet farmlike hotel Staete Oase.
➔ READ MORE – Easter celebrated in the Netherlands
Week 13 | April Fool’s Day
Like other countries, the Dutch also like a joke now and then. On April Fool’s Day, people play practical jokes all day long. So be prepared you will be fooled. The challenge is to fool as many people as possible. So TV, radio, social media, shops, and newspapers could try to fool you, beware. For example, some years ago a ranger announced on national TV that the brown bear was back in the Dutch woods. A lot of people believed it and were very worried.
➔ READ MORE – Brown Bear is back in the Netherlands
Week 13 | Clock change, it is springtime, summertime starts on the 26 of March
Before you do anything else, set your clocks back because this weekend summertime begins. In the night from Saturday 25 March to Sunday 26 March, the clocks will be set back 1 hour. 3 hours becomes 2 hours and daylight saving time has started. Many Dutch people love summertime with their long light summer evenings. The start of the summertime is the start of the happiest time of the year.
➔ READ MORE – Clock Change, summertime – wintertime
Week 12 | Yeah all Italian Ice Cream makers are back in the Netherlands
Do yourself a favor and pop into one of the Italian ice cream parlors this week. In the Netherlands, there are many Italian ice cream parlors where the most delicious types of ice cream are scooped. Do you want a bowl or a cone and how many scoops of ice cream would you like, that is the question. Italian ice cream makers spend the winter in Italy and the ice cream parlors are closed from October to early March. When spring is in the air the ice cream makers return from their winter break. The ice cream season starts in March, how nice is that?
Weekly Highlight 11 | Caprera Light Festival Bloemendaal
Let yourself be enchanted by the giant light artworks at a magical open-air festival in Bloemendaal. This year great artists will exhibit no less than 13 beautiful light artworks. Moreover, a spectacular 3D video will be shown. You can admire the light art during a 1.5 km long walk. This fantastic light show is a yearly returning event happening for the 75th time in 2023.
➔ READ MORE – Caprera Light Festival: Hoge Duin & Daalseweg, Bloemendaal
Week 10 | Soft blue, pink, and yellow! Impressive, grotesque, and sometimes terrifying sculptures
Ministry of Fear/Foam is called this exposition of the artist Folkert de Jong. Foam and polyurethane foam, normally used in construction, is what Folkert de Jong used to make his grotesque sculpture group. Power, violence, and disaster are expressed in this exhibition. Folkert shows you the bizarre and vulnerable of our world.
➔ READ MORE – Kunsthal Kade, Eemplein 7, Amersfoort
Week 9 | A good week to visit a zoo, a petting zoo, or to cuddle a newborn lamb
This week the North of the Netherlands has a spring holiday, and last week the south of the Netherlands had this spring holiday. So half of the Netherlands is free and the other half is back to school or back to work. So this week it won’t be so crowded at the zoos and peddling zoos. The weather is nice, a bit cold but, lovely blue skies and it is sunny. Maybe you like to visit a lamb farm and it’s possible to cuddle some lambs.
➔ Cuddle a cute newborn lamb in springtime
➔ Zoos in the Netherlands
➔ Pedding zoos and city farms
Week 8 | Blues and Belgium Beer Festival Delft
Blues, Blues Rock, BoogieWoogie, Delta blues, Chicago Blues, Rock-a-Billy, who doesn’t love this fantastic music? Blues and Belgian Beer, the finest music, and the most delicious beer, the best combination ever! And where can you experience this musical highlight? At the Affligem Blues festival Delft. A lovely musical weekend with top-quality musical blues acts, what a great way to end February. The historic city of Delft is the stage where this 3-day festival is organized. From 24 to 26 February perform international and national blues artists at several cafes. Cutting harmonicas, groaning howling saxophones, screeching guitars, singing swinging basses, you can hear it all at the Blues Festival. What a super cool festival, the place to be if you love the blues!
