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Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden

During winter, Leiden is even more beautiful and enchanting

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Winter in Leiden, cozy and warm!

This year, too, the winter months in Leiden are once again dedicated to the Winter Wonder Weeks. Visit the House of Sinterklaas, the Floating Ice Rink, the Leiden Christmas Market, and much more. The Winter Wonder Weeks begin with the arrival of Sinterklaas and continue until early January, with all kinds of winter activities spread throughout the city.

What is there to do? - We have listed the activities for you.

  • Arrival of Sinterklaas in Leiden

    Arrival of Sinterklaas in Leiden

    On Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 11:30 am, Saint Nicholas will set foot at the Beest...

    Saturday 14 November

  • House of Sinterklaas

    House of Sinterklaas

    Visit the House of Sinterklaas at the Waag! The magic of Sinterklaas is in full swing,...

    21 November until 2 December

  • KIK family morning: magic on the ice

    KIK family morning: magic on the ice

    Every Saturday and Sunday morning, the Floating Ice Rink transforms into an enchanting...

    5 December, 6 December and 8 more days

  • Floating ice rink

    Floating ice rink

    Skate on the unique floating ice rink on the Nieuwe Rijn and enjoy winter coziness in t...

    5 December 2026 until 3 January 2027

  • Leiden Christmas Market

    Leiden Christmas Market

    The nostalgic Leiden Christmas Market brings the city center of Leiden to life for 7 days.

    11 December, 12 December and 5 more days

  • Choir weekends

    Choir weekends

    Fancy a little music? From pop songs, classics, musical songs to Christmas songs! Every...

    12 December, 13 December and 2 more days

  • Rotary Santa Run

    Rotary Santa Run

    The Rotary Santa Run Leiden is a fun run where participants, dressed as Santa Claus, co...

    Thursday 17 December

  • Choufferie on Ice at the Floating Ice Rink

    Choufferie on Ice at the Floating Ice Rink Winterbierproeverij

    Experience an evening full of fun on Wednesday, December 23 at the Floating Ice Rink Le...

    Wednesday 23 December

Opening hours

Around the holidays, shops in Leiden extend their opening hours. This way, you will always find a suitable time to do your Sinterklaas or Christmas shopping. In addition, shops have adjusted opening hours on public holidays. Shops are open longer on many Saturdays and Sundays.

Leiden Christmas Market

  • Friday, December 11, 12:00 - 21:00
  • Saturday, December 12, 12:00 - 21:00
  • Sunday, December 13, 13:00 - 21:00
  • Thursday, December 17, 12:00 - 21:00
  • Friday, December 18, 12:00 - 21:00
  • Saturday, December 19, 12:00 - 21:00
  • Sunday, December 20, 13:00 - 18:00

More tips!

  • Young Rembrandt Studio

    Visit the Young Rembrandt Studio! The 17th-century house, at Langebrug 89 in Leiden, is where Rembrandt spent his younger years learning how to draw, paint and make etchings at the hand of his first mentor Jacob van Swanenburgh.

    Young Rembrandt Studio

  • Winter Domes at Annie's

    Soon you can stay warm and dry again at Annie's! Warm up this winter with hot chocolate or homemade mulled wine. Feeling a little peckish? Take a look at the menu for Annie's cakes and bar bites.

    Make a reservation

FAQ - Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden

The Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden take place throughout Leiden city centre. Such as Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Garenmarktplein, Nieuwe Rijn. See the individual events for specific locations.

Traveling to the Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden by car? Park within walking distance of the historic city centre in one of the modern and spacious multi-storey car parks at the Lammermarkt or Garenmarkt. Read more about parking in Leiden

Leiden has excellent train and bus connections to the rest of the Netherlands. From Leiden Central Station, you can walk to the city centre in ten minutes, or take the bus for five minutes. Read more about public transport to Leiden

You can visit most of the Winter Wonder Weeks Leiden events for free. For the Floating Ice Rink, however, you have to buy an entrance ticket.

There is plenty to do with children during the winter months in Leiden. For example, go ice skating on the Floating Ice Rink, visit the House of Sinterklaas or explore the nostalgic fun fair.

Throughout city centre, you will find publicly accessible toilets. With the HogeNood app, you can easily find the toilet near you. There are also toilets at the Floating Ice Rink and the Nostalgic Christmas Market. 

Yes, the events are accessible to people with disabilities.

More events in Leiden

Practical tips

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