Winter Canal Cruise from Leiden Christmas Market
Experience the magical winter atmosphere of Leiden from the water! Combine a visit to the cozy Leiden Christmas Market with an atmospheric winter canal cruise through the city’s historic canals.
About the Leiden Christmas Market
From December 11 to 20, 2026, the center of Leiden transforms into a charming winter village: the Nostalgic Christmas Market. On the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, the Hooglandse Kerkplein, and the Nieuwstraat, in the heart of Leiden, you will find wooden stalls full of winter decorations, cozy terraces, and food trucks with unique products from local entrepreneurs. Enjoy delicious dishes and warm drinks while the most beautiful street in Leiden is shrouded in Christmas atmosphere.
Nearby you will also find a floating ice rink, a nostalgic fair, and a brightly lit Christmas tree: all part of the Winter Wonder Weeks, Leiden’s winter program.
What’s included?
Cruise times during the Christmas Market
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December 11: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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December 12: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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December 13: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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December 17: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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December 18: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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December 19: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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December 20: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Practical information
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Departure point: Every half hour from the Christmas Market harbor, corner of Oude Rijn / Hooglandsekerkgracht
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Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
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Boat: Fully covered and heated
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Included: One glass of warm glühwein or a cup of hot chocolate per person
Prices
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Adults: €13.50 p.p.
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Students and seniors (65+): €12.50 p.p.
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Children up to 12 years: €8.50 p.p.
An atmospheric winter canal cruise
The Christmas Market harbor, at the corner of the Oude Rijn and the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, is also the departure point for our winter canal cruise: the perfect combination of an afternoon or evening at the market and an atmospheric trip on the water.
Step aboard our fully covered and heated boat and enjoy a relaxing trip of about 50 minutes. While you sail past beautifully lit canals, historic bridges, and stunning facades, you will discover Leiden in a special way. Our enthusiastic skipper will share fun facts and fascinating stories about the city along the way.
To complete the winter experience, a delicious glass of warm glühwein or a cup of hot chocolate is ready for every passenger. This way, you can enjoy the winter coziness in total comfort while the most beautiful spots in Leiden glide past you.
Frequently asked questions about
the city canal cruise in Leiden
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Prefer to do something else this winter?
Winter Drinks Boat
Enjoy drinks in a warm, covered boat with unlimited beverages and a selection of warm fried snacks—'brown fruit' as we call it here in Leiden. Enjoy!
Winter Lunch Boat
Enjoy a generous lunch in a warm, covered boat while cruising on our Winter Lunch Boat. Ideal for a business lunch or a day out with friends.
Winter BBQ boat
Choose the popular Winter BBQ boat, featuring a professional Weber Barbecue grill in a covered, heated boat. Turn on the music and go!
Winter Beer Tasting
Do you love beer? Taste five unique beers from the Leiden-based Brouwerij Pronck in a warm, covered boat.
Winter wine tasting
Get to know special wines while cruising in a warm, covered boat. Guided by a wine specialist. Stylish and tasteful.
Winter Pizza Boat
Cruise warm and covered through the Leiden canals and enjoy fresh pizzas from De Pizzabakkers. Ideal for a cozy winter outing.
Winter Fries Boat
Enjoy a portion of freshly fried fries while cruising in a warm, covered boat. With mayo, ketchup, or another sauce. Delicious!
Winter high tea boat
Enjoy an extensive high tea while cruising in a warm, covered boat. From brownies and macarons to sandwiches and wraps.
Winter Thai curry boat
We serve drinks and 3 Thai curries in a warm, covered boat: red, green, and yellow. Choice of chicken, beef, or vegan.
From boat to bowl
First enjoy a winter drinks cruise, then a delicious dinner at an atmospheric location in Leiden.
Winter City Cruise
Sail with your own group through the wintry canals of Leiden, with skipper and guide, in a covered and heated boat.
Ready to discover Leiden from the water?
Book your spot on the next boat tour, or request a quote for a private tour.
