Leiden is a university city of canals, old gabled houses and quiet lanes, and in December it becomes a particularly pretty place for a Christmas outing. The Leiden floating Christmas market is a smaller, more local alternative to the big markets in Germany or the crowded centre of Amsterdam.
What to expect
Christmas events in Leiden have in various years included stalls and decorated boats along the canals, with lights reflecting off the water and an atmosphere that is more friendly than commercial. The exact format, dates and location change from year to year, so check the official city and tourism pages before travelling, for example Visit Leiden.
What you can buy and eat
- Handmade gifts, candles, ceramics and small crafts.
- Hot chocolate, glühwein and mulled cider.
- Oliebollen, stroopwafels and poffertjes.
- Seasonal snacks like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.
Getting there from Amsterdam
Trains from Amsterdam Centraal or Schiphol reach Leiden Centraal in roughly 35 minutes, with frequent departures. The station is a ten-minute walk from the old centre, so you do not need a car.
Other things to do in Leiden
- The Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, with a warm greenhouse.
- The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden for ancient history.
- The Burcht van Leiden, a small hilltop fortress with city views.
- Museum De Lakenhal for art and local history.
- A canal cruise to see houses and bridges from the water.
Tips for the evening
Dress warmly, particularly near the water. Visit in the late afternoon so that you see the town in daylight and then with the lights on. Weekends are busier; weekday evenings are calmer.
Where to eat after
Leiden has a student population, so cafes, small restaurants and pubs are plenty and often affordable. Reserve ahead on Friday and Saturday nights in December.
Combine with the Hague or Haarlem
If you stay longer, trains connect Leiden to The Hague in around 15 minutes and Haarlem in about 20. It makes a good winter day trip loop.
Always double-check the dates of the market before you plan around it. For other seasonal travel ideas, see invisionfree.com.
Featured image: W. Bulach, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
