Delft Enlightened
8 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Lights throughout the city, Christmas trees several metres tall, a cosy ice rink and the scent of hot chocolate and mulled wine wafting through the streets. Winter is perhaps the most atmospheric season of the year.
During Delft Verlicht, you can stroll through beautifully lit streets, discover music and theatre in unexpected places and pop into a knus café or restaurant to warm up. The shops join in too: festively decorated, full of gifts and treats perfect for the December month.
Celebrating winter together
Whether you stroll through the city with friends, family or your date: Delft Verlicht makes the holidays extra special. It is the perfect time to make new memories together and let yourself be completely taken away by Delft's winter charm.
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Calendar of Delft Illuminated
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Christmas holidays
This page will be updated shortly
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28th Annual Light Evening
During Delft Verlicht, there is something going on in the city centre every day. From Lichtjesavond and winter markets to music, theatre and creative activities in squares, streets and canals. Some events have set times, others you will encounter spontaneously while strolling through the city.
In the overview below you will find all Delft Verlicht events. So you can see at a glance what is on when and choose for yourself how you want to experience winter in Delft.
These events have already been listed - 8 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
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Lights for Delft, a memorial service on 1 November
Lights for Delft, a memorial service on 1 November
Sunday 1 November
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Join in the singing at the ‘Lichtjesavond’ at the Lutheran Church on Noordeinde
Join in the singing at the ‘Lichtjesavond’ at the Lutheran Church on Noordeinde
Tuesday 8 December
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Singing by two project choirs in the garden of the Sociëteit het Meisjeshuis
Singing by two project choirs in the garden of the Sociëteit het Meisjeshuis
Tuesday 8 December
Delft Illuminated: a complete winter experience
During Delft Verlicht, the city comes alive. The lights and events create magic, and besides that, there is so much more to experience. As you stroll along the twinkling canals and squares, you will discover festively decorated shops, cafés and restaurants full of winter cosiness and places where you can immerse yourself in the charm of the season.
Make it a complete experience: combine your visit to the city with a round of shopping for the holidays, get pampered by the city's culinary hotspots and end your visit with an overnight stay in a knus hotel or B&B. This way, Delft Verlicht becomes more than an evening, it becomes a memory that stays with you.
Festive & culinary enjoyment
Whether you fancy a cosy lunchroom, a sumptuous Christmas dinner or a local winter beer in a cosy pub, you will always find the right place in Delft.
Let go of cooking and shopping for a while and indulge yourself in the atmospheric restaurants, cafés and bars. The enchanting ambiance of Delft Verlicht makes every bite and drink extra special.
Here you can taste and enjoy this winter
Shopping among the lights
Stroll along the festively lit canals and discover how much fun shopping in Delft can be. From unique boutiques and handmade jewellery to winter fashion and the perfect party dress, you'll find something special in Delft. The cosy streets and the creativity of local entrepreneurs make your shopping trip extra special.
Find your winter must-haves
Stay in winter Delft
Delft is simply too much fun for just one day, especially during Delft Illuminated. Stay a night and complete your experience! Choose from luxury hotels with modern facilities and top service or cosy bed & breakfasts where personal hospitality and local delicacies take centre stage.
Extend your visit with an overnight stay
During Delft Verlicht, it’s not just about events, but also about small gestures that make the city shine together. From the Delft December calendar and writing a card for a fellow resident to the illuminated ‘wishing heart’ at VVV Delft. These are activities that give you a moment to pause, get involved or make someone else happy. Join in whenever it suits you and contribute in your own way to a cosy December in Delft.
Please note: the overview below details the activities for Delft Verlicht 2025. We are currently working on a similar programme for 2026. Further information will follow shortly.
Together we make Delft shine - You don't want to miss these Delft Illuminated actions!
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Delft December calendar
From 1 December to 24 December
Win a fun Delft prize every day.
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Give a smile to a Delft resident
From 6 to 14 December
Write a Christmas card or colour a picture and put it in the purple Christmas tree letterbox at DOK library.
Delft Verlicht is an initiative of Stichting Delft Verlicht in cooperation with the Municipality of Delft, Delft Marketing, De Burgemeesters and dozens of culture makers, event organisers, entrepreneurs, public attractions and knowledge institutions in Delft. More information on how you, as a Delft partner or entrepreneur, can participate in Delft Verlicht can be found here.
Press enquiries and media
Are you a journalist or do you work for an editorial team? For press enquiries, interview requests or visual material, please contact our production team directly . We’ll provide you with all the necessary information, help you develop story angles and supply bespoke press material. In this way, we’ll work together to ensure that Delft Verlicht is given a wide platform.