All Disco Balls Unite Luminous Fall

Decemberlicht Explore the North

While elsewhere the festival season abruptly ends after summer, here we keep going a while longer. In Leeuwarden, we are celebrating the darkness. From October through December, the packed cultural season will be in full swing. Night owls, culture lovers, film fans, adventurers, and dreamers will be spoiled for choice this autumn. With the adventurous night program of Museumnacht FRL, emerging talents at Popronde, fiery storytelling at Verhalenavond, the ultimate discovery festival Explore the North, and many other autumn festivals and events, Leeuwarden offers you the longest evening program of the year. A Luminous Fall.

  • Kerstmarkt Blokhuispoort

    Kerstmarkt Blokhuispoort

    13 and 14 December

    Blokhuispoort

    Market

  • Wybrand de Geest

    Wybrand de Geest

    until 1 March 2026

    Fries Museum

    Exhibition

  • Decemberlicht

    Decemberlicht

    16 December 2025 until 4 January 2026

    Art in the public realm

The agenda - hey discoball!

  • This event has already taken place

    During Museumnacht, museums across the country reopen their doors after closing time. You enter as others head home. You wander through spaces usually off-limits. With an adventurous program, they experiment with music, performances, exhibitions, and stories that can’t withstand daylight. Sometimes quiet, sometimes full of sound. Nothing is set in stone. You can discover it all yourself

    Read more

  • This event has already taken place

    Op vrijdag 10 oktober strijkt Popronde neer in het centrum van Leeuwarden. Tijdens dit eendaagse festival zie je allerlei muziekacts op allerlei onverwachte locaties verspreid door de binnenstad. Kledingzaken, winkels, restaurants, huiskamers en andere verborgen parels veranderen deze ene avond in het jaar in een podium voor aanstormende talenten. Van hyperpop tot hiphop, van singer-songwriter tot dance en van blues tot rock, alles komt voorbij. 

    Read more
    Popronde 2023 Leeuwarden

  • This event has already taken place

    This autumn, De Harmonie transforms into a world full of stories and imagination for everyone aged 0 to 12. With music, theatre, dance, and exciting artworks, it promises to be a fantastic weekend. Alongside performances, there are also plenty of fun free activities in the foyer to join in. Help build a new world in the Wereld Werkplaats or let loose at the Downtown Disco. Bring all your friends!

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  • This event has already taken place

    Lights, camera, action! The film reels rewind to 1976, when the very first edition of the festival took place. The North must be heard and seen, which is why the Noordelijk Film Festival has been the blockbuster of film culture for 45 years. With the festival theme “Lightmakers and Night Watchers,” the festival seeks to bring light into a time full of darkness. Together, we reflect on the night—because in darkness, light has its greatest meaning. Somewhere, no matter how small. Like a distant lighthouse, or the Northern Lights in the seemingly endless polar night.
     

    Read more
    Noordelijk Film Festival 2024 Leeuwarden

  • Friday, 21 November

    All of Friesland gathers in a warm, wintry atmosphere to tell and listen to stories. Everyone has a story whether big or small, funny or moving, everyday or extraordinary. At Verhalenavond, every story finds a listening ear. At unique locations across Friesland, teachers, pub chatterboxes, philosophers, neighbours, and anyone who feels the call share stories of times when they showed courage.
    Admission to Verhalenavond is free.

     

    Read more
    Verhalenavond 2024

  • 21–25 November

    Explore the North is putting hope in your emergency kit. In November, this special winter festival invites you to discover art in unexpected forms. Leeuwarden’s historic city centre—with its stunning churches, moody cellars, and other venues—forms the backdrop for a walk filled with concerts, literary performances, dance, and much more. In its 11th edition, artists explore together with you where beauty and love can be found in a confusing world. Recharge your spirit with writers and theatre-makers who wake you up with Sinead O’Connor, Spicer’s “Martians,” and the comforting thought that everyone is needed—even if it’s just to keep your Monstera alive.

    Read more
    Explore the North

  • 13–14 December

    The days grow shorter, the nights icy cold—but in contrast, there’s the warmth of glowing spires, sparkling stars, twinkling lights, and the sound of your favourite Christmas songs. December = Christmas month, and there’s no better place to capture the Christmas spirit than at the Blokhuispoort Christmas Market. All weekend long, the former prison buzzes with charming stalls, perfect for last-minute Christmas shopping, tasty treats, your favourite carols, and plenty of entertainment for young and old.

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    Kerstmarkt Leeuwarden

  • 16 December – 4 January

    As the old year shifts into the new, glowing artworks suddenly appear in unexpected places. This light route through Leeuwarden’s dark streets transforms the city centre into a place where stories are told in words and images. A poem on a bare wall, a beautiful quote on a monument, a dreary facade turned into a cinema screen. On the darkest days, Decemberlicht’s projections bring light into the night and guide you along a beautiful route through the city.
     

