When to visit The Hague?

The Hague is a perfect destination for a weekend trip at any time of the year. In summer, the extensive beaches beckon, and the attractive city center always has plenty to offer, as the rich history of the royal family and politics (The Hague is home to the Dutch Parliament) reveal their secrets at any given moment. And thanks to its many unique museums, The Hague is completely unseasonal.

Enjoy fresh beach air in January

Take a deep breath during a city trip and fill your lungs with fresh sea air? The Hague makes it possible! January is the perfect month to enjoy Winter Beach.

This starts already on 1. January on, when Scheveningen hosts the largest New Year's swimming in the Netherlands.

Alternate a walk on the beach with a visit to the many indoor attractions and visit for example SEA LIFE, the Omniversum, the Museon and the Panorama Mesdag. And in the city center, you can find bargains at De Bijenkorf or at one of the flagship stores of Zara, Berschka and H&M.

Not seen enough yet? The Hague is known for its cultural treasures and the works of great artists, from Escher to Mesdag and from Rembrandt to Vermeer to Mondriaan.
Another highlight is Writers Unlimited, the largest literary festival in the Netherlands, which always takes place in January.

Weekend trip in February

Immerse yourself in the origins of The Hague during a weekend trip, a short vacation in spring or a little time out for Valentine's Day.

Surprise your sweetheart for Valentine's Day with a homemade chocolate heart from Hop & Stork or take a romantic walk on the beach of Scheveningen.

Prodemos takes you through the corridors of the Tweede Kamer (Parliament), and thus through the political heart of the Netherlands. During a visit to the Escher Museum in het Paleis, see how Queen Emma once lived and worked in this winter palace.

Also recommended is a trip to the Peace Palace Visitor Center. See how people in this place are working to make the world a better place.

Every two years, two major festivals take place in February: Holland Dance Festival, the largest international dance festival in the Netherlands, and the following year CaDance, the premiere festival featuring works by young choreographers. Dance and dance also join hands in The Hague.

March is a great time to combine the city and the beach

Spring is just around the corner and the stores in downtown The Hague present their new collections.

The Hofkwartier breathes royal flair with the court suppliers located here, the Noordeinde Palace and streets like the Prinsestraat.

Tip: On the Lange Voorhout are the colorful crocuses in full bloom and you can snap wonderful spring pictures.

In March the beach bars are rebuilt in Scheveningen, in Kijkduin and on Zuiderstrand. Jump in your car, streetcar or bike at the first rays of sunshine and treat yourself to a coffee or a drink by the sea to kick off the spring season!

March is also the month for film lovers, as it is the month of the annual Movies that Matter international film and debate festival. And for the sports fans among us, every year there is the running event NN CPC Loop.

Tip: Only 30 km from The Hague is the most beautiful spring park in the world, the Keukenhof. Every year in March it opens its doors.

And for the sporty types there is every year the NN CPC Loop. Tip: Only 30 kilometers from The Hague is the most beautiful spring park in the world, Keukenhof, which always opens its doors in March.

The beach season starts in April

The beach season has started at The Hague beaches Scheveningen and Kijkduin! The beach bars opened their doors in March and now we are hoping for a few sunny weekends in April! With a little luck, people will soon be strolling along the boulevard again.
The view is also very nice, because on the beach there are walkers and kite surfers, people fly kites and still others do sports. Perfect for a nice long Easter weekend!

They prefer the city center? Then keep your eyes peeled, because if you sit on a terrace on the Plein, chances are you'll catch a glimpse of a member of parliament, a minister, or even someone from the royal family. On the eve of King's Day, the big free music festival Life I Live takes place in the city center – an experience to remember!

Tip: This month also sees the opening of the Japanese Garden on the Clingendael estate. This fantastic garden is only open six weeks a year and is home to many unique trees and plants.

The festival season starts in May

Experience the most beautiful festivals in The Hague! In May and June alone, there are more than 30 events on the schedule, including the Tong Tong Fair and the Liberation Festival. There is also a lot to experience in the culinary field: Rrrolling The Hague, The Hague Cocktail Week and the Dutch Beer Tasting Festival also take place in May.

This month also includes the May vacations, Ascension Day and Whitsun with additional vacation days.

There are also many fun things to do for parents with children: Visit one of the many amusement parks, build sandcastles together on the beach and spend the night in the vibrant city center or in Scheveningen with a magnificent sea view.

Summer fun in June

You are planning to come to The Hague for a few days? A good idea, because our city has the best of both worlds: City and beach! Stroll through the historic center or visit one of the many festivals. Explore the numerous museums or go on a hearty shopping spree. Tired? Then take off your shoes, put on your flip-flops and head to the beach for a refreshing beer! The latter is only 15 minutes away and easily accessible by public transport.