➔ READ MORE – Blues Festival Delft
Week 7 | Vermeer, a breaking eye-catching exhibition in Rijksmuseum
As it stands now, it seems like everyone loves the painting of Johannes Vermeer. Vermeer’s work is so beautiful, fragile, and subdued, that the breaking of the light on his paintings is of indescribable beauty. You must see it. Within a week, more than 200,000 tickets are sold for a phenomenal and very special exhibition of the work of Johannes Vermeer. Never before could so many of his works of art be admired in one exhibition at the same time. No fewer than 28 masterly works by Vermeer are on display in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. A spectacular, 5-star, article about the Vermeer Exhibition is published in the Guardian. A flattering and inspiring piece of journalism. An absolute must-read for everyone who loves the work of Vermeer and is ready to go to Amsterdam.
➔ READ MORE – The Guardian – Johannes Vermeer and his sublime artwork
➔ READ MORE – Rijksmuseum – Exhibition Johannes Vermeer
Week 6 | Queen Juliana in the Spotlight: a lovely and rebellious monarch
Everyone wants to be a queen, but is it such a wonderful life? Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Judge for yourself at an exposition dedicated to the life of Queen Juliana. In Amsterdam on Dam Square next to the Royal Palace is the New Church (De Nieuwe Kerk) well known for its fantastic exhibitions. Until April 2023 you can visit the exhibition “The Century of Juliana, a modern and rebellious queen.” Juliana was the only daughter of Queen Wilhelmina. Juliana is the mother of Beatrix and grandmother of the current King of the Netherlands Willem Alexander. This exposition is a tribute to Juliana, Queen of the Netherlands. An absolute must-see. Visit the Nieuwe Kerk and the Royal Palace and be amazed by Juliana’s high-profile life and magical connections.
➔ READ MORE – Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam – The century of Juliana, Queen of the Netherlands.
Week 5 | Ice Sculpture Festival “What A Wonderful World” in Zwolle
This Dutch ice sculpture festival started a while ago but was still on our to-do list, so this week you’ll see us in Zwolle. We are looking forward to seeing all the ice sculptures. What fits more in winter than an ice sculpture festival, how cool is this? The ice carvers have gone completely crazy on the theme “What a Wonderful World and created ice sculptures from various subjects such as architecture, wonders of the world, culture, natural phenomena, people, animals, and fantasy figures. All in all, this year the Ice Sculpture Festival gets great reviews, once again it is fantastic. Don’t forget your hat and gloves, it’s really cold at the Ice Sculpture Festival.
➔ READ MORE – Sculpture Festival Zwolle
Week 4 | Weekend – Chinese New Year, the year of the Rabbit has started.
Bang fireworks, a parade with Chinese hudges dancing lions, and dragons, one great spectacle. This is how the Chinese New Year starts in The Hague. January 21st, 2023 is the start of the year of the Rabbit. The Year of the Rabbit represents patience, happiness, and peace. A rabbit is soft and sweet, this year brings harmony and growth.
➔ READ MORE – 2023, Year of the Rabbit, Atrium of the city hall The Hague
➔ READ MORE – Chinese New Year Festival in The Hague
Week 3 | For happiness and relaxation visit a sauna, spa, or wellness resort.
In the Netherlands, there are 140 saunas, spas, and wellness resorts. So when the weather is bad, sad, rainy, grey, and even blue Monday in the week, visit a sauna. You will feel much much better. Happiness and relaxation will comfort your body and soul.
➔ READ MORE – Sauna, spa, and wellness resorts in the Netherlands
WEEK 3 | Weekend – Circus festival “This is nog a circus” at theater Bellevue, Amsterdam
In the modern circus in 2023, an acrobat is allowed to fail. Pure enjoyment in theater Bellevue with the great acts in the performances “This is not a circus”.
➔ READ MORE – This is not a circus, theater Bellevue Amsterdam
Week 2 | I LIGHT U – Art Light festival Utrecht from 6 till 29 January
In and around the shopping mall Hoog Catharijne, Utrecht Central Station, and the event location Jaarbeurs Utrecht is indoors and outside a great exhibition of light objects made by national and international light artists. Simultaneously with this light exhibition, the Lumen Light Festival is held in the old city center of Utrecht. The Utrecht Lumen Light Festival consists of dozens of light artworks illuminating historical buildings and objects in a special way. You do not want to miss “I Light U” and “Utrecht Lumen”. The exhibition is truly a must-see. Both light artwork shows are free to visit.
