Local events

Step back in time to 19th-century England during the Dickens Festival in Deventer. In the historic Bergkwartier district, more than 900 characters from Charles Dickens’ famous stories come to life. Meet iconic figures such as Scrooge, Oliver Twist and the Christmas Carol Singers as you stroll through atmospheric, illuminated streets filled with music, street theatre, crafts and winter treats. For one weekend, the entire district is transformed into a living open-air theatre where visitors can imagine themselves in a different era. The Dickens Festival takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026 and is one of the best-known and most-visited Christmas events in the Netherlands.

During the Winterfestijn, Zutphen is transformed into a true winter spectacle. On this day you can enjoy atmospheric shopping in the city center, enjoy the best Christmas stalls, live music, the best street theater, attractions for children and food trucks. Sunday, December 13rd is the best day of the year for young and old. The streets and stores are decorated with thousands of lights and Christmas trees. On the heated terraces you will enjoy the most delicious food and drinks, and at the Christmas market you will find the nicest surprises and atmospheric Christmas accessories. Rather fancy some excitement? Go in one of the attractions and look out over Zutphen from a great height or glide across the ice on the Zaadmarkt. Winterfestijn is open from 12:00 to 18:00 and is free to enter. Are you ready for a magical day out in Zutphen?