6 Must See Annual Events In Haarlem’s Grote Markt
We’ve called Haarlem, Netherlands home for the past two years and during that time, we’ve grown to love some of the amazing annual events that take place in the historic Haarlem Grote Markt. The city square is gorgeous on a normal weekend, but visit when the tulips are in bloom or
The first year we lived in Haarlem, we missed a number of the events because we just didn’t hear about them. So to help anyone new to Haarlem, here are the events in downtown Haarlem you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Haarlem Netherlands is host to some great annual events. If you’re visiting Netherlands, get ready to head to Haarlem for these great events:
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Where is Haarlem’s Grote Markt?
Address: Grote Markt 22, 2011 DR, Haarlem, Netherlands
How To Get There: From Haarlem Train Station, take the exits south and walk along Kruisweg street. Keep going straight and you’ll run right into Grote Markt.
The Annual Events In Haarlem’s Grote Markt Not To Miss
Fun Fair
For two weeks in April, Grote Markt is taken over by carnival rides and games. Favorite retro fairground attractions fill the square and everyone heads over for a ride, spin, or turn. This was probably my daughter’s favorite event of the year.
Tulpenpluktuin | Tulip Garden
While Amsterdam hosts a pick-your-own tulip event earlier in the year, Haarlem’s Grote Markt hosts one that is more intimate, but no less fun. 40,000 tulips in crates create a small garden in Grote Markt each April.
If you make a purchase from a local vendor selling their wares the day of the event, take the receipt over to the tulip garden and you can enter to pick tulips for free.
Bloemencorso | Bulb Flower Parade
When: The last weekend of April
The largest spring festival in the Netherlands, the event dates back to the post-war era and continues to celebrate the heritage and flower-culture of the country. A parade of flower-covered floats sets off from Noordwijk and ends on Saturday night 42km north in Haarlem.
If you’re night owls, staying up until the parade arrives is fun. If you’re not, visit on Sunday to see them all set up along the street. Try to get there as early as you can because it gets very busy, but it’s worth the trip! There are some just gorgeous flower-covered displays to enjoy.
King’s Day
Come out to celebrate the king’s birthday on April 27. Dress up in orange, the national color, so you’re not left out. If you head out, what you’ll find is flea markets all over from parks to squares. It’s a national tradition. This is the one day in the year that anyone, even with out a license, can set up shop and sell their wares, their used goods, and more. What do you have to sell?
Sinterklaas’ Arrival
Arriving by boat from Spain, St. Nicholas arrives, takes a seat upon a steed and rides in to be welcomed by families at Grote Markt each November. Usually this happens in mid-November, the first Saturday after the 11th of the month and it is very exciting.
Watch on the television as Sinterklaas arrives on the river Spaarne via a parcel boat called the Pakjesboot 12, a red and black steamboat that was built in 1910. After disembarking near the Teylers Hofje and Moden de Adrianna, Sinterklaas starts to ride through the city and this is when you should be out the door and headed to the town square.
The excitement is real, the children are in good spirits, there are songs being sung, and Sinterklaas’ assistants, called Zwarte Piet, hand out little spiced cookies called pepernoten biscuits.
Haarlem Kertmarkt | Haarlem Christmas Market
Along the streets that lead to and surround Grote Markt and Botermarkt stalls with food, Christmas decor, and toys and gifts are set up for the masses. The crowds are big, but the food is good and the gifts adorable.
Be sure to look out for the Christmas brass bands that move around singing carols and of course Santa Claus and his elves who will happily take photos with you. The Christmas Market Haarlem is one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands and it is a fun way to spend a day in Haarlem.
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