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deWill you come winter boating at De Drait?
When the temperature drops and nature is wrapped in quiet winter beauty, boating takes on a whole new character. During winter sailing you can enjoy the tranquillity and the stunning panoramic views unfolding across the Frisian waters. Of course, it’s also great to plan an activity or visit an event during your holiday. Or would you prefer to enjoy a tasty bite and a drink at one of the many waterfront restaurants? Celebrate the holidays at De Drait and come winter boating! In this blog you’ll find our tips for holiday-season events, as well as other outings and the best restaurants along the water.
Would you rather sail in the early season? Then read our early-season sailing offer here.
Event at Christmas
Christmas markets are a well-known tradition in Germany, where they usually start at the end of November. Did you know that there are several Christmas markets in Friesland, too? Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular Christmas markets and other festive events in Friesland:
Sneek
On the weekend of 13 and 14 December, Christmas is in full swing in Sneek during the XMAS event. On Saturday 13 December, a Christmas Choir Festival takes place from 14:00–17:00, and Santa Claus will be festively welcomed during the Christmas parade starting at 16:00. On Sunday 14 December, Sneek hosts a shopping Sunday, and a cosy Christmas market will be organised from 12:00 to 18:00 in the city centre. Enjoy street theatre, live music and delicious treats as you stroll through Sneek’s festive atmosphere.
Bolsward
On Friday 19 December, the most charming Christmas market awaits you in the 11 picturesque streets of Bolsward, filled with treats, music and unique gifts. On Saturday 20 December, you can take a ride on the horse-drawn sleigh and listen to music from the “music bike”, and on Sunday 21 December there is a shopping Sunday with a fun Santa Bingo! Make sure to visit the ‘Winter in Bolsward’ event from 19 to 21 December.
Joure
On Friday 19 December, you’ll find a cosy ‘Wintermerke’ on the Midstraat in Joure. Experience winter activities and admire the many beautifully lit LED trees. Enjoy traditional winter snacks and drinks at the food trucks and restaurants, and shop for lovely items to take home.
Op vrijdag 19 december vind je een gezellige aan de Midstraat in Joure. Beleef winterse activiteiten en verwonder je bij de vele met led verlichte bomen. Geniet van ‘koek en zopie’ bij de foodtrucks en restaurantjes en shop de leukste items om mee te nemen naar huis.
Harlingen
Harlingen hosts the annual Zoutsloter Kerstmarkt. This year, the market will take place on Saturday 13 December. The Zoutsloot canal forms the heart of this nostalgic Christmas market, which is considered the most atmospheric Christmas market in the north. You’ll find over a hundred stalls offering all kinds of goods and delicious treats.
In Harlingen vind je elk jaar de . Dit jaar vindt de kerstmarkt plaats op zaterdag 13 december. De Gracht de Zoutsloot is het hart van deze nostalgische kerstmarkt. Tevens wordt deze kerstmarkt als de meest sfeervolle kerstmarkt van het Noorden beschouwd. Je vindt hier ruim honderd kramen met verschillende koopwaar en lekkernijen.
Langweer
‘Wintersfeer’ Wintersfeer is a charming winter fair in Langweer on Saturday 6 December from 12:00 onwards. Here you’ll find regional products and fun Christmas gifts. The cosy winter terrace offers typical winter snacks and live music.
Leeuwarden
On 13 and 14 December, Leeuwarden hosts a Christmas market in the Blokhuispoort. In this former prison, Christmas takes centre stage with more than sixty stalls, live music, a Christmas train for kids, and a food court.
Drachten
In Drachten, there’s a lovely Christmas market at the petting zoo De Naturij. On Saturday 13 December between 14:00 and 19:00 there is plenty to see and do at Friesland’s biggest and most enjoyable play park—highly recommended for families with young children! During the Christmas market, several stands will be offering fun items to browse and buy.
Woudsend
Kryst yn Wâldsein (Woudsend in Christmas Spirit) is an event held on Friday 12 December from 16:00 to 21:00. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with music in the streets, and visit the churches and the famous Woudsend windmills, which will be open to the public.
TIP: Planning to dine out during the Christmas holidays? Many restaurants in the region offer special Christmas menus. It’s wise to book early, as restaurants tend to fill up quickly during the festive season.
New Year’s Eve
Various events are organised in the region for New Year’s Eve. And of course, fireworks are set off in several towns and cities. Spend New Year’s Eve at one of the Marrekrite mooring spots in Friesland, where you can watch the fireworks displays of surrounding villages and towns. Or dock in one of the harbours to admire the fireworks up close.
