Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Hague Royal Christmas Fair, Delft Pottery and Amsterdam Light Festival
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Amsterdam Light Festival - Swans ©Jon Voss
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Royal Delft Pottery
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The Hague, Netherlands
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The Hague Noordeinde Palace, working palace of King Willem Alexander, with the statue of William of Orange ©The Hague & Partners, Jurjen Drenth
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Holland’s most beautiful Christmas market takes place in the historic centre of The Hague where you will see dozens of Christmas houses, thousands of LED lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine and an almost daily visit from the one and only Santa Claus.
During the dark winter months of December and January, the open-air light exhibition ‘Light Festival Amsterdam‘ transforms the Amsterdam canals into a unique canvas for light art with more than 20 wondrous works of art on show on a route along Amsterdam’s canals.
Dates
On request
Suggested Itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque and continue your journey through France and Belgium and on to The Hague, in Holland. After check-in, dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Royal Delft and the Royal Hague Christmas Fair
After breakfast, make the short drive to nearby Delft for a visit to the factory museum of Royal Delft Blue Pottery where you can see the production process and admire the craftsmanship of the artists as they paint the high quality porcelain. At the end of the tour there is the option to make some festive purchases from their on site shop. After the visit explore Delft at leisure and get some lunch. Historical landmarks include the New Church and the Old Church both of which feature stunning architecture. The famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, was born in the city and you can learn about his life and works at various museums and galleries. Delft is also known for its picturesque canals and charming cobbled streets. Return to The Hague in the afternoon.
The Royal Christmas Fair usually opens around 12.00 noon but the best time to see the lights and get into the festive spirit is early evening as it is going dark. It is located in the historic heart of The Hague in the middle of the Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace, embassies, museums and attractive shopping areas such as the Denneweg, the Plaats and the Plein.
With dozens of Christmas houses, thousands of LED lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine and an almost daily visit from the one and only Santa Claus, this 19-day Christmas market is a real highlight. The special programming with Christmas choirs, storytellers, children’s activities and musical performances also makes this Christmas market well worth a visit and entrance is free!
Day 3
Amsterdam and the Light Festival
Depart after breakfast for a full day to explore this cosmopolitan city, stroll along the tree-lined canals and preserved 17th century gabled houses. During the day, Amsterdam has plenty to offer. It is awash with museums and galleries for those with an interest in art such as the incomparable Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s House or the Rijksmuseum. Or why not engage in a Heineken experience? During the month of December the city also has an Ice Village with an ice rink and the main exhibition centre will become a winter-wonderland (to be confirmed for 2026).
In the early evening Amsterdam comes even more alive with its Light Festival. During a 1.1/4 hour cruise along the canals you will see light sculptures created by leading artists and beautifully illuminated buildings and bridges in this outdoor light exhibition. After the cruise, why not sit in one of the many canal side cafes, bars or restaurants and watch the water glisten with the reflected lights before heading back to the hotel.
The light festival usually takes place from end November – mid January (2026/2027 dates to be confirmed) and are open from about 5.00pm – 10.00 or 11.00pm daily).
Day 4
Return to UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais or Dunkerque for the ferry across to the UK, and home.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| From £ per person | £ per person |
Note: The Amsterdam Light Festival continues into January and Greatdays can tailor-make a specific tour to feature this event.
