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CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, the holiday spirit takes hold across the Netherlands. One of the most magical ways to embrace winter is by visiting theme parks transformed into sparkling winter wonderlands. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top parks in the Netherlands that celebrate the season with everything you need to plan your trip.
Winter Efteling — A Timeless Tradition
Efteling has long been celebrated for its fairy-tale ambiance and timeless charm. Each winter, the park transforms into a cozy winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations, glowing lights, seasonal treats, and special entertainment.
For 2025–2026, Winter Efteling runs from 10 November 2025 through 1 February 2026. On weekdays the park typically opens around 11:00, while weekends and holiday periods often start at 10:00 and during the Christmas break some evenings the magic lingers until 20:00.
Expect to wander under twinkling lights along the “Warme Winter Weide,” glide over the outdoor ice rink, stroll through festively decorated areas like the Pardoes Promenade and the Sprookjesbos — now extra wintery — and enjoy seasonal shows and warm winter snacks by firepits. Almost all regular attractions remain open (weather permitting), so you can still experience the park’s full magic even in winter.
Light Safari — A Glowing Winter Adventure
Light Safari at Beekse Bergen has quickly become one of the most magical winter experiences in the Netherlands. Each evening, the safari park transforms into an illuminated wonderland, filled with glowing animals, shimmering plants, and dazzling light sculptures that turn the natural surroundings into a breathtaking nighttime journey.
Instead of rides or fairy-tale scenes, Light Safari celebrates the beauty of nature through art, light, and atmosphere making it a completely different type of winter outing, and one perfect for families, couples, and photography lovers.
For the 2025–2026 season, Light Safari runs from 7 December 2025 through 25 February 2026.
The event is open Thursday to Sunday, with daily openings during school holidays. These evenings usually run from early dusk into the night, giving you plenty of time to wander the illuminated route at your own pace.
Walibi Bright Nights — Thrills in a Sea of Light
If you think Walibi Holland is only about speed, drops, and screams, Bright Nights will surprise you. During the Christmas holiday, the park turns into a glowing playground where coasters and thrill rides are wrapped in lasers, light effects, and music. As dusk falls, thousands of twinkling lights switch on and the atmosphere shifts from “day at a theme park” to “nighttime spectacle.”
What makes Bright Nights feel so different is the mix: you can chase adrenaline on “Rides with Lights,” but also slow down in winter-themed areas like the Winter Village (think cosy vibes, treats, and family-friendly activities). And even if you skip the rides, there’s still plenty to see with light shows and entertainment throughout the park.
For the 2025–2026 season, Bright Nights runs on selected dates: 20–23 December 2025, 26–30 December 2025, and 2–4 January 2026. On these days, Walibi is open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, giving you daylight hours and a full evening of lights
Winter Feelings — Toverland’s Twinkling Winter Wonderland
Winter Feelings at Toverland is the kind of event that makes you forget you’re in a theme park in winter — in the best way. As soon as the sun starts to set, the park glows with countless sparkling lights, warm winter décor, and cosy music, turning Toverland’s six worlds into one big, glowing evening stroll… with roller coasters.
What makes Winter Feelings extra special is that it’s both outdoor and indoor. So even if the weather isn’t perfect, you can still dive into adventures inside the covered areas — and then step back out into the winter atmosphere again. The heart of the event is Port Laguna, transformed into Winter Laguna: a lively hotspot full of winter activities, festive vibes, treats to warm you up, and heart-warming entertainment throughout the park.
For the 2025–2026 season, Winter Feelings runs from 22 November 2025 through 18 January 2026. It takes place on Wednesdays and weekends, plus every day during the Christmas holidays — with longer evenings in that holiday period, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the lights at your own pace.
Opening hours (as shared by Toverland):
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Weekends: 11:00–19:00
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Wednesdays: 11:00–18:00
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Christmas holidays: 11:00–20:00 (with some exceptions, like 1 January and holiday Wednesdays closing at 18:00)