Dining out on New Year’s Eve? Keep in mind that many restaurants close early so their staff can celebrate New Year’s Eve as well. Want to dine out on New Year’s Day? Make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
New Year’s Dive
Start the new year with a splash and join a New Year’s Dive! Jump into the refreshing water straight from your boat, or take part in one of the organised dives, such as the Nieuwjaarsduik in Lemmer.
Other activities and sights in Friesland.
During the winter season, there’s plenty to do in Friesland! Even in bad weather, you won’t get bored. Below you’ll find some of our tips:
Subtropical swimming pool Swimfun Joure
This indoor swimming paradise is the perfect place for a day full of water fun. Enjoy the subtropical warmth and the exciting and relaxing attractions. The pool offers fun for all ages. Click here for more information about Swimfun.
Elfstedenhal Leeuwarden
If you think of Friesland, you think of the Elfstedentocht — the legendary 200-kilometre ice skating tour held in harsh winter conditions. Unfortunately, this tour hasn’t been held since 1997 because the winters haven’t been cold enough. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy some ice fun in Friesland. Go ice skating at the Elfstedenhal in Leeuwarden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, there’s plenty of fun on the ice. Click here for more information about the Elfstedenhal.
UNESCO World Heritage Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal Lemmer
The Woudagemaal is the largest still-operational steam pumping station in the world and dates back to 1920. Since 1998, it has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage. When the water levels rise too high, the Woudagemaal is put back into operation to keep Friesland dry. Visit the Woudagemaal to learn about this historical pumping station — past and present — as well as climate change and water management. Click here for more information about the Woudagemaal.
Fries Museum Leeuwarden
The Fries Museum is enjoyable for all ages and is located in the heart of the vibrant city of Leeuwarden. Discover everything about Frisian art, the origins of the Frisian landscape and stories of famous Frisians such as Grutte Pier and Mata Hari. Part of the Fries Museum is the Fries Verzetsmuseum, which shows how the people of Friesland experienced life during the war years 1940–1945. Click here for more information about the Fries Museum.
Nice weather and prefer to go outdoors?
AquaZoo Leeuwarden
AquaZoo is the zoo of the North. Come face-to-face with tigers, polar bears and crocodiles. With plenty of play and climbing areas for children and educational presentations by the animal keepers, this zoo is perfect for a family day out. Click here for more information about AquaZoo.
Miniature people Leeuwarden
If you see people staring at a tiny ledge in a wall in Leeuwarden, there’s a good chance some Miniature People are hiding there. What started as an artistic project has become one of the most fun routes for families: the Miniature People Route. There are 53 locations with a total of 67 scenes throughout the city centre. Can you find them all? Google Maps offers an overview of all locations. You can choose your own starting and ending points. Prefer a paper map? For €2.00 you can buy a route leaflet at several spots in Leeuwarden (check here). Click here for more information about Miniature People Leeuwarden.
Restaurants in Friesland
Friesland is full of great restaurants and cafés in its towns and villages — and also around the water. When the sun is shining, you can relax on one of the lovely waterfront terraces. Here’s a list of some of our favourite restaurants and terraces by (or near) the water:
-Princenhof Hotel & Restaurant – Eernewoude;
-Hotel-Restaurant Ie-Sicht – De Veenhoop;
-Het Theehuis – Grou;
-Paviljoen PrikMar – Grou;
-’t Schippershuis – Terherne;
-Paviljoen SALT – Terherne;
-Picknickers – Terherne;
-Beachclub Sneek – Sneek;
-Café Restaurant ‘De Kajuit’ – Sneek;
-Café Restaurant de Watersport – Woudsend;
-Kerk-Restaurant ‘t Ponkje – Woudsend;
-De Pleats – Woudsend;
-Restaurant d’Ald Wal – Heeg;
-Paviljoen Restaurant Badmeester Keimpe – Balk;
-De Mallemok – Sloten;
-SPOT – Langweer;
-Fem aan het Dok – Lemmer;
-Pizzeria Ristorante La Gondola – Lemmer.
Boating in the early season
Would you like to start spring off right and discover Friesland by boat? Click here to check out our attractive early-season rates. You can already rent a yacht for just €1000 (including mandatory extras). Experience the peace, space and fresh energy of the boating season before everyone sets out on the water. Enjoy the ultimate freedom on the Frisian lakes with these excellent early-season prices.
Wil jij het vroege voorjaar goed beginnen en Friesland per boot ontdekken? Bekijk dan de aantrekkelijke tarieven voor het varen in het voorseizoen. Zo huur je al een jacht voor slechts €1000 (incl. verplichte extra’s). Beleef de rust, ruimte en frisse energie van het vaarseizoen nog vóór iedereen het water op gaat. Geniet met deze aantrekkelijke voorseizoenstarieven van de ultieme vrijheid op de Friese meren.
