Winter in Zandvoort, our tips!

The cosiest time of the year is coming up again. Even in the colder months Zandvoort has plenty to offer. In this blog we share our best tips for Zandvoort in winter!

Ice skating and more in the centre

The centre of Zandvoort aan Zee is also worth a visit in the winter months. At the end of November a Winter Fair is organised, a cosy market in winter atmosphere.
From mid-December, you can skate by the sea at the ice rink on the Raadhuisplein in the centre of Zandvoort. Here you will find a cosy ice rink complete with skate rental, typical wintery Dutch food and drinks, curling competitions and Disco on Ice.

Atmospheric restaurants and pavilions

A dinner at the seaside is the ideal way to end a great day. And when the days get shorter, the cosiness inside rises with atmospheric decorations, lights, candles… Many restaurants in Zandvoort offer a special Christmas menu during the December month, which is extra lavish! At Renato’s in Bloemendaal aan Zee, they organise three atmospheric Christmas markets in December with food stalls, a winter terrace, Christmas atmosphere, music & fun. Also check out our overview of beach pavilions that are opened year-round in Zandvoort!

Wintery walks

Going to Zandvoort during the Christmas holidays? Zandvoort and its surroundings are overflowing with beautiful walking areas. Take a winter walk on the beach and then sit down at one of the beach pavilions that are open all year round. For even more hiking and nature, head to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park or the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes. There are various walking routes through a varied dune landscape.

Explore Haarlem

Close to Zandvoort is the city of Haarlem, which is even more beautiful from November onwards thanks to all the lights and beautifully decorated shop windows. As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it is incredibly atmospheric. Visit a museum, go on a festive shopping spree or go Christmas-gift shopping. Feel like sitting down for a drink or bite? Take a seat at one of the many cafes and restaurants around the Grote Markt square. The Christmas market in Haarlem is organised the second weekend of December and is one of the most festive in the Netherlands and winds throughout Haarlem.

New Year’s Dive

For those who want to start fresh after the whole festive month, there is of course the traditional New Year’s dive! Zandvoort aan Zee has the oldest New Year’s dive in the Netherlands. Every year since 1960, a growing number of fanatics have been rinsing off the old year and welcoming the New Year in the sea (believe us, it isn’t warm). Prior to the dive, there is a supervised warm-up to fun music and at 14:00 everyone takes a dip in the sea. Afterwards, you will receive a hot cup of Dutch pea soup and a certificate.

Warm and dry indoor activities

Winter is of course at its best when it is crisp outside with lots of sun, or when it snow falls down so gently and the beach turns white… But what to do when it’s raining, windy or event hailing outside? On days like that, the Circuit (opposite Beachhouse Hotel) offers solace. That’s because here you will find Racesquare, where you can virtually race against each other on the circuit! Our team tried it out and found it very cool! Zandvoort also has a fun Escape Room and there is plenty to do for young and old at the ‘Circus Zandvoort‘.

Beachhouse Hotel during the Christmas holidays

Do you also fancy a winter beach stay in Zandvoort? Check out our rooms and book a long weekend away on the beach!