Christmas Events for Kids in The Hague (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

9 min read · Lees in het Nederlands

For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in The Hague. The season opens on November 14 with Arrival of Sinterklaas in The Hague (Intocht Sinterklaas Den Haag) and runs until January 3 with Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag (Great Christmas Circus The Hague). Of these, 9 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in The Hague, Delft, Leiden, Leidschendam and Voorburg: 12
  • First: Arrival of Sinterklaas in The Hague (Intocht Sinterklaas Den Haag), The Hague, November 14
  • Free events: Arrival of Sinterklaas in The Hague (Intocht Sinterklaas Den Haag), Sinterklaas Arrival 2026 in Leidschendam (Intocht Sinterklaas 2026 Leidschendam), Sinterklaas Arrival in Leiden (Intocht Sinterklaas Leiden), Sinterklaas Arrival in Voorburg (Intocht in Voorburg), Sinterklaas Arrival in Delft (Sinterklaasintocht Delft), Kids Workshop: Sinterklaas Has the Rijmelaritis with Yvon van Oel (Kinderworkshop: Sinterklaas heeft de Rijmelaritis met Yvon van Oel) and more

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in The Hague

Kids’ Christmas events
12 confirmed for 2026
Towns
The Hague, Delft, Leiden, Leidschendam and Voorburg
Season
November 14 to January 3
Free events
9
Last checked

Free 9Ticketed and paid 3

Free Christmas events for kids in The Hague

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Arrival of Sinterklaas in The Hague (Intocht Sinterklaas Den Haag)

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The stage program in the harbor starts at 10 am with Kidz_DJ, followed by Sint & Friends at 10:45 am, and Pakjesboot 070 sails in at 11:15 am. At 11:30 am Sinterklaas is welcomed on stage by the mayor and the Spanish ambassador. The harbor program ends around 12:30 pm.

Afterward the parade moves through the city, including along the Keizerstraat (around 12:40 pm), Frederik Hendriklaan (1:20 pm), Reinkenstraat, Weimarstraat and Prins Hendrikstraat, ending at the Denneweg around 4:30 pm. The times are approximate: the parade may pass earlier or later. So if the harbor is too crowded, you can also find a spot along the route later in the day. The whole celebration is free and you don't need to reserve anything.

Parent tip: Don't come by car: bike, or take the tram or bus from Den Haag Centraal or Hollands Spoor to Scheveningen.

Host
Sinterklaas in Den Haag (via Den Haag Marketing) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Tweede Haven, Scheveningen, 2583 The Hague (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Sinterklaas in Den Haag (via Den Haag Marketing) (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 11 more The Hague events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 7 Santa
  • 5 Parades
  • 4 Shows
  • 3 Story time
  • 9 Free

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Kids Workshop: Sinterklaas Has the Rijmelaritis with Yvon van Oel (Kinderworkshop: Sinterklaas heeft de Rijmelaritis met Yvon van Oel)

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At Bibliotheek Scheveningen, illustrator Yvon van Oel reads aloud from Sinterklaas heeft de Rijmelaritis (Sinterklaas Has the Rhyme-itis), which she made with Stefan Wolters. In the story Sinterklaas has the rhyme hiccups: all his poems go off in every direction and no child gets a normal poem in their shoe anymore. Will the Pieten (Piet helpers) manage to cure the Sint?

After the reading, the kids do a craft themselves. The workshop is meant for children ages 4 to 7 and is free. Children do need to register in advance using the reservation button on the page. Chaperones don't need a ticket. It's a great chance to meet a picture book maker in person, and the kids go home with something they made themselves, nice in the run-up to pakjesavond (the evening Sinterklaas brings gifts).

Parent tip: If you can't make it after all, cancel your child's spot so another child can have it. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Bibliotheek Den Haag (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliotheek Scheveningen, The Hague (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliotheek Den Haag (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Story Fun at the City Farm (Ages 4+) (Voorleespret op de Stadsboerderij)

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In the pop-up library at Stadsboerderij Op den Dijk (a city farm) in Wateringse Veld, this afternoon is all about Sinterklaas and his Pieten (Piet helpers). Children ages 4 and up listen to a cozy, exciting Sinterklaas story about presents and pepernoten (small spiced cookies).

