December is a good time to discover a different side of The Hague. From 3 to 23 December 2026, the historic Lange Voorhout turns into the Royal Christmas Fair: a long, atmospheric Christmas market right in the centre of the city.
The setting is hard to beat. The fair takes place on one of The Hague’s most beautiful historic avenues, surrounded by old trees, elegant buildings, museums, embassies and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. No ticket is needed: entrance to the Royal Christmas Fair is completely free.
For three weeks, almost a hundred Christmas houses line the Lange Voorhout. You can browse handmade products, Christmas decorations, gifts and seasonal food, while thousands of lights, open fires and the smell of mulled wine create a warm winter atmosphere. It is the kind of place where you can simply wander around without a plan.
And there is more than shopping. Throughout the fair there are Christmas choirs, musicians, storytellers, children’s activities and other performances. Santa makes regular appearances, making the fair just as enjoyable for families as it is for couples, friends or colleagues.
One of the nicest things about the Royal Christmas Fair is its location. You can easily combine a visit with some of the best-known places in The Hague. Walk from the fair towards Noordeinde Palace, explore the shops and cafés around Denneweg and the historic city centre, visit a museum, or continue towards Plein and the Grote Markt area. You can even make a day of it and head to Scheveningen afterwards for a walk along the beach.
For expats, the fair is also an easy way to experience something distinctly Dutch. Christmas in the Netherlands has its own traditions, but The Hague is an international city, so you will find a relaxed mix of locals, international residents and visitors. You do not need to know anything about Dutch Christmas customs to enjoy it. Come for a drink, meet friends after work, bring the children, look for unusual gifts or simply enjoy the lights and atmosphere. The Royal Christmas Fair is open every day from 12:00 to 21:00. It is within walking distance of The Hague Central Station and is also easily reached by tram, bus or bicycle.
So if you are looking for something to do in December, put the Lange Voorhout on your list. You may come for the Christmas atmosphere, but there is a good chance you will leave having discovered a little more of The Hague as well.