1. Winter Efteling
The most magical place in the Netherlands is undoubtedly the Efteling: a phantasy-themed theme park, with elements from fairy tales, folklore, myths and legends. During the Winter Efteling, the park is even more enchanting, decorated with lights, campfires and other winter decorations. On the Warme Winter Weide (Warm Winter Meadow), you can even go ice skating or grab a delicious winter snack. I highly recommend the (veggie) Unox sausage roll!
Of course, you can also enjoy all the attractions, from thrilling rollercoasters to a fairytale ride in the Droomvlucht or a stroll through the Sprookjesbos (Fairytale Forest). Recently, the Dans Macabre has opened: a spooky attraction full of eerie twists and turns. Whatever you choose, each attraction tells its own story, in which you will be fully immersed.
2. Walibi
True rollercoaster fans need to head to Walibi. With almost 40 attractions, this theme park is the perfect destination for an adventurous day out with friends. A free fall from a height of 60 metres, a roller coaster with a speed of 106 km/hour or a wooden roller coaster over a kilometre long: the sensational rides in Walibi are guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush!
3. Doloris
Prefer to keep both feet on the ground? Then visit Doloris in Utrecht or Tilburg. This surreal art maze is an experience you won't forget. Here, you wander through over 40 rooms full of mysterious objects, art and hidden passageways. Still no idea what to expect? I would say: just go and see it for yourself ;).
4. Zoos in winter atmosphere
In winter, several zoos are even more fun:
- Burgers’ Zoo - Fantastic Fable Creatures. In addition to gorillas, elephants, and capybaras, Burgers’ Zoo features life-sized mythical creatures in winter. Scattered throughout the park, you can admire many well-known figures, such as the Minotaur or the Loch Ness monster. If you want to learn more about lesser-known creatures, such as tree nymphs or the mantichora, this is the right place too.
- Safaripark Beekse Bergen - Light Safari. In Safaripark Beekse Bergen, you can enjoy a special Light Safari. During a route along 11 magical worlds and more than 5,000 light figures in the dark, you'll feast your eyes!
- Ouwehands Zoo - Light Nights. You can also admire handmade light objects during Ouwehands Dierenpark's Light Nights. This light festival is open at night on Saturdays and during spring break.
5. Amsterdam Light Festival
During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the canals are adorned with beautiful light artworks created especially for this event. Follow the route on foot or by bike or book a spot on a canal boat to experience the city in an entirely new way. If you are planning to visit this light festival, act fast, as it is only open until 19 January!
6. Fabrique des Lumières
Prefer to admire a light show indoors? Then visit Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam. Here, the most beautiful works of art come to life on the enormous walls within the building. With visuals, sound and state-of-the-art technology, this immersive experience stimulates all your senses: a unique experience not to be missed!
7. Corpus
At Corpus, near Leiden, you take a journey through the human body. An escalator takes you to the knee, where your journey starts and you continue the tour towards the brain. Along the way, you will encounter gigantic organs and learn how the body works. It might sound very educational, but trust me, this interactive ’museum’ is absolutely worth the visit!
8. Paleis het Loo
Always wanted to know what life in a palace is like? During a visit to Paleis het Loo, you can see with your own eyes how the Dutch royal family lived. Stroll through the palace and its gardens and discover various exhibitions. It’s a perfect activity for a cultural day out!
9. Cuddling alpacas
With their warm, woolly fur, spending an afternoon cuddling alpacas is the ultimate winter activity. You can do this near Enschede at Way4you, Alpacafarm De Regge and Hoeve Zandbelt, among others. Besides cuddling, you can also take the alpacas for a walk or even book a high tea among them!
