What to do: between Christmas and New Year's Eve

• December 19 2023
• 3 min reading time

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What to do between Christmas and New Year’s Eve?

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas days is over and before you know it, it’s time to ring in the new year! Often, the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are perfect for doing something fun with your partner, friends, family, or relatives. But sometimes it’s nice to get a bit of inspiration, so we have put together the best tips for you!

 

Tip 1 | Staying home

Maybe very obvious, but also very nice is just doing nothing for a day! After those busy Christmas days, just relax for a bit. Enjoy a movie night together, an ultimate skincare moment with your sister, play games with your friends, or just take a relaxing walk in the woods. Sometimes the simplest things are special enough. 

 

Tip 2 | Light Festivals

In various places across the country, you can visit special light festivals. Let yourself be amazed by different light artworks. From abstract light effects to projections and lantern artworks several meters high. You can enjoy relaxing evenings there. Definitely a recommendation to stay in the festive spirit. You can find these special light festivals at the following locations, among others: 

• Amsterdam Light Festival - in Amsterdam from November 30, 2023 - January 21, 2024
• WILDnights - Wildlands in Emmen from December 26, 2023 - January 7, 2024 
• Light Nights ‘Treasures of Time’ - Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen from October 13, 2023 - January 27, 2024 
• The Luminous Nights, Castle de Haar - in Haarzuilens from December 7, 2023 - January 7, 2024
• Winterdream - at De Orchideeënhoeve in Luttelgeest from December 8 - December 31, 2023

 

Tip 3 | Winter vibes

For an ultimate day of winter vibes, we definitely recommend you to go to the Amsterdam Winter Paradise to go. Both inside and outside, you will completely immerse yourself in winter atmospheres, with Christmas trees, real snow, and a crackling fireplace. You will be entertained by a varied music program, but you can also fully enjoy the various activities. Have a snowball fight, show off your skating skills, or enjoy delicious snacks in the Food Paradise. 

In Amsterdam from December 14 - December 30

 

Tip 4 | An ice-cold day out

It's a Wonderful World! The Ice Sculpture Festival is back in Zwolle this year. The best ice artists will amaze you once again! You will find beautiful ice sculptures made from more than 250,000 kilos of snow and ice. From historical moments to famous figures, you’ll discover it all in one of the coldest places in the country. Definitely a recommendation for a day out with the family. 

In Zwolle from December 16 - February 25

 

Tip 5 | Winter Efteling

Fancy a day of excitement and adventure, but still in a cozy setting? Then plan a day to the Winter Efteling! Taste the winter atmosphere and step into your favorite attractions. Enjoy winter treats, take a spin on the ice rink, and feast your eyes on the spectacular shows in the park. 

In Kaatsheuvel from November 13 - February 4

 

Tip 6 | Visit a Christmas market

Visit a Christmas market in the Netherlands. The Christmas market in Valkenburg is one of the most popular in the country, but Magical Maastricht is also a beautiful and large Christmas market. In cities like Deventer or Haarlem, many cozy stalls are set up again.