After the reading they make a craft together. The activity is free. You can register at wateringseveld@bibliotheekdenhaag.nl. It's a nice small-scale activity in the run-up to pakjesavond (the evening Sinterklaas brings gifts), and there's plenty to see outside at the city farm too. The reading and crafting together take an hour, from 2 to 3 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, so it fits well after school. The pop-up library is in the city farm on the Bovendijk, where kids can look at the animals afterward.

Parent tip: Register in advance at wateringseveld@bibliotheekdenhaag.nl. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Bibliotheek Den Haag (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadsboerderij Op den Dijk (pop-up library), Bovendijk 141-143, The Hague (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliotheek Den Haag (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Show at WZH Hoge Veld (Ages 3+) (Sinterklaasvoorstelling in WZH Hoge Veld)

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On Wednesday afternoon, Dec 2, Theater Lapstok puts on an interactive show full of songs and puppetry with antique marionettes. Sinterklaas wants Piet Paniek (Panic Piet) to deliver presents for his Pietendiploma (Piet diploma). He can throw pepernoten (small spiced cookies) with the best of them, but sailing on the steamboat, holding the horse or dropping a gift down the chimney all seem too scary to him.

The show is for children ages 3 to 8, lasts 45 minutes and is free. It is organized by the pop-up library Wateringse Veld and takes place at WZH Hoge Veld on the Laan van Wateringse Veld. It's a short, cozy show just before pakjesavond (the evening Sinterklaas brings gifts), where kids can sing along and feel for the scared Piet Paniek, and it's very manageable for toddlers and preschoolers.

Parent tip: You can register at wateringseveld@bibliotheekdenhaag.nl or at the desk of the pop-up library. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Bibliotheek Den Haag (opens in a new tab)
Where
WZH Hoge Veld, Laan van Wateringse Veld 222, The Hague (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliotheek Den Haag (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Delft

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Arrival in Delft (Sinterklaasintocht Delft)

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At 12:15 pm Pakjesboot 7 sails past the Abtwoudsebrug on the Schie. Around 12:45 pm the boat docks at the Oostsingel by the Plantagebrug. The mayor is waiting there. At 1 pm the parade leaves through the city center, with candy-throwing Pieten (Piet helpers), Ladderpiet and the Pepernotenmachine (the gingernut machine), so there are plenty of pepernoten (small spiced cookies).

From 2:30 pm Pieten and dance groups are on the Markt, and around 2:45 pm the closing party begins with Sint, the mayor and all the Pieten. From 3:15 pm Feestpiet Fabio joins in. At 3:45 pm the group leaves again. You can hand drawings for the Sint to any Piet along the way. The arrival is free and you can stand anywhere along the route. The website has a route map to download, so you can pick a spot along the water or in the city center in advance.

Parent tip: For something quieter, the Pakjesshuttle (also with Pieten) stands by the statue of Hugo de Groot on the Markt. Download the route map on the website beforehand.

Host
Stichting Sinterklaas Delft (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oostsingel and Markt, Delft, 2611 Delft (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Sinterklaas Delft (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Piet Do Day (Pieten-doe-dag) (Delft)

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A week after the arrival, the Markt in Delft is all about Piet training (the Pietenopleiding), the Pieten being Sinterklaas's helpers. From 1 to 3 pm children can join in all kinds of Piet activities: kruidnoten (spiced cookies) shuffleboard, a hobbyhorse race, beard and tail pinning, gift wrapping, throwing presents and an obstacle course.

Children who complete the challenges well take home a Pietendiploma (Piet diploma). The Pepernotenmachine (the gingernut machine) is there too, so the Pieten can hand out pepernoten all afternoon. It's a nice, easygoing activity for kids who haven't had enough of Sint and Piet after the arrival. The activities are free and you don't need to register. You can just join whenever it suits you between 1 and 3 pm, ideal for a Saturday afternoon in downtown Delft or after a round of shopping.

