The starting point for your day trip to the Schoorlse Duinen is the Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen. There you’ll find exhibitions, and it serves as the starting point for activities and hiking trails. A variety of activities are organized there!

The Alkmaar Blues Festival is one of the largest and most beloved music festivals in the region. The festival attracts well-known blues artists from all over the world and offers visitors a weekend full of live music and good vibes. The festival takes place every year in downtown Alkmaar, and the performances are held at various venues, ranging from intimate cafés to larger venues.

Every year on 8 October, Alkmaar celebrates Alkmaars Ontzet, commemorating the city’s liberation in 1573 during the Eighty Years’ War. After a siege lasting several weeks, the Spanish troops were forced to withdraw, an event that became known as the origin of the famous saying: ‘Van Alkmaar de Victorie.’ On this day, the city is completely taken over by festivities, with parades, music, historical re-enactments, markets and the traditional sauerkraut meal. It is one of the largest and most popular city festivals in North Holland.

From Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 25, 2026, the artists’ village of Bergen and Bergen aan Zee will once again be completely dedicated to art. More than 300 artists, galleries, and emerging talents will showcase their work at over 130 locations, ranging from museums and studios to cafés, restaurants, shops, hotels, gardens, and private homes.

The 12th edition of the Fjoertoer Egmond will take place on Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28, 2026. During this popular, magical evening walking event, thousands of participants will walk through Egmond and Heiloo, passing spectacular light, fire, and sound installations. The official theme for the 2026 edition is “Fjoer World Toer.”

The traditional Christmas Market in Bergen is one of the most atmospheric winter events in North Holland. Around the distinctive Ruïnekerk, you’ll find around 50 festively decorated Christmas stalls selling gifts, local produce, Christmas decorations and winter treats. Whilst sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine, you can enjoy live music, twinkling lights and a cosy Christmas atmosphere. The market attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers a complete winter outing for young and old alike. Immerse yourself in Bergen’s warm Christmas atmosphere during the annual Christmas market around the Ruïnekerk. Stroll past atmospheric stalls, sample winter treats and enjoy music, lights and a cosy atmosphere in the heart of this artistic village.