6x activities for the winter
The winter months are the perfect time to get out and about! Especially with the holidays just around the corner and the Christmas break coming up. From enchanting fairytale worlds to cozy winter walks through snowy nature. There is plenty to do when the temperatures drop! We have listed our favorite winter activities to make it an unforgettable winter.
Visit an amusement park
When we think of a theme park in the winter, we immediately think of the Efteling. The Winter Efteling is a must-visit for anyone who loves magic and adventure. In the winter, the park is transformed into a fairytale winter wonderland with snow-covered trees, crackling campfires and thousands of lights. Take a ride on one of the exciting roller coasters, walk through the enchanted Fairytale Forest and skate on the indoor ice rink in the middle of the park.
This winter you can also visit Walibi Holland! The amusement park transforms into a world of light and adventure. During the Walibi Bright Nights you can enjoy the most spectacular light shows, the park is illuminated with thousands of colorful lights and impressive projections. The roller coasters and attractions even continue in the dark! In addition, you can enjoy delicious snacks and hot drinks at the winter market while enjoying the cozy Christmas atmosphere. Walibi Bright Nights takes place during the Christmas holidays.
Christmas shopping in nice shopping cities
The holidays are of course the perfect time to look for the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones, and there are plenty of cities in the Netherlands that are a great destination for a day of Christmas shopping.
Utrecht, with its charming canals and city centre shops, offers plenty of opportunities to score special gifts. In Rotterdam you will find a mix of trendy boutiques, shopping centres and pop-up Christmas markets.
And what about Amsterdam, where the famous Nine Streets have been transformed into a true winter paradise full of fun shops? Here you can combine your Christmas shopping with a visit to a cozy café. Need more inspiration? Discover the 5 best shopping cities in the Netherlands here.
Want to score Christmas presents with a discount? Plan a day at Designer Outlet Roermond, Designer Outlet Rosada or Bataviastad! At the stores in these outlets you will find a wide range of both expensive and cheaper brand products. Whether you are looking for clothing, decoration or jewelry, at the outlets you will find it all with great discounts.
Visit the best Christmas markets
Do you also love Christmas? Then winter is not complete without a visit to one of the many atmospheric Christmas markets in the Netherlands. In cities such as Maastricht, Dordrecht, The Hague, Groningen and Leiden, the streets are transformed into a winter wonderland full of stalls with handmade Christmas gifts, delicious winter treats and cozy Christmas lights. Enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere to the fullest!
Many Christmas markets also have ice skating rinks and live music performances. Curious about the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands? Click here to discover the most magical Christmas markets.
Ice skating on ice rinks
In the Netherlands, winter can't pass without a fun day of skating with family and friends. In almost every major city in the Netherlands, you'll find an atmospheric ice rink during the winter months where you can skate the stars of the ice. From the cozy ice rink on the Grote Markt in Groningen to the unique ice rink in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam has an ice rink in a tunnel of no less than 400 meters long with rainbow lighting. Almost every ice rink is surrounded by cozy stalls and festive lighting. Don't forget to treat yourself to a warm waffle or a cup of mulled wine at one of the cozy stalls. That way you can immediately taste the flavor of winter!
A day of winter fun at SnowWorld
Skiing and snowboarding without mountains? Visit SnowWorld in Zoetermeer, Rucphen or Landgraaf. These indoor ski and snowboard slopes offer everything you need to experience the real winter sports without leaving the Netherlands. Whether you are a beginner who wants to make your first turns or an experienced snowboarder who wants to brave the slopes during your winter sports holiday, SnowWorld has slopes for every level. What could be better than enjoying a drink in the cozy après-ski bar after an action-packed day on the slopes?
Would you rather do something other than skiing or snowboarding? At SnowWorld Rucphen you can also go ice karting or indoor skydiving. This way you can make your sporty day complete!
Take a winter walk in nature
A winter walk is the perfect way to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful nature. The Netherlands offers countless beautiful walking routes that change into enchanting, fairytale landscapes in the winter months.
Hike through the snowy dunes of the Kennemerduinen near Haarlem, explore the quiet forests of the Veluwe, or take a trip through the vast sandy plains of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the fresh air and the peace that winter brings.
Tip: Opt for an early morning walk and watch the sun rise over the landscape. This will guarantee beautiful moments and beautiful photos.
Celebrate winter with Bastion Hotels
Make your winter getaway even more special with the Bastion Hotels Christmas Deal! During and around the holidays, you can enjoy great stacking discounts on affordable stays. Ideal if you want to visit the most beautiful Christmas markets, go ice skating for a day or soak up some culture in the most beautiful museums.
- Up to 20% discount on 1, 2 or 3 nights
- For 1 or 2 persons
- Breakfast can be booked as an option
- Valid from December 20 to 29, 2024
Warm up after a day of winter adventures with a dinner in our cozy restaurant and enjoy a good night's sleep in our comfortable beds. Are you celebrating winter at Bastion Hotels?