Loving Christmas markets? Have a royal winter in The Hague and Scheveningen

Christmas magic between city, art and sea

The Hague might not be the first city you think of for a winter getaway, but that's precisely what makes it so surprising. During the Christmas season, the city unfolds as an elegant winter destination where space, greenery, art, and the sea converge. Add Scheveningen – accessible by historic tram – and you have a unique city break that effortlessly combines urban grandeur with fresh sea air.

The Hague is the largest seaside city in the Netherlands , with no less than 11 kilometers of coastline , wide sandy beaches, dunes, and expansive parks. From the city center, you can reach the beach in 15 minutes . Moreover, the city is centrally located between Rotterdam (25 minutes) and Amsterdam (45 minutes) , making it ideal for a short winter break.

We travel comfortably by train from Antwerp. A smooth combination of Eurostar and Dutch Railways takes us to the heart of The Hague in just over an hour – relaxing, traffic-free, and perfect for a city break.

Christmas lunch at Harper op de Plaats

We begin our visit with lunch at Harper op de Plaats , where the Christmas season immediately becomes palpable. We're seated by the fireplace, surrounded by festive decorations. With a delicious lunch and a glass of wine, we feel: the Royal Winter has begun .

Spend the night in style at Voco The Hague

Within walking distance, we drop off our suitcases at Voco The Hague , a stately hotel housed in a former bank. The welcome is warm and professional. Our room is spacious and stylish, with a wardrobe shaped like an old suitcase as its centerpiece – a subtle nod to travel and history.

The location is ideal: within five minutes you are in the Hofkwartier , one of the most pleasant neighborhoods in The Hague.

The Hofkwartier & The Passage

Christmas shops, lights and history

Although the Binnenhof is currently undergoing restoration, The Hague has come up with a creative solution. A temporary staircase still offers a beautiful view of the Binnenhof and the city – although it wobbles slightly at the top.

We continue our walk to De Passage , a covered arcade full of shops and eateries, beautifully decorated with a large Christmas tree. In the Hofkwartier district itself, we stroll past boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, where Christmas lights create an extra festive atmosphere. This is winter walking at its finest.

Take the historic tram to Scheveningen

From city to sea

In the afternoon, we'll board the historic tram to Scheveningen. The tram is 65 years old , and along the way, a guide will share fascinating stories about the city and its history. A unique experience for only €5 per person .

We disembark at the iconic Kurhaus . Inside, we admire the imposing hall, the red staircases, and the large Christmas tree that further enhances the grandeur. On the other side, we emerge onto Scheveningen's beach promenade .

Winter at the seaside: fire baskets, ice skating and light shows

What makes Scheveningen so special in winter are the beach cafes and restaurants with fires where you can warm up. We enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine , while the sea air reddens our cheeks.

There's an ice skating and curling rink on the square in front of the Kurhaus. For €7.50 , we rent skates and—after a somewhat wobbly start—glide merrily on the ice, with Christmas music playing in the background.

From 5 p.m., the lights will come on. A dancing light projection will be projected onto the Kurhaus: magical, wintry, and utterly enchanting. We'll conclude with a stroll along the pier , while the sea glistens darkly below us.

Dinner in the harbor of Scheveningen

For dinner, we head to the harbor, where atmospheric lighting on moored boats creates a warm winter evening. At Areia Wine & Seafood Bar, we enjoy a Christmas menu with tuna tartare, fresh sea bream fillet , and a chocolate dessert. The accompanying white Riesling wine completes the experience. Afterward, we're back at our hotel by bus in just half an hour.

Day 2 – Masterpieces in The Hague

Art, royal tea and panoramas

After a leisurely breakfast, we stroll along the water to the Mauritshuis . A large Christmas tree stands in front of the entrance, perfectly fitting for the festive season. Inside, we admire world-famous works such as Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and Rembrandt's "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp ." The galleries and the view of the Binnenhof alone make this museum a must-see.

High Tea at Hotel Des Indes

Royal enjoyment

Instead of a traditional lunch, we opt for high tea at Hotel Des Indes , a member of The Leading Hotels of the World . Originally built as a baron's residence, it later became a favorite of kings and world stars.

In the beautifully decorated tearoom we enjoy:

• a glass of bubbles

• white tea from China, green tea from Japan and an exclusive Christmas tea

• savory snacks such as duck breast and salmon

• a sweet ending with scones and pastries

An experience that fits perfectly with the theme Have a Royal Winter .

Panorama Mesdag

A hidden gem

The Panorama Mesdag completely surprises us. After climbing a short, dark spiral staircase, you suddenly find yourself in a 360° painting of Scheveningen in 1881. At 120 meters long and 14 meters high, it feels like you're literally stepping into the painting. It depicts Scheveningen as it was in 1881. A truly fascinating and historically significant work. Elsewhere in the museum, you can visit several rooms with other works by Mesdag and his wife Sientje. Highly recommended and one of the most underrated museums in The Hague.

Dinner & Royal Winter Fair

In the evening, we dine at Papa Steak , a charming restaurant where quality is paramount. We share a 400-gram Papa ribeye steak , perfectly prepared and served with Stroganoff and red wine sauce. The wine list is extensive, and the atmosphere is convivial.

On the way to the hotel, we stroll past the Royal Winter Fair , The Hague's premier Christmas market. Lights, stalls, poffertjes (Dutch pancakes), mulled wine, and even an après-ski tent make for a festive finale.

At the Voco The Hague hotel we have another cocktail in Ultramarijn , where the old vault door of the bank building forms an impressive backdrop.

Day 3 – A quiet, wintery ending in The Hague

After two days full of impressions, we opt for a late, relaxed breakfast on our last morning. No rush today, as The Hague also invites you to explore at a more leisurely pace.

We're heading back to the Royal Christmas Fair , this time during the day. What a difference from the night before: no crowds, no lines, but plenty of space to really see, taste, and enjoy. We stroll past the stalls, browse handmade Christmas decorations, and pick up a few unique gifts to take home .

We hesitated for a moment about lunch – the selection was tempting – but in the end, the scones from De Rolling Scones won out. And rightly so. We were served a warm apple and cinnamon scone with real clotted cream and strawberry jam . Winter comfort food, perfect for this balmy end of the day.

With cold cheeks but warm hands, we dive into the city one last time. For coffee, we choose Grandcafé De Haagse Bluf , a charming 16th-century building. The name refers to a typical Hague dessert made with berry juice, sugar, and egg white – light, airy, and surprising. With a cappuccino in front of us and the buzz of the city in the background, we realize: this is exactly how we want to remember The Hague.

Practical information – The Hague & Scheveningen

• Location: largest seaside city in the Netherlands

• Coastline: 11 km of sandy beach, dunes and nature

• From center to beach: ±15 minutes

• Art & culture: Mauritshuis, Panorama Mesdag, among others

• Accessibility:

  • Train Antwerp → Rotterdam → The Hague

  • Travel time: just over 1 hour

• Ideal period: December for Christmas markets, light shows & winter atmosphere, but also in other seasons a nice combination of city and sea

• Hotel: Voco The Hague (central & stylish)

Why The Hague & Scheveningen are perfect for a winter city trip

The Hague and Scheveningen together form a surprisingly strong winter destination. The combination of regal architecture, top museums, Christmas markets, and a beach within walking distance makes this city unique in the Netherlands. Thanks to its easy accessibility by train, wide range of hotels, and atmospheric winter activities, The Hague is ideal for a short city break during the Christmas season .

Whether you love art, gastronomy or winter seascapes: The Hague in winter proves that a city break can also feel warm, elegant and relaxing.