➔ READ MORE – Utrecht Lumen, a tale of light and I LIGHT U
➔ READ MORE – Utrecht – I LIGHT U – Map 2023
Week 1 | New evolution room and Northern Light Show in Naturalis Leiden
A new room opens in the Museum Naturalis in Leiden. The subject of the room is “Evolution”. You must see The Evolution Hall as it is so remarkable because of the artful and high-tech way in which it is decorated. And of course, the sublime way the museum points out the never-ending story of evolution. As a visitor, so is said, you become enraptured because you don’t immediately understand how the highlight of the Evolution Hall works. In addition, a spectacular Northern Lights show can be seen in Naturalis until the end of January. So now you have two good reasons to visit Museum Naturalis in Leiden this week.
➔ READ MORE – Museum Naturalis Leiden
Week 1 | Day 1 2023 – New Years Dive
After a great New Year’s Eve with friends and family, fireworks, loads of champagne, oliebollen, and apple beignets the time has come for the utterly refreshing New Year’s Dive. Traditionally, all over Holland, the new year starts with an irresistible New Year’s Dive. This year you can join almost 200 New Year’s Eve dives all over the Netherlands. Do you also feel like starting the new year with a fresh dive? It’s great fun. So check out here where a New Year’s dive is organized in your surroundings.
➔ READ MORE – Check out all the New Years Dive in the Netherlands
Week 53 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks? New Year’s parties, and festivals
New Year’s Eve is usually celebrated at home with family and friends. Oliebollen are eaten, there’s a toast with champagne and fireworks are set off at precisely midnight. But there are also a lot of people, especially the young ones that like to go to New Year’s parties and festivals. And a lot of people love to go to a public fireworks show at midnight. Read all about fireworks, fireworks shows, parties, and festivals on New Year’s Eve:
➔ READ MORE – New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands
Week 52 – Neapolitan Nativity scene
Every year a huge Neapolitan nativity scene is set up in the St. Catharijne Cathedral in Utrecht. The Neapolitan nativity scene is really beautiful and it can be admired for free from December 18 to January 8. Just walk through the gate next to the cathedral and follow the red carpet to the Neapolitan Nativity scene. You don’t have to make a reservation, just walk in.
➔ READ MORE – Neapolitan Nativity Scene
Week 51 – Gospel exposition and the most beautiful nativity scene in the Netherlands at Catharijne Convent Museum Utrecht
Why should you visit the Catharijne Convent Museum and the adjacent Catharijne Cathedral in Utrecht this week? Well, the fantastic exhibition “Gospel, Musical Journey of Spirit and Hope” can be seen in the Catharijne Convent, a true musical revelation with soul and jazz. Next door to the museum you can visit the largest nativity scene in the Netherlands in the Catharijne Cathedral. This nativity scene has no fewer than 600 nativity figures and truly all these figures are outstanding museum pieces. The nativity scene can be visited for free but you do have to book a ticket for the Gospel Exhibition.
➔ READ MORE – Catharijne Convent Museum
Weekly Highlight week 50 – Gianni Versace Retrospective Groningen Museum
Gianni Versace was one of the world’s greatest pioneering fashion designers. He broke through the male-female image and was a champion of the LGBTQ movement. Versace is the creator of supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Cindy Crawford. The fashionista worked with world-famous photographers like Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh, and Bruce Weber and artists Andy Warhol, Jim Dine, and Julian Schnabel. The fantastic exhibition Gianni Versace Retrospective can be seen in the Groninger Museum until May 2023. An absolute must-see.
➔ READ MORE – Tribute to Gianni Versace – Groningen Museum
Weekly Highlight 49 – Get yourself a Christmas tree, the sale has started
The Christmas tree sale has started. St. Nicholas is going home again, he and his helpers change the climate and leave us to get back to the Mediterranean climate in Spain. When Santa sails back home the sale of Christmas trees starts. All over the country, you can buy Christmas trees at Christmas Markets, on street corners, at garden centers, hardware stores, malls, and at Christmas Fairs. Christmas trees of all sizes and shapes, large, small, narrow, thick, full, and skinny Christmas trees. Christmas trees in pots, Christmas trees with and without roots. In any case, they are all beautiful Christmas trees. My favorite Christmas tree is the Nordmann. It smells so good! Scoring a beautiful Christmas tree and supporting a good cause at the same time fits perfectly into the Christmas spirit. That is why many Christmas tree sales outlets support charities.