Parent tip: It's an outdoor activity on the Markt, so dress the kids warmly.

Host
Stichting Sinterklaas Delft (opens in a new tab)
Where
Markt, Delft, 2611 Delft (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Sinterklaas Delft (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Leiden

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Sinterklaas Arrival in Leiden (Intocht Sinterklaas Leiden)

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At 11:30 am Anneleen and the band rehearse the songs on the Beestenmarkt, at noon Sinterklaas and the Pieten (Piet helpers) arrive and at 12:20 pm they are welcomed by the mayor. At 12:30 pm the parade starts from the Steenstraat via the Haarlemmerstraat, Breestraat and Steenschuur to the Garenmarkt.

At the Garenmarkt the afternoon program begins at 1 pm with bouncy castles, food trucks and performances by the Rode Sneakers and Piet Martino with Magic Piet. Kids can make a hero medal and meet Spiderman. From 2:30 to 3:30 pm there is a meet-and-greet with Sinterklaas at the stage, after which the Sint is waved off. The whole arrival is free. If you missed the party, you can watch the special arrival broadcast at 7 pm on Centraal+ and YouTube.

Parent tip: If you really want a word with Sint, go to the stage on the Garenmarkt after 2:30 pm.

Host
Stichting Sinterklaasintocht Leiden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Beestenmarkt and Garenmarkt, 2312 Leiden (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Sinterklaasintocht Leiden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Leidschendam

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Arrival 2026 in Leidschendam (Intocht Sinterklaas 2026 Leidschendam)

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The Pieten band (Piet helpers) plays from 9:45 am and around 10 am the steamboat with Sint Nicolaas and his Pieten is expected at the Sluis in Leidschendam. The boat comes from the direction of Voorburg. After stepping off, the Sint walks via the Damplein to the Damlaan.

On the Damlaan, near the Veur Theater, there is a big stage where Lakeipiet hosts a Piet party from about 11 am. Around 11:30 am Sinterklaas is officially welcomed there by the (deputy) mayor and there is plenty of singing. Around 12:10 pm the Sint leaves again by boat toward Voorburg. The arrival is free. If you like, you can go on to Voorburg afterward, where the Sint arrives around 1 pm at the Huygenshaven and has another festive program.

Parent tip: The organizers advise standing on the Voorburg side of the Sluis.

Host
Stichting Sint Nicolaas Evenementen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sluis Leidschendam and Damlaan, Sluiskant, 2266 AV Leidschendam (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Sint Nicolaas Evenementen (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Voorburg

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Arrival in Voorburg (Intocht in Voorburg)

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At 12:45 pm the Pieten band (Piet helpers) starts and around 1 pm the steamboat docks in the Huygenshaven, right by the Kerkbrug. The (deputy) mayor welcomes the Sint, who then takes plenty of time to say hello to the children along the crowd barriers.

Via the Kerkstraat, Sinterklaas walks to the stage on the Herenstraat, where Lakeipiet is already making a party of it from 1:30 pm. Around 2:30 pm the Sint arrives at the stage for the official welcome and to sing together. Afterward he takes a walk around the Huygenskwartier. Around 3:15 pm the Sint leaves and the program ends at 3:30 pm. The arrival is freely accessible. Sinterklaas already arrived in Leidschendam in the morning, so if you like, you can enjoy both parties in one day and follow the Sint by boat.

Parent tip: The Kerkbrug is closed from 12:30 to about 2:30 pm. You can park in the garage on the Raadhuisstraat.

Host
Stichting Sint Nicolaas Evenementen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Huygenshaven and Herenstraat, 2271 Voorburg (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Sint Nicolaas Evenementen (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in The Hague

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas show

Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag (Great Christmas Circus The Hague)

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The Groot Kerstcircus is back during the Christmas break in a heated circus tent on the Malieveld, within walking distance of Den Haag Centraal. The show promises a shared Christmas celebration, with aerial acrobatics, shadow art, a laser show, jugglers, comedy, live singing and dance by artists from all over the world.

