What to do if you’re stuck in Tilburg over the winter break
Can’t make it back home for Christmas and not quite sure how to spend the winter break? Here’s a list of the absolute best things to do if you’re stuck in Tilburg over the holidays.
Winter Efteling
The Efteling is an absolute must-see in the Netherlands, especially during winter. This 494-acre theme park near Tilburg lets you escape in a fantasy world of myths, magic, fairytales and folklore. Most rides are open during the winter months. In addition, you will find thousands of lights, bonfires, and an ice palace in the park, making it all the more enchanting. Make sure you see the Aquanura water show after dark.
Efteling, Fatamorgana
Where: Kaatsheuvel
When: 14 November until 31 January
Costs: €34,50 if you buy your ticket online
Tilburg Winter Fairground
Tilburg is famous for its 10-day-long summer funfair held in July each year. This year, the fair will be organized in winter for the first time. The winter edition isn’t as big as the summer fairground, but there’s still plenty to do. You can enjoy the swing ride on Piusplein, win prizes at the shooting gallery on Paleisring, eat cotton candy at De Katterug and kiss under the mistletoe on the Heuvel. There will also be a Christmas market on Piusplein and Paleisring, opened daily from 13:00 o’clock, and from 11:00 o’clock on Saturday.
Winterkermis Tilburg
Where: Tilburg city center
When: 21 December until 8 January
Costs: free admission
Schouwburg
From opera and jazz performances to contemporary dance and comedy: the Schouwburg’s winter programming spans all tastes and genres. Some of the December highlights: ballet performance Pablo by Scapino Rotterdam, Elvis tribute show I’ll be home for Christmas, and Charkov Staats Ballet Theater’s production of the Swan Lake. Don’t miss the free concert given by Peter Beets and the Northern European Jazz Orchestra on December 22nd.
Concertzaal Tilburg
Where: Schouwburgring. Tilburg
When: Daily
Costs: Ticket prices vary
Ireen Wüst ice skating rink
Although the ice hasn’t been thick enough to hold the traditional ice skating marathon ‘de Elfstedentocht’ since 1997, the Dutch love ice skating. In Tilburg, you can hit the ice in Stappengoor – no matter the weather – at the Ireen Wüst indoor ice skating rink. With a skating surface of 400 square meters, there’s plenty of space to impress your date. It’s also possible to take lessons.
Ireen Wüst ice skating rink
Where: Stroomlaan, Tilburg
When: Opened daily
Costs: Entrance €6,40, skate rental from €4,25
Dunes of Loon and Drunen
The Dunes of Loon and Drunen only a short busride away from Tilburg, and definitely worth a visit. This national park is also called the ‘Brabant Sahara’, and covers an area of about 30 square kilometers. It’s perfect for a long, relaxing winter walk in nature. The dunes are home to many animal and bird species. You might spot a deer or a badger!
The Dunes of Loon and Drunen
Where: Drunen
When: All year round
Costs: Free
Museum De Pont
De Pont is a museum for contemporary art, housed in a former woolspinning mill. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also holds temporary exhibitions. Currently on view are Mark Wallinger’s exhibition Race, Class, Sex, David Claerbout’s FUTURE , Hester Oerlemans’ and René Daniels’ Remain in Light and I’ll Close My Eyes by Callum Innes.
Museum De Pont, Mark Wallinger exhibition
Where: Wilhelminapark, Tilburg
When: Opened Tuesday through Sunday
Costs: Student entrance €5
Amsterdam Light Festival
Have you seen it all in Tilburg? In that case, the winter break provides the perfect opportunity to plan a daytrip to Amsterdam. Strolling alongside the canals is even more magical during the winter months, when the annual Amsterdam Light Festival takes place in the heart of the city. The walking route Illumide takes you past 23 spectacular light artworks and installations made by different contemporary artists. But the best part of spending the day in Amsterdam: taking the train back to Tilburg!
Amsterdam Light Festival
Where: Amsterdam
When: December 15 until January 8
Costs: Free (with guide: from €15)
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