Week 48 – Santa, Sinterklaas, Saint Nicolas a traditional celebration on 5 December
Sinterklaas gets to the Netherlands each year in November on a steamboat filled with gifts and presents. Sinterklaas also called Santa or Saint Nicolas and his identical helpers – all called “Piet” – are loved by Dutch children because they never seem to take a bath. Children put one of their shoes next to the chimney to receive presents and donate e.g. carrots to Santa’s horse. At night, Sinterklaas rides across the rooftops on his white horse Amerigo, and places traditional sweets and gifts in the children’s shoes. Traditional sweets are Pepernoten, Marzipan, and Chocolate Letters. Santa has his own shopping mall but you can get these traditional sweets as well at bakeries and supermarkets. On December 5, the birthday of Sinterklaas is celebrated and gifts are exchanged. Sinterklaas and his helpers are supposedly not real. It’s a made-up story, some people say. At the age of 6 or 7 years, children are told the supposedly real story. You better sort it out by yourself. Check it out, as Sinterklaas gets by horse or boat to any Dutch city. For the exact date of his arrival check at your local tourist office.
Weekly Highlight 47 – Christmas and Country Fair at Castle De Haar, Haarzuilens
Late November and time files! Are you feeling Christmas jitters yet? Looking forward to meet-and-greet Santa? Well, believe me, the “Country and Christmas Fair” at Castle de Haar is the place you want to be. Can’t you wait to get the Christmas decorations out of the attic and decorate your house and Christmas tree? Get To Castle de Haar where you will find everything making your wonderful nostalgic Christmas feelings complete. This awesome fair, in a superbly romantic location, is the start of the 2022 Christmas season. Right here the Christmas spirit spreads her wings. If you don’t find what you are looking for at this fair, pick another Christmas market in the Netherlands via the link below.
➔ READ MORE – Country and Christmas Fair Castle de Haar
➔ READ MORE – Find all the Christmas fairs in the Netherlands
Are you wondering how many days till it is Christmas?
Week 46 – Glow festival Eindhoven: Urban Skin.
GLOW is THE NUMBER 1. The loveliest international light art festival in the world. Visit Glow in the city of Eindhoven in the South of the Netherlands. A light festival in Eindhoven is quite obvious because the city is the hometown of Philips, once a world-famous manufacturer of light bulbs. At the GLOW festival, you’ll find 33 light artworks, installations, and satellite projections along a walking route of 5 km. I am more than excited to visit this superb light festival
➔ READ MORE – Glow Light Festival Eindhoven
Where to stay in Eindhoven? The best place is in a hotel in the middle of the GLOW festival!
➔ READ MORE – Book here Hotel Mariënhage
Week 45 – Miffy’s question “Are you coming to play outside?’
Come along with your kids and enjoy the projection of the temporary animation “Miffy are you coming to play outside?” on the outside walls of the Miffy Museum. In the animation, Miffy and her friends experience winter adventures. The animation lasts 13 minutes and can be seen daily from sunset to 11 pm until January 29, 2023, at Agnietenstraat 2 in Utrecht. The Miffy animation is a creation of Projection art Studio “Mr. Beam”.
➔ READ MORE – Miffy or Nijntje museum, Agnietenstraat 2, Utrecht
Where to stay in Utrecht?
➔ READ MORE – Book here hotel B&B Rooftop View
Week 44 – Melle’s enigmatic visions in a retrospective exposition in Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo
The paintings of Melle are enigmatic visions sometimes taking place in eroticized landscapes. His work was groundbreaking.
➔ READ MORE – Dive into the fantasy of Melle in this retrospective exhibition.
The painter Melle Oldeboerrigter lived in Amsterdam from 1908 till 1976. He paints amazing mind-altering surrealistic adventures. This great exposition of his life’s work lasts till February 2023.
The museum is located in the old post office of Venlo, Keulsepoort 1, 5911 BX Venlo
➔ READ MORE – Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo
Where to stay in Venlo?