The first shows are on Friday, Dec 18 at 3 and 7 pm. From Dec 19 through Jan 3 the circus plays daily at 11:30 am and 3 pm, including on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. A show lasts a little over two hours including the intermission. The show is suitable from about age 3. You buy tickets online through the Christmas circus's website, and the price depends on where you sit in the tent. Children ages 3 to 11 pay a little less than adults.

Parent tip: Children under 3 sit on a lap for free. Plan on a good two hours including the intermission.

Host
Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag (opens in a new tab)
Where
Malieveld (heated circus tent), 2594 The Hague (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Delft

Christmas show

Who's That Knocking, Kids? Sing-Along with Félice van der Sande (Hoor wie klopt daar kinderen?) (Delft)

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Just before pakjesavond (the evening Sinterklaas brings gifts), Félice van der Sande, known from Muziek op Schoot (Music on Lap), hosts a sing-along in two Delft libraries. With live music, kids sing, play and dance along to the happiest Sinterklaas songs and play music games.

There are two sessions on Wednesday, Dec 2: from 2:30 to 3 pm at DOK Voorhof and from 4 to 5 pm at OPEN Delft on the Vesteplein by the station. The party is meant for children ages 2 to 8. The price is not known. Check at your chosen location whether you need to reserve a spot. It's a cheerful way to practice all the songs one last time for pakjesavond, with real instruments and lots of movement. A nice way to close out the Sinterklaas weeks for toddlers and preschoolers.

Parent tip: Pick the location that suits you best: DOK Voorhof is shorter, and OPEN Delft is next to Delft station. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
DOK Delft (library) (opens in a new tab)
Where
DOK Voorhof and OPEN Delft, Vesteplein 100, 2611 WG Delft (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with DOK Delft (library) (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Leiden

Saint Nicholas visit

Sinterklaas House in the Waag (Huis van Sinterklaas in de Waag) (Leiden)

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From Nov 21 through Dec 2, the Waag in the heart of Leiden turns into the Huis van Sinterklaas (Sinterklaas's House). Every day from 12 to 5 pm the doors are open to anyone who wants to take a look. Children can meet Sinterklaas and his Pieten, hand in their wish list and have their photo taken with them.

There's room for crafts and coloring, Sinterklaas stories are told and songs are sung, and kids can earn their Pietendiploma (Piet diploma). The Pietendans (Piet dance) is part of it again this year. It's a nice indoor activity to combine with a walk through downtown Leiden. The Waag is on the Aalmarkt, in the middle of Leiden's shopping center. You don't need to book a time slot. During opening hours everyone is welcome to walk in, including with small children.

Parent tip: The website doesn't mention an admission price. Check sintinleiden.nl beforehand in case anything has changed.

Host
Stichting Sinterklaasintocht Leiden (opens in a new tab)
Where
De Waag, Aalmarkt 21, 2311 EC Leiden (opens in maps) (near Den Haag)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Sinterklaasintocht Leiden (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.nl (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in The Hague: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in The Hague?

For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in The Hague, each on its host’s own page: Piet Do Day (Pieten-doe-dag) (Delft), Sinterklaas Arrival in Delft (Sinterklaasintocht Delft) (Delft), Sinterklaas Show at WZH Hoge Veld (Ages 3+) (Sinterklaasvoorstelling in WZH Hoge Veld) and 9 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in The Hague?

Yes, 9 of the 12 events here are free: Piet Do Day (Pieten-doe-dag) (Delft), Sinterklaas Arrival in Delft (Sinterklaasintocht Delft) (Delft), Sinterklaas Show at WZH Hoge Veld (Ages 3+) (Sinterklaasvoorstelling in WZH Hoge Veld) and 6 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in The Hague?

