8 awesome things to do this season
01 Nov 2022 | InspirationThe time of festive decorations, lights, and cosiness is upon us again. The great thing about this time of year is that there are an awful lot of cool activities to do. We have listed a few of our favourites for you!
Amsterdam: Amsterdam Light Festival
Every year, Amsterdam turns into a paradise of lights. The city centre is in the spotlight with this year's overarching theme 'Imagine Beyond'. Walk one of the routes where you can admire works of light art on, along and in the city's canals. Or hop on one of the canal boats that will take you across the water past the 20 stunning creations. Let your imagination run wild while admiring this amazing event from 1 December 2022 to 22 January 2023.
Amsterdam Light Festival | 1 December 2022 to 22 January 2023 | Tickets from €7.50 p.p
After an evening strolling along Amsterdam's canals, it is a good idea to stay the night in our capital. Did you know that we have six hotels in Amsterdam? Perfect for an evening like this!
The Hague: Royal Christmas Fair
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in our country can be found in the historic centre of The Hague. Amid the Binnenhof, embassies, museums and shopping areas, the Royal Christmas Fair takes place in December. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit as you stroll past more than 110 Christmas houses with twinkling lights. Enjoy the atmospheric decorations with a glass of mulled wine in your hand. You can enjoy the Royal Christmas Fair from 8 December to 23 December.
Royal Christmas Fair | From 8 December to 23 December 2022 | Free admission
Rotterdam: IJsvrij Festival
Go grab your ice skates because IJsvrij is back! Rotterdam will again be the home of the festival from 15 December 2022 to 8 January 2023. Plein 1940 transforms into a romantic and festive setting, with one of the most beautiful ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands as its centrepiece. Broom yourself to victory and become the curling champion of the evening. Sing along with après-ski classics during the silent disco. Or warm yourself with a nice hot chocolate and enjoy the winter cosiness. There is something for everyone, young or old… you can enjoy yourself all day long!
IJsvrij Festival | From 15 December 2022 to 8 January 2023 | Tickets from €7.50 p.p.
Eindhoven: GLOW
Put on your coat and and hit the road in Eindhoven during GLOW. GLOW is a free light festival where everything is made for, and inspired by, the city. Eindhoven will be the canvas of 35 light artists from 12 November to 19 November. Every year, 700,000 people walk this famous route. Together, you share experiences, and moments and enjoy the same artwork. With the theme 'Urban Skin', the light event can be visited daily from 6.30 PM to 11.00 PM. And, completely new this year: audio tours. This gives you unique information and background stories from the designers themselves. Fascinating!
GLOW | From 12 November to 19 November 2022 | Free admission to GLOW, audio tour €2
Maastricht: Magical Maastricht
Want to experience Vrijthof in its full, sparkling glory? Come to Maastricht in December! The square is the most magical in the last month of the year. A nostalgic carousel, cosy chalets with tasty snacks, but also a sky-high Ferris wheel with stunning views. Follow the fairy lights and get to the most beautiful places in the city. Want to deviate from the route? No problem! Because that is exactly when you will find undiscovered places. Come and experience the southern hospitality and combine your visit to Maastricht with an overnight stay. The Designhotel Maastricht is located in the city's most vibrant neighbourhood, Wijck. Perfectly centrally located to make the most of your visit.
Magical Maastricht | From 1 December to 30 December 2022 | Free admission
Leeuwarden: Decemberlicht
From 19 December 2022 to 9 January 2023, follow the blue lanterns between Oldehoofsterkerkhof and Jacobijnerkerkhof. Why wonder? The duo Kroft&Smids brings light to this period of dark days with their special projections. Walk through Leeuwarden's historic city centre and spot a poem on a wall, a quote on a monument or a facade that suddenly acts as a film screen. Be amazed and stay at our hotel that is right in the city centre of Leeuwarden.
Decemberlicht | From 19 December 2022 to 9 January 2023 | Free admission
Groningen: WinterWelVaart
One of the city's most photographed events is WinterWelVaart. From 16 December to 18 December, beautifully lit, historic ships dock for the city's Christmas event. In the most beautiful part of the city centre, the boats are moored at the quay. For a weekend, immerse yourself in music, theatre, poetry and much more! Stroll along the stalls of the cosy market on the quay all weekend. Bonus: the Noordelijk Scheepsvaartmuseum can also be visited for free during WinterWelVaart.
WinterWelVaart | From 16 to 18 December 2022 | Free admission
Hengelo: Ice skating on the Burgemeester Jansenplein
The Burgemeester Jansenplein in Hengelo is a big and cosy winter square in December. With a roofed skating rink, you can really enjoy yourself, come rain or shine. Tired from all the skating? Go grab a snack and something to drink. Afterwards, with renewed energy, you can enjoy a game of curling with your friends.
Skating rink Burgemeester Jansenplein | From 2 December 2022 to 8 January 2023 | More information to follow.
If you ask us, you won't be bored this autumn! Light shows, Christmas markets, skating rinks, something for everyone. Our hotels are located right in the city centre, allowing you to enjoy the conviviality of the cities. Which city trip are you planning this autumn?