What to Experience in Katwijk: Events & Activities
Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events in Katwijk and the surrounding region. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Arrival of Sinterklaas in Katwijk aan Zee
Every November, Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat in Katwijk aan Zee. From the Zwaaikom he makes his way with his Pieten, a parade and a brass band to the Zeezijde shopping area. A fun celebration for children, also when you are here on holiday. What can you expect at the arrival? - Arrival by steamboat: Sinterklaas ...
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Christmas market in Katwijk aan Zee
December
In December, the centre of Katwijk aan Zee is all about Christmas. At the Christmas market you will find more than 80 stalls with gifts, Christmas decorations, treats and products from local makers. What can you expect at the Christmas market? - Over 80 stalls: Gifts, decorations and treats. - Local makers: Products from ...
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2027
New Year's Day plunge
On the first on January the annual New Year's Dive (Polar Bear Plunge) is organized in Katwijk, which has been since 2000. This traditional event creates a lot of fun on several beaches each year on 1 January. Start: 15:00
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Shell Counting Day
During Shell Counting Day, we head en masse to the beaches to count shells! At the previous edition on Saturday 21 March 2026, around 190,000 shells were counted along the entire North Sea coast, more than 108,000 of them in the Netherlands. In 2027 there will be another count on various beaches in the Netherlands. The ...
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Flower parade of the 'Bollenstreek'
Every year in April, the Bloemencorso van de Bollenstreek (flower parade) follows its route of just over 40 kilometres from Noordwijk to Haarlem. The parade leaves Noordwijk in the morning and arrives in Haarlem in the evening. What can you expect? - Floats: Some twenty large floats and more than thirty cars decorated ...
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Funfair in Katwijk aan zee
End April
The Funfair in Katwijk aan Zee is an annual festival that entertains both young and old with a multitude of attractions. Situated in the beautiful South Holland seaside resort, the 9-day funfair provides entertainment for everyone. What can you expect at the Funfair in Katwijk aan Zee? - Diverse Attractions: From the clas ...
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Huis van Oranje
Every year around King’s Day, the Huis van Oranje at the Strandplein in Katwijk guarantees several days of celebration, music and good vibes. In a large festival tent by the sea, enjoy performances, dancing, singing and Katwijk traditions for all ages. The dates and programme for 2027 will be announced on the website of ...
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Lifeboat Day
Each year, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) opens the doors of its rescue stations during the annual Lifeboat Day. This event offers a unique opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes. What's on at Lifeboat Day? - Educational Activities: Learn all about the rescue work and the equipment used, ...
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National Mill Day
The National Windmill Day, held annually on a weekend in May, is the perfect opportunity to admire hundreds of working windmills across the Netherlands up close. Since 1973, this event has celebrated our country’s rich windmill heritage and paid tribute to these iconic structures. What can you expect during the National ...
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Horse Market in Rijnsburg
The Horse Market in Rijnsburg is an annual event filled with tradition and conviviality. This historic village festival attracts visitors from far and wide and offers a wide range of activities for young and old alike. What can you expect at the Horse Market in Rijnsburg? - The Horse Market: On Wednesday, the ...
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Market
Eind juni tot en met eind augustus
During the months of June, July, and August, the centre streets Voorstraat & Princestraat of Katwijk aan Zee host a Tourist Market every Tuesday for 10 weeks. - Diverse Offering: With over 130 stalls, there is something for everyone. Discover fresh local products, unique souvenirs, and artisanal delicacies. - Fresh ...
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SAR Katwijk
Early July
The Katwijk Rescue Brigade organizes a big rescue demonstration. This event, SAR Katwijk, is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) of its kind in the Netherlands. All the 'Search and Rescue' participants show off their skills and knowledge. In addition to the organizing rescue brigade also the Royal Navy, Royal Air ...
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Haringrock
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Haringrock is the open-air festival on the Katwijk Boulevard. This multi-day festival offers a unique stage for Katwijk bands and musicians and promises an unforgettable experience full of music and conviviality. Why you shouldn't miss Haringrock: - Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live performances from local and ...
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North Sea Summer Festival
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Discover the North Sea Summer Festival (Noordzee Zomerfestival), a vibrant event offering nine days of activities on the beautiful beach of Katwijk aan Zee. This festival, held annually since 2003, attracts over 25,000 visitors with its diverse program, making it the largest free event in the region. What to Expect at the ...
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Flower Parade
2nd Saturday of August
The annual Flower Parade is a colourful spectacle that takes place every year at the beginning of August and is a feast for all the senses. This moving flower theatre attracts thousands of visitors to Rijnsburg, Katwijk and Noordwijk to enjoy stunning flower creations and lively performances. What can you expect during ...
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Oranjedance
Every August, Katwijk aan den Rijn comes alive during Oranjedance, the ultimate dance festival that forms part of the vibrant Autumn Festivities. This annual event draws around 8,000 partygoers and promises an energetic vibe, danceable beats and summery vibes. What can you expect at Oranjedance? - Top DJs: Get ready for a ...
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Oranjerock
Every year at the end of August, the Duinvallei in Katwijk hosts Oranjerock. This open-air festival, organised by the Oranjevereniging Katwijk, brings well-known Dutch artists and local Katwijk bands together for a Saturday full of music. What can you expect at Oranjerock? - Two stages: The main stage features well-known ...
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Valkenburg Horse Market
Ever since 840, the Valkenburg Horse Market, affectionately called 'Dé Mart' by locals, has been drawing visitors and horse enthusiasts from all over The Netherlands. Holding the title of the country's oldest Horse Market, it represents a centuries-old tradition in Valkenburg (South Holland). This historical event takes ...
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Open Monuments Day in Katwijk
Second Saturday and / or second Sunday in September
Every year, on a weekend in September, many monuments in the Netherlands open their doors to the public. The participating monuments in Katwijk can be recognised by the Open Monuments Day flag, with the logo as depicted here. It offers the rare opportunity to visit historical buildings, churches, windmills, residences, and ma ...
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National Museum Week
The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. From historical artefacts to ...
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Duin en Bollen Vierdaagse
Are you ready for an unforgettable walking experience through the beautiful Duin- en Bollenstreek in the heart of South Holland? The Duin en Bollen Vierdaagse offers the most beautiful walking routes in the Netherlands, all in four days! This young walking event takes you through the charming villages of Hillegom, Lisse, ...