Where to see Santa: Piet Do Day (Pieten-doe-dag) (Delft), Sinterklaas Arrival in Delft (Sinterklaasintocht Delft) (Delft), Sinterklaas Show at WZH Hoge Veld (Ages 3+) (Sinterklaasvoorstelling in WZH Hoge Veld) and 6 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in The Hague?

Christmas story times on this page: Kids Workshop: Sinterklaas Has the Rijmelaritis with Yvon van Oel (Kinderworkshop: Sinterklaas heeft de Rijmelaritis met Yvon van Oel), Story Fun at the City Farm (Ages 4+) (Voorleespret op de Stadsboerderij) and Sinterklaas House in the Waag (Huis van Sinterklaas in de Waag) (Leiden). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in The Hague

In The Hague the season starts at the harbor of Scheveningen, where Sinterklaas sails in on the Pakjesboot 070 and rides a horse through the city. In December there is a market with about a hundred wooden chalets and a Christmas circus in a heated tent. Here is what to expect with kids.

How The Hague celebrates, and what is different for visitors

Every year on a Saturday in mid-November, the Pakjesboot 070 sails into the Tweede Haven in Scheveningen. The mayor and the Spanish ambassador welcome Sinterklaas, and then he rides his horse through the city to the Denneweg. In 2025 it was the 78th time he arrived in Scheveningen, and about 200,000 children and parents lined the route.

Scheveningen has hosted the national televised arrival too, on November 20, 1976.

In December the mood shifts to Christmas: the Royal Christmas Fair on the Lange Voorhout, a circus on the Malieveld, and winter fun at Madurodam. For a visiting family this is a seaside city where you can see Sinterklaas at the harbor and still be home in time for Christmas lights.

Traditions your child will meet: the boat, the horse and the green Pieten

Sinterklaas is the Dutch gift bringer. He arrives by boat and then rides a horse, accompanied by Pieten (his helpers) and lancers, with music and plenty of treats thrown to the crowd, including mandarins. Bring a bag for everything your child catches.

In 2026 two Pieten in green suits walk along with gluten-free treats, for children who cannot eat regular sweets. Kids with a gluten allergy can spot them easily in the crowd.

In December the Royal Christmas Fair has about a hundred wooden chalets, children's choirs, storytellers and Father Christmas on almost every day. Open fires and thousands of LED lights make it best after dark.

Planning a Christmas visit to The Hague with kids

The season on this page starts on Saturday, November 14, 2026, when Sinterklaas arrives in Scheveningen from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. The same day there are arrivals in Leiden, Leidschendam and Voorburg, and a week later, on November 21, Delft welcomes him. Those are all free street events.

Through late November and early December there are several free, smaller activities: library story times and crafts, a Pieten activity afternoon in Delft on November 28, Sinterklaas's house in Leiden's Waag from November 21 to December 2, and a sing-along party for ages 2 to 8 in Delft on December 2. Some need registration.

From December 18 to January 3 the Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag plays on the Malieveld in a heated tent, twice a day. The Royal Christmas Fair on the Lange Voorhout is free too, but its 2026 dates are not listed here, so check the official site. Most events are in Dutch.

Christmas trees that became bonfires

After Christmas, Scheveningen has a second tradition. In the 1940s and 1950s young people collected Christmas trees for bonfires in their own neighborhoods, which was actually not allowed. Collecting the trees was called rausen.

Later there was one big bonfire on the Noorderstrand, with the neighboring Duindorp as a friendly rival on the Zuiderstrand. Since January 2015 the Scheveningen bonfire has been on the Dutch list of intangible heritage.

Traditions today

  • The arrival at the Tweede Haven: The Pakjesboot 070 sails into the harbor of Scheveningen and Sinterklaas rides his horse through the city to the Denneweg. In 2026 it is on November 14 and free to watch.
  • The Royal Christmas Fair on the Lange Voorhout: A free Christmas market with about a hundred wooden chalets, children's choirs, storytellers and Father Christmas on almost every day. The 2025 edition was the tenth.
  • The Christmas circus on the Malieveld: A circus in a heated tent near Den Haag Centraal. In 2025 it was the 25th edition, and in 2026 it opens on December 18.
  • Winter weeks at Madurodam: The miniature park is lit with tens of thousands of lights during the Christmas holidays, with fires for roasting marshmallows and a winter treasure hunt for kids.
  • Ice skating on the Kurhausplein: In winter an ice rink opens on the Kurhausplein in Scheveningen.
  • Beach bonfires: At the turn of the year, tall stacks of pallets burn on the beaches of Scheveningen and Duindorp, a tradition that started with Christmas trees.