➔ READ MORE – Book here Hotel Bilderberg Château Holtmühle
Weekly Highlight 44 – Clock change and Halloween | Weekend tip
The last Saturday evening in October is the end of summertime and Halloween. Halloween is not a traditional Dutch feast and it was not always celebrated in the Netherlands. Lately, it becomes more and more an opportunity to have a party and in some areas, children start going around to collect candy. One of the best Halloween experiences is at Walibi Fright Night. Another great Halloween happening is the really scary Halloween Event, a ghost tour over forest paths, bushes, and ditches, along the way there are all kinds of hidden scary acts. And if you like to party at Halloween there are lots of Halloween festivals in the Netherlands, check out the Festival fan Halloween events.
Week 43 | Gustav Klimt in the Vincent van Gogh Museum | 24 October to 30 October 2022
In addition to being strong and independent, Gustav Klimt’s women are lovely, erotic, and transparently painted. Look at his artwork and feel the artist’s inspiration. The exhibition Golden Boy Gustav Klimt is a tribute to a painter covering paintings with gold leaf. This retrospective exhibition is filled with Iconic masterpieces. The painting “The Kiss”, Gustav’s most famous work, is not a part of this exhibition. But you do see an impressive compilation of his life’s work.
The book “Golden Boy Gustav Klimt Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse…. ” is a publication of the Vincent van Gogh Museum. Purchases in the museum or webshop support the existence of the museum. The exposition lasts till January 2023.
➔ READ MORE – Gustav Klimt at the Vincent van Gogh Museum
Where to stay in Amsterdam?
➔ READ MORE – Book here Hotel Social Hub Amsterdam
Week 42 | Autumn, walk the woods to spot mushrooms
This week started in the North of the Netherlands with the autumn holidays, and next week the middle and south of the Netherlands get their autumn holidays. This autumn holiday lasts one week. Autumn in the Netherlands is great and very colorful. The Netherlands is a wooded country and how nice it is to take a walk or bike ride through a forest. Leaves are changing color, the air is humid, it is getting dark earlier, the air is humid and mushrooms are sprouting from the ground.
➔ LISTEN – In autumn I think of the song by Ilse de Lange, a famous Dutch singer.
The association Natuurmonumenten has set out several mushroom routes, check the website to see if there is a nice walking route nearby.
➔ READ MORE – Natuurmonumenten – mushroom routes
Week 41 – Weekend – Autumn Craft Beer Festival | 14, 15, 16 October 2022
AUTUMN CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL | HERFST BOKBIER FESTIVAL
Celebrated Craft Beer, do you feel like a specialty beer from the tap? This beer is strong, 6 to 9%. Every year in Autumn there are many craft beer festivals to celebrate “Craft Beer” In Dutch we say Bokbier or Bockbier. It is interesting to know how and with which ingredients this seasonal beer is brewed. For me, it’s about the pleasure of enjoying a nice strong bock beer from the tap with friends at a beer festival. If you like beer, don’t hesitate and go this weekend to a Craft beer festival. Find a craft beer festival in the neighborhood by clicking on the link below.
➔ READ MORE – Autumn Annual Craft Beer Festivals in the Netherlands
Week 41 – BredaPhoto Festival | 8 September I 23 October 2022
The BredaPhoto Festival shows the work of 60 photographers from all over the world. You should see this festival as a “Theater of Dreamscape”. Open your mind and look at the world differently. Watch how traditional photography opens new perspectives on communities from all over the world. The BredaPhoto festival is a biennial event showing awesome photography in multiple locations all over Breda. Make sure you don’t miss anything. Book a walking tour through the historical center of Breda or a walking tour through the industrial quarter of Belcrum, or combine these tours in a three-hour trip by bike.
➔ READ MORE – Breda Photo Festival
Week 40 | Ice Skating Rinks season has started
All over the Netherlands, you find ice skating rinks, and this week they open their doors. The ice skating season has started. The Dutch are generally passionate skaters. Just like cycling, they learn how to skate at a young age. So even if it is not cold and freezing, and the temperature is still nice, put on your hat and gloves and go to one of the best ice rinks in our country to skate around.
