Seasons and events · winter 2026
Haarlem in November and December: a city to fall in love with
A personal winter welcome from Paul and Priscilla van der Werff
The magic of Haarlem in winter
There is something special about Haarlem as the days grow shorter. Its historic streets glow with warm lights, shop windows are dressed for the holidays, and restaurants feel even more inviting. The city is preparing for one of the loveliest times of the year.
My wife Priscilla and I have welcomed guests from all over the world to City Attic Haarlem since 2017, right in the historic centre. Guests often ask me when they should visit Haarlem. My answer? Haarlem is wonderful year-round, but November and December have a special kind of magic!
November: culture, charm and discoveries
November is a lovely time to explore Haarlem at a relaxed pace. Stroll across the Grote Markt, admire the magnificent St Bavo’s Church and browse the independent boutiques of the Golden Streets.
Art lovers should not miss the Frans Hals Museum or Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. My wife Priscilla is an artist, so the creative spirit of our city means a great deal to us.
Towards the end of November, the first Christmas decorations appear. There is plenty to explore beyond the city, too. The Castle Christmas Fair at Duin & Kruidberg estate in Santpoort is scheduled for 24–29 November 2026. And don’t forget the coast! A brisk winter walk at Bloemendaal or Zandvoort, followed by hot chocolate, is a real treat.
December: Haarlem’s famous Christmas market
December may be Haarlem’s most atmospheric month. Thousands of lights illuminate the centre, and the festive spirit is everywhere. The highlight is the Haarlem Christmas Market, scheduled for 11–13 December 2026.
Hundreds of stalls fill the historic streets with gifts, artisan products, seasonal treats and warming drinks. Music, choirs and sparkling decorations add to the celebration. The Grote Markt, framed by the impressive St Bavo’s Church, is a picture-perfect setting.
Best of all, you can walk straight to the market from City Attic Haarlem! My tip: make a long weekend of it. Soak up the atmosphere, explore the independent shops and finish the day with a wonderful dinner.
Dining in Haarlem: my personal favourites
Hospitality and restaurants have always been a big part of my life. Having spent many years working in Haarlem’s hospitality scene, I love sharing favourite places with our guests.
For a special evening, Restaurant ML, Ratatouille Food & Wine by the Spaarne and Restaurant Mano are excellent options. Restaurant Bastiaan on Lange Veerstraat also deserves a place on my list.
For Indonesian food, I recommend Restaurant De Lachende Javaan, known for Indonesian dishes, delicious rijsttafel meals and a warm welcome. Haarlem also has plenty of inviting bistros, wine bars and smaller restaurants. We are always happy to offer our guests personal dining suggestions.
Theatre, music and winter excursions
Haarlem has a lively cultural calendar in winter. PHIL Haarlem and the Stadsschouwburg regularly host concerts and theatre performances. IJSTIJD Haarlem at the Lichtfabriek is also scheduled to begin on 12 December, with seasonal activities such as skating and curling.
Prefer the outdoors? The dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park are beautiful in winter. Amsterdam is also just a short journey away, so you can easily combine Haarlem’s relaxed charm with a day in the capital.
Promo code: #Winteractie
Our exclusive winter offers
To make November and December even more appealing, Priscilla and I have put together some special offers.
November Special – 15% off
Stay in November from Sunday through Thursday and enjoy an incredible 15% discount on our regular nightly rate. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy our luxury apartment in the heart of Haarlem for less.
December Special – 10% off
Book a stay of at least three nights in December and receive 10% off your stay. That gives you plenty of time to explore the beautifully illuminated city.
Christmas Market Special – 11–13 December
We offer special rates on request for the popular Christmas market weekend. Stay right in the festive city centre, within easy walking distance of the celebrations.
Festive Stay – a seasonal surprise
For stays of at least three nights, we will also prepare a festive surprise in the apartment.
How to claim our winter offers
Our special winter discounts are available only when you book directly with City Attic Haarlem. Be sure to include the promotional code #Winteractie in your booking request. We can apply the discount only when this code is mentioned. All offers are subject to availability and their applicable terms.
A warm welcome to City Attic Haarlem
For Priscilla and me, City Attic Haarlem is much more than a luxury apartment. It is our way of sharing our love of Haarlem with guests from around the world.
Whether you’re planning a romantic break, a cultural city escape or a visit to the famous Christmas market, come and discover Haarlem in winter! Priscilla and I look forward to welcoming you.
Warm winter wishes,
Paul and Priscilla van der Werff