A fact for kids

At the Sinterklaas arrival in The Hague in 2026 two Pieten in green suits walk along with gluten-free sweets, for kids who cannot eat regular ones.

Questions about Christmas in The Hague

Is The Hague worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. Sinterklaas arrives at the Scheveningen harbor by boat and rides a horse through the city, and in December there is a free Christmas market and a Christmas circus in a heated tent. Madurodam also has winter weeks with lights.

When does Sinterklaas arrive in The Hague in 2026?

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the Tweede Haven of Scheveningen. The harbor program runs from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and is followed by a procession through The Hague's shopping streets. It is free to watch, and getting a spot early helps.

What happened at the Sinterklaas arrival in The Hague in 2025?

On Saturday, November 15, 2025 a Kidz DJ performed first, the Pakjesboot 070 sailed in at 11:15 am, and at 12:30 pm Sinterklaas rode his horse toward the Denneweg. About 200,000 children and parents watched along the route. The procession reached the Denneweg around 4:30 pm.

Who welcomes Sinterklaas in Scheveningen?

The mayor of The Hague together with the Spanish ambassador. For 2026 a local broadcaster names Mayor Jan van Zanen. After the welcome on stage, Sinterklaas climbs on his horse for the ride through the city.

How do you get to the Sinterklaas arrival in Scheveningen without a car?

By tram, bus or bike. The organizers advise against driving because the harbor area gets very busy. Several tram and bus lines run to Scheveningen from Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag Hollands Spoor. You can also watch from the city along the route, for example near the Denneweg at the end.

Has the national Sinterklaas arrival been in The Hague?

Yes, in Scheveningen on November 20, 1976, the national arrival was held and shown on television. Apart from that, The Hague has its own arrival every year in the Tweede Haven. In 2025 it was the 78th time.

Why are there green Pieten at the arrival in The Hague?

Two Pieten in green suits walk along in 2026 with gluten-free treats, for children with a gluten allergy. The green suits make them easy to find in the crowd. Tell your child beforehand to look for them if regular sweets are off the menu.

What should we bring to the Sinterklaas arrival?

A bag for treats. Sinterklaas comes with Pieten and lancers, and plenty of sweets and mandarins are handed out along the harbor and the route. Dress warmly too, since you will be standing outside by the sea.

Are there Sinterklaas arrivals near The Hague?

Yes. On November 14, 2026 Sinterklaas also arrives in Leiden, at the Leidschendam lock and in Voorburg. Delft follows a week later, on November 21. All of them are free street events, and Leidschendam starts early, at 9:45 am.

What is the Pieten activity day in Delft?

The Pieten-doe-dag on Delft's Markt on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, is a free afternoon with games and a Piet diploma. It is a good option for kids who want to try being a Piet.

What is Sinterklaas's house in Leiden?

The Huis van Sinterklaas in Leiden's Waag is open daily from November 21 to December 2, 2026, from noon to 5:00 pm. Kids can meet Sinterklaas, do crafts and hear stories.

When is the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague?

In 2025, for its tenth edition, it ran from December 4 to 23, daily from noon to 9:00 pm, on the Lange Voorhout. The 2026 dates are not listed on this page, so check the official site. It has about a hundred wooden chalets with handmade gifts, food and warm drinks.

Is the Royal Christmas Fair free?

Yes, entry is free, and it is a walk from Den Haag Centraal. In 2025 there were entrances near the Kloosterkerk, Hotel Des Indes on the Denneweg and the American Embassy on the Korte Voorhout.

