Group tour operator and DMC for the Netherlands
A Christmas Carol – Dickens Festival in the Netherlands
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Dickens Festival 2016, Deventer © Ronald Hissink
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Dickens Festival 2015, Deventer, Netherlands © Gerard Dubois
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Scrooge, Dicken Festival Deventer © Gerard Dubois
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Dickens Festival 2016, Deventer
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Dickens Festival 2016, Deventer © Ronald Hissink
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Dickens Festijn 2013 ©Foto PR Naamsvermelding Gerard Dubois
Delight in the festive spirit as Victorian England arrives in the Dutch town of Deventer
For one weekend each December, the town of Deventer in Holland travels back to the 19th century. For 2 days only, Charles Dickens’ worlds come to life in the picturesque Bergkwartier. Oliver Twist, Scrooge, Marley and Mr Pickwick, along with over 900 characters from Dickens’ famous books, will all be revived. The smells of punch, puffed potatoes and roasted chestnuts fill the air as beggars and thieves (not real!) roam the streets. Wealthy gentlemen in top hats parade through the streets and on Sunday, there’s a Christmas market to enjoy.
Christmas Carol Singers go from door to door. The scenery of the festival consists of historical buildings and houses, Christmas trees and thousands of little lights. The romantic Dickensian era reawakens, not only in the street, but also behind the windows, in the houses and in the little shops and galleries. On Sunday, there’s a Christmas Market in the main square with over 200 stands and choirs and orchestras fill the local churches with Christmas music. The cultural programme is full of orchestras and vocal ensembles. Furthermore, this wonderful and popular event is free to enjoy, although there may be a queue!
For more another magical Dickensian way to spend Christmas, check out our What the Dickens! tour to Shropshire.
Dates
December 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover for the short crossing to Calais before continuing to your hotel in Holland.
Day 2
Dickens Festival
The morning is spent in Deventer experiencing everything the Dickens Festival has to offer. Walk the streets smelling and tasting the 19th century and visit the local shops and galleries all decked out in 19th century decorations. The entry is free but there may be a queue to enter the festival. In the afternoon, perhaps visit Het Loo Palace and Gardens. A spectacular Palace with beautiful baroque style gardens, it is known as the ‘Versailles of the North’. At Christmas time it is transformed with Christmas decorations and ice skating rink. Alternatively, explore one of the charming nearby towns.
Please note Het Loo Palace is currently undergoing major renovations and only certain areas can be visited.
Day 3
Christmas Market at Dickens Festival
Return to the Dickens Festival today which now has a 200 stand Christmas Market in Deventer’s Main Square. Local churches have choirs and orchestras playing festive music to get you in the Christmas spirit. If you have your fill of Dickens then visit the local towns of Arnhem or Amersfoort for some local sightseeing.
Day 4
Departure
The time has come to leave the Netherlands. Begin your return journey to the UK, retracing your steps via Calais for your return ferry crossing to Dover.
Suggested Hotels
Best Western Baars, Harderwijk ****
Best Western Hotel Baars is a 4 star hotel, which has been a family owned business since 1875. Situated in the historic centre of Harderwijk, it’s just a 7 minute walk from the beach. The café-brasserie with its connected conservatory offers a bright setting for drinks, lunch and an à la carte dinner. The guest rooms offer coffee and tea facilities, telephone, digital television, and a safe. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Hotel Villa Vennendal, Nunspeet ****
Located around an hour east of Amsterdam, this hotel is located in the green, dense Veluwe area. Situated just outside the village of Nunspeet, it has easy access to Nunspeet Satation just a 5 minute walk away. The 4 star has an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, free coach-parking, concierge service, swimming pool, fitness centre, 24-hour reception.
You may also be interested in:
Three Countries Christmas Markets – Belgium, Germany & Holland
| 4 days / 3 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| December 2024 | Price on request | Price on request |