June is bursting with festivals and there is something for everyone, ranging from folklore to pop music. This, of course, includes Europe's largest free pop festival: Parkpop.

The biggest events in June are:

• Vlaggetjesdag Scheveningen
• Festival Classique
• Dutch Veterans Day
• Parkpop
• Shopping Night
• Architecture Day

July: Enjoy the open air

Summer has arrived in The Hague and now life is enjoyed outdoors. Glide through the canals in a boat, take a bike ride through the city or the dunes, go shopping or take a royal walk, catch your breath on a terrace in the city or play beach volleyball on the beach. The Hague, the city by the sea, invites to enjoy. With each other, with friends or with the children.

Tip: The Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen is a beautiful museum with a sculpture garden in a dune pan and adds a touch of culture to the beach. The fairy tale figures on the boulevard are also a real hit, as children are allowed to climb around on the bronze sculptures to their heart's content (and it costs nothing). Photographers love the shiny figures as a subject, especially when the sun sets in the background.

August, month of strolling and enjoyment

In summer you can take advantage of a fantastic range of excursions – how about the Ooievaart or a ride on the Tourist Tram, which takes you from the city to the sea, or a guided walking tour of the city, during which you will learn interesting facts about the court city?

Under the centuries-old lime trees of the stately Lange Voorhout, the cozy antique market is held in summer. Here you can buy truly exceptional pieces. Spend balmy summer evenings on secluded squares, in a hidden courtyard garden or on the expansive beach.

August also sees the mega-casual event "Jazz in the Gracht" and the large-scale "Scheveningen Fireworks Festival", which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.

September: the start of the cultural season

The Hague breathes culture, especially starting in September, when the cultural season kicks off again. After a weekend in The Hague, you can cross Vermeer, Rembrandt and Mondriaan off your bucket list. As well as modern dance, a literary festival, a visit to the Peace Palace and a tour of Parliament. So, that's a wrap!

The cultural season opens in September and during the Museum Night and The Hague UIT Festival you can be swept away by the creativity of the various museums and theaters. The end of the month is always marked by TodaysArt, a leading international event for contemporary art, music and technology.

In the international city of peace and justice thousands of people work for a better world. During the Just Peace Festival, international organizations open their doors to the public in September and learn what peace and justice mean for the city, the world and for yourself.

The Hague is a royal city and this will be shown once again in September. Because the third Tuesday in September is traditionally the Prinsjesdag – for more than 200 years! On this day, the parliamentary year is opened and this is accompanied by many traditions: King and Queen arrive in the Golden Carriage, the King reads the Speech from the Throne and the Minister of Finance has a suitcase with a secret paper in it: the budget for the coming year. And then there are the hats. The ladies wear hats on this day and that sometimes leads to bizarre scenes. Tip: Come a few days early and see the cavalry honor escort practicing on the beach and listen to the military band during a public noon concert.

City trip in October

You like culture? Then take a city break to The Hague this month! Whether you like modern art by Mondriaan or prefer the old Dutch masters and paintings like The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Like Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt or The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Vermeer. Admire the largest painting in the Netherlands at Panorama Mesdag and learn about the wondrous world of graphic artist Escher. All this awaits you in The Hague!

October is of course also the autumn vacations and for the kids there are all kinds of fun activities in The Hague, including during De Betovering (The Enchantment), the largest youth festival in the Netherlands.

Tip: October is the last month when most beach bars are open. So if the weather is good, you can still enjoy the fact that The Hague is by the sea!

November is waiting with great festivals

The Hague organizes many special festivals, for example Crossing Border, a music and literature festival with international appeal, which takes place every year in November. Plus, Sinterklaas (the Dutch St. Nicholas) arrives in Scheveningen harbor in November and ice skating enthusiasts can do their laps again this winter on the now famous 600 m2 ice skating rink on the Kurhausplein in Scheveningen.

December: shopping for the holidays

In winter The Hague is a very nice destination for a weekend vacation. Less than a 10-minute walk from the main train station, an impressive shopping paradise awaits you in the old city center. From trendy to haute couture, you'll always find something to your taste in The Hague!

Tip: Use our free cycling and walking routes to explore the city!

Get to know the Dutch painters Jan Steen, Rembrandt and Vermeer better, get lost in the palace of Escher and drink a cup of hot chocolate after a brisk walk on the beach.

In December, King Winter settles in the city center of The Hague. Stroll through the Royal Christmas Fair on Lange Voorhout during the holiday season, and be sure to have your picture taken in front of the giant Christmas tree in the arcade.

The Christmas vacations are really an excellent time for a city trip to The Hague. And while you're there … toast the new year in our city as well! New Year's Eve is always celebrated big here with a fireworks show and party around the Hofvijver.