➔ READ MORE – Ice skating rinks in the Netherlands
Week 39 – Science and Art | Scale model Telescope James Webb | Gallery LUMC LEIDEN | Exposition ends Wednesday 28 September 2022
This week’s last chance to admire the scale model of the James Webb Telescope. The James Webb telescope looks back in time up to 13.5 billion years, how unbelievable is that? It’s amazing what science can do. A scale model of the James Webb telescope is now on display at the gallery LUMC. In addition, pictures taken through the telescope can be admired. The exhibition is a combination of science and art. In the exhibition is also the work of Vincent Icke exposed, his work is inspired by the photos from the James Webb telescope.ee
➔ READ MORE – LUMC | Gallery LUMC | Leiden University Medical Centre
➔ READ MORE – Alien art gallery
More works of Vincent Icke can be admired at the Alien Art Gallery in Leiden.
It is expected that the scale model of the James Webb telescope will be included in the collection of the old Leiden University observatory after the exhibition.
➔ READ MORE – Old Observatory University Leiden
Week 38 | Prinsjesdag | Opening Parliamentary year by King Alexander in The Hague | Tuesday 20 September 2022
Every year, on the third Tuesday of September, the king opens the parliamentary year in The Hague. This meeting is traditionally held in the Ridderzaal, but due to the renovation of the Binnenhof, the meeting will take place in 2022 in the Koninklijke Schouwburg in The Hague. The king and Queen go to this event by carriage in ceremonial outfits. They used to go in the Golden Carriage but because of chance attitudes over the past as depicture on the carriage, reminding the Dutch of a shameful past in the colonies, this carriage is no longer used. Instead of the Golden carriage, the royal couple uses the Glass carriages. In 2022 Princess Amalia will be present at the reading of the Speech from the Throne by her father King Willem-Alexander. So if you like to see the parade and the King, Queen, and Crown Princess of The Netherlands, go very early to The Hague.
Week 37 – Friday market Maastricht, the biggest and best market of the Netherlands – Musica Sacra Art Festival | Friday 16 September 2022
In the center of Maastricht, on the big square, where you also find the town hall of Maastricht, is every Friday a gigantic market called the Friday Market of Maastricht. The market has been taking place on this market square for centuries. This market was once declared the best market in the Netherlands and it still is today. This is a more than very nice market that you definitely should visit. The market has 400 market stalls with all kinds of products, from local products to international products, here you find the well-known Limburgse Vlaai next to great Moroccan olives but you also will find the latest of the latest fashion products, shoes, clothes, cheese, vegetables, fruit, tools, toys, and many more products. You name it and you will probably find it on this market. The market is very nicely organized, the market is divided into market streets where there they sell the same kind of products. There are market streets for the fish market, a flower and plant market, and a fabric and haberdashery market. It’s a great market, you don’t want to miss it.
➔ READ MORE – Friday market is every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MUSICA SACRA ART FESTIVAL
Musica Sacra is a partly free partly paid art festival filled with music, dance, theater, performance, film, and fine art. This festival plays in the historic places of the city center of Maastricht, near old churches, streets, and buildings. The festival heart of Musica Sacra is on the Vrijthof. Musica Sacra is an ongoing program, exhibitions, and other activities.
➔ READ MORE – Musica Sacre Art Festival Maastricht
Week 36 – Closure of the Maeslant barrier on Saturday 10 September 2022
25 years of Maeslant barrier. The Maeslant barrier/Maeslantkering was opened on the 10 of May in 1997, so this year this huge maritime construction has existed for 25 years and this fact will be celebrated. The Maeslantkering is a unique mobile movable storm surge barrier. The closure of the Maeslant and Hartel barriers will take place on Saturday 10 September. The highlight of the day is of course the closing of the Maeslantkering, this moment is scheduled for 2.50 pm. In addition to closing the Maeslandkering, there is an interesting program. During this day, attention is paid to climate change, and rising sea levels, and take a tour of this impressive complex led by one of the professional guides. By closing the Maeslantkering the Netherlands will be officially ready for the storm season that starts on 1 October.
➔ READ MORE – Maeslantkering closure
➔ READ MORE – Mustseeholland.com/rotterdam-beach-and-the-maeslantkering
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