In December, Delft changes. The canals light up, a giant Christmas tree rises on the Markt and the city centre fills with music and market stalls. Small enough to explore on foot. Big enough to keep you busy for a few days. But when should you go? Where do you park? And where do you eat at Christmas? In this blog you’ll find everything you need to know about Christmas in Delft.
When is Christmas in Delft?
Christmas in Delft starts on Tuesday 8 December 2026. True to Delft tradition, that’s when the lights on the Christmas tree on the Markt are switched on during Lichtjesavond (Evening of Lights). It also kicks off Delft Illuminated (Delft Verlicht), the winter festival that runs until Sunday 3 January 2027. For almost four weeks, the city is all about light. Expect concerts, Christmas walks, theatre performances and activities for children. You’ll find the full 2026 programme at delftverlicht.info.
Lichtjesavond Delft 2026
Lichtjesavond is the biggest Christmas moment of the year in Delft. On Tuesday 8 December, the whole city centre fills up. Last year, the organisers expected around 50,000 visitors. The beating heart of the evening is the Markt, where the Christmas tree is lit.
Last year, the programme ran from 4 pm to 10 pm, with light shows from City Hall, live music and street theatre all over town. A few tips to get the evening off to a good start:
- Arrive early. Especially around the light shows, the Markt is packed shoulder to shoulder.
- Don’t drive into the centre. Car parks fill up early in the evening.
- Come by bike. And use a bicycle parking facility, such as the one at Vesteplein or at Delft station.
- Book your dinner. On Lichtjesavond, restaurants in the city centre fill up fast.
Christmas market and winter outings in Delft
On Lichtjesavond, market stalls line the city centre. With Christmas gifts, mulled wine, hot chocolate and wintry snacks. But don’t worry, there’s plenty to do after Lichtjesavond too.
- Stroll along the canals. After sunset, the Oude Delft, the Voldersgracht and the streets around the Markt are at their most beautiful.
- Visit the Nieuwe Kerk or the Oude Kerk. In December, they often host special Christmas concerts.
- Head indoors when it rains. Museum Prinsenhof, the Vermeer Centrum and Royal Delft are all within walking distance.
Please note: opening hours often change around Christmas. Check the website of a museum or shop before you go.
Prefer a smaller Christmas market? On Wednesday 16 December, the Lichtpuntjes Vrijenban-Wippolder Christmas market takes place on the grounds next to Hotel Delft Centre. From 12 noon to 6 pm, you’ll find stalls full of last-minute Christmas gifts, and there’s plenty for children to do. Admission is free. The market is made possible by the Vrijenban-Wippolder business association.
Christmas dinner in Delft
Eating out in Delft at Christmas? Book early. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are the busiest (and cosiest) evenings of the year, and many restaurants serve a set Christmas menu.
On Christmas Day, you dine at restaurant Swing on the first floor, with a view over the centre of Delft. The kitchen is Dutch-French and works with fresh produce. At Christmas, we serve a special Christmas dinner.
Staying overnight in Delft at Christmas
If you really want to see all of Delft, stay the night. The days are cosy, but the lights only come on in the evening. And after Christmas dinner, the last thing you want is a drive home. You’d much rather sleep in one of our rooms. Hotel Delft Centre is located on Koepoortplaats, on the edge of the city centre. Within a few minutes, you’re walking into the old town. City Hall and the Markt are about a six-minute walk away.
How do you get to Hotel Delft Centre?
Easy. Hotel Delft Centre is on the edge of the city centre, so you can get here by car, train, tram, bus or bike..
| Transport | Practical |
|---|---|
| Car | A13, exit 9 (Delft), towards Oostpoortweg. You park in the Marktgarage. |
| Train | Delft station is about 1 km away. It’s around a 20-minute walk through the old town to the hotel. |
| Tram | Tram 1 (from Scheveningen and The Hague) and tram 19 (from Leidschendam) run to Delft. Get off at the Prinsenhof stop and walk through the city centre to the hotel. |
| Bus | Line 60 stops close to the hotel. Plan your journey via 9292.nl. |
| Bike | Park your bike safely at the hotel. No bike with you? Rent one at reception and explore Delft like a local. |
Parking in Delft over Christmas
Driving into the centre of Delft? Don’t count on a spot along the canal. Much of the parking in the centre is reserved for permit holders, and the streets in the old town are narrow.
Staying with us makes it simple. You check in, drop your luggage in your room and park your car in the Marktgarage, a few minutes from the hotel. Part of the garage is reserved for permit holders, but as a hotel guest you can park there too. Then you leave the car and do everything on foot.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas in Delft
When is Lichtjesavond in Delft 2026?
Lichtjesavond is on Tuesday 8 December 2026. That evening, the Christmas tree on the Markt is lit and Delft Illuminated begins. A festive season we in Delft are all rather proud of.
Is there a Christmas market in Delft?
Yes. On Lichtjesavond (8 December), market stalls line the entire city centre. On Wednesday 16 December, there’s the small-scale Lichtpuntjes Vrijenban-Wippolder Christmas market, from 12 noon to 6 pm on the grounds next to Hotel Delft Centre. Free to visit, with stalls and activities for children.
How long does Delft Illuminated last?
Delft Illuminated runs from 8 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027. Long enough to enjoy it to the full. And yet always over too soon.
Is Lichtjesavond free?
Yes. There’s no entrance fee. Of course, you’ll pay for tasty snacks, mulled wine or that special Christmas present for your mother-in-law.
Is Lichtjesavond fun with children?
Definitely. There’s a special opening for children at the start of the evening, and children’s choirs and activities throughout the city. With young children, it’s best to go early. Later in the evening, it’s often too busy for little ones.
Where do I park in Delft at Christmas?
Parking in the centre is tricky. Many spaces are reserved for permit holders. On Lichtjesavond, the car parks fill up early. Come by train, or stay with us and park in the Marktgarage, close to the hotel.
What’s open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
Most restaurants are open with a Christmas menu. Many shops and museums have adjusted opening hours. Always check the website beforehand, so you don’t end up in front of a closed door.