Can kids meet Father Christmas at the Royal Christmas Fair?

Yes. According to the city's tourism site, Father Christmas drops by almost every day. There are also daily Christmas artists, children's choirs, storytellers and separate kids' activities. Open fires and thousands of LED lights make it prettiest after dark.

When does the Christmas circus start in The Hague in 2026?

The Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag runs from December 18, 2026 to January 3, 2027 on the Malieveld, near Den Haag Centraal. Shows are daily at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm. Tickets range from 21.90 to 59.90 euros; kids ages 3 to 11 pay 21.90 to 56.90 euros, and under-threes on a lap are free.

Is the circus tent in The Hague heated?

Yes. The Groot Kerstcircus is in a heated tent with comfortable seats and Christmas decorations, which helps with small children. The program includes aerial acrobatics, shadow art, a laser and LED show, juggling and clowns, with live singing and dancing.

How long has the Christmas circus been in The Hague?

The 2025 edition was the 25th, starting on December 19, 2025, with jugglers, aerial acrobats and fast costume changes. The circus also played on Christmas Day.

What is there for kids at Madurodam in winter?

During the Christmas holidays the miniature park is lit with tens of thousands of lights. There are fires for roasting marshmallows and a winter treasure hunt for children.

Can kids go ice skating in The Hague?

Yes. In winter an ice rink opens on the Kurhausplein in Scheveningen. No dates are listed here, so check before you go.

What is the Scheveningen bonfire?

It is a New Year's Eve tradition that started in the 1940s and 1950s with Christmas tree fires in different neighborhoods of Scheveningen. Today one shared bonfire burns on the Noorderstrand, and Duindorp lights its own on the Zuiderstrand. It has been on the Dutch heritage list since January 2015.

What does rausen mean?

Rausen is the Scheveningen word for collecting Christmas trees for the bonfire. In the 1940s and 1950s young people went around the neighborhood after Christmas to gather as many trees as they could. It also created friendly rivalry between neighborhoods.

What Sinterklaas activities are there for young children at libraries in The Hague?

On Wednesday, November 25, 2026 there is a free picture book reading and craft workshop for ages 4 to 7 at the Scheveningen library, and a story time for ages 4 and up at the Stadsboerderij Op den Dijk. On December 2 a free marionette show for ages 3 to 8 plays at WZH Hoge Veld. Registration is needed for all of them.

Are there free Christmas events in The Hague?

Yes, many. The arrivals in Scheveningen, Leiden, Leidschendam, Voorburg and Delft are free, as are the library activities and the Pieten day in Delft. The Royal Christmas Fair is also free to enter. The circus needs tickets.

Are Christmas events in The Hague in English?

Most events are in Dutch, including the Sinterklaas story times and shows. Parades, the market and the circus are easy to enjoy without Dutch. If you need English, check with the host.

Sources

  1. Landelijke intocht van Sinterklaas, Wikipedia
  2. Sinterklaasintocht Den Haag 2025: dit is het programma, Omroep Rodi Den Haag
  3. Sinterklaas intocht Den Haag: dit is het programma in de haven en de route in de stad, Omroep Rodi Den Haag
  4. Intocht Sinterklaas Den Haag, The Hague & Partners (denhaag.com)
  5. Arrival of Saint Nicholas, Scheveningen.com
  6. Experience the magic of the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague, The Holland Times
  7. Royal Christmas Fair op Lange Voorhout in Den Haag, The Hague & Partners (denhaag.com)
  8. 2025 Royal Christmas Fair The Hague, The Hague Online
  9. Christmas Circus The Hague, IamExpat
  10. Groot Kerstcircus Den Haag, The Hague & Partners (denhaag.com)
  11. Vreugdevuur Scheveningen Noorderstrand, Kenniscentrum Immaterieel Erfgoed Nederland
  12. Vanavond al vreugdevuren in Scheveningen en Duindorp, morgen te veel wind, NOS
  13. Winter in Den Haag met kinderen, Kidsproof Den Haag
Kelsey Cecil
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