    Read more
    Decemberlicht 2023

Luminous Locations - More More More

From October through December, Leeuwarden offers cultural entertainment every single day. Yes, you read that right: every day. Because in addition to the overarching program, a few radiant venues throughout the city centre present their own ongoing line-ups. Every. Single. Day

  • Neushoorn

    Fresku @ Neushoorn (feb2025)

    A magical pop culture venue in the heart of Leeuwarden. Here you’ll find big names in sold-out halls alongside emerging talent.
     

    See programme

  • Stadsschouwburg de Harmonie

    theatervoorstelling met dans in de stadsschouwburg De Harmonie in leeuwarden

    The leading theatre in the north of the Netherlands. Every year, around 830 performances, events, and activities take place here.

    See programme

  • Podium Explore

    At Podium Explore, artists put a smile on your face. Enjoy cheerful (poetic) parties, mythical tales, local exhibitions, and a rotating weekly lunch and dinner menu.

    See programme

  • VHDG

    VHDG Leeuwarden

    VHDG (Voorheen de Gemeente – formerly the municipality) is an art initiative in Leeuwarden’s heart, focused on experimentation and talent development in contemporary art. From art markets to exhibitions—a radiant spot not to be missed.
     

    See programme

  • Kunstruimte H47

    Kunstruimte H47

    An open stage and breeding ground for contemporary visual art. An accessible place where art and the public meet and learn from each other.

    See programme

  • De Beatriks

    De Beatriks in Leeuwarden

    The (new) home of Friesland’s alternative music scene. De Beatriks is a haven for unconventional artists, independent thinkers, and an audience that looks beyond the charts. A new pop venue in a familiar place.

    See programme

  • Slieker Film

    Slieker Film Leeuwarden

    Friesland’s leading arthouse cinema. A place where not only the love for film but also the love for people and culture comes together. Happily, an ever-changing film selection is screened here 7 days a week.

    See programme

Feast your eyes! - arty farty

Luminous Exhibitions

Get ready to feast your eyes this autumn in Leeuwarden! At the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics, Bauke de Vries explores fragility, transformation, and the beauty of imperfection in his exhibition Unbroken—served with a touch of humour and satireAt the Fries Museum, you’ll meet Wybrand de Geest. This remarkable exhibition reveals the high society and glamour of the 17th century through portraits by the Frisian painter, featuring the royal House of Nassau, the wealthy elite, and their fabulously rich children. At the Nature Museum Fryslân, you’ll discover everything about nature: from the tiniest busy bee to the largest whale—and everything in between. Go on an underwater safari, explore the old orphanage, and be amazed by the dragon!

Want to experience the museums in a different light? Then don’t miss Museum Night—an adventure through the exhibitions after dark. Curious about all the exhibitions and museums in Leeuwarden? Here’s a selection to get you started!

Meer info

  • Graphic studio: Grafisch Atelier Friesland

    Graphic studio: Grafisch Atelier Friesland

    Graphic studio: Grafisch Atelier Friesland is an open studio for graphical artists and printing technique enthusiasts.

    Gallery

  • Museum de Grutterswinkel

    Museum de Grutterswinkel

    Museum de Grutterswinkel showcases life around a real old-fashioned grocery shop and everything it entails.

    Coffee shop

  • Tresoar

    Tresoar

    Tresoar: the treasury of Frisian history.

    Library

  • Uniastate en Tsjerke Bears

    Uniastate en Tsjerke Bears

    On the grounds of the Cultuur-Historisch Centrum Uniastate, there is a 13th century church with an ornate interior and a beautiful wood-carved pulp...

    Church

  • Fries Museum

    Fries Museum

    Discover the Frisian in yourself at the Fries Museum! Here you will discover all about the eleven cities and the countryside, the love-hate relatio...

    Museum

  • Blokhuispoort

    Blokhuispoort

    The Blokhuispoort is a cultural business-centre in the lively centre of Leeuwarden. Housed in a former prison, it is now full of creative initiativ...

    Heritage

  • Mineralogisch Museum

    Mineralogisch Museum

    Hidden among the trees, surrounded by meadows,halfway between Grou and Warten is Mineralogisch Museum . The large barn of an old farm has been con...

    Museum

  • Museumhuis van Eysinga

    Museumhuis van Eysinga Museumhuis van Eysinga

    Huis van Eysinga is an impressive 18th-century city villa that was inhabited by the family of one of the most significant men of its time: Frans Ju...

    Heritage

  • 'The Other Museum', from classic cars to lace

    'The Other Museum', from classic cars to lace

    'The Other Museum', from classic cars to lace. Our museum has an incredible collection of classic cars, as well as an beautiful (and huge) model ra...

    Museum

  • Galerie De Roos van Tudor

    Galerie De Roos van Tudor

    Gallery De Roos van Tudor is located in two monumental buildings in the centre of Leeuwarden and focuses on contemporary art by both emerging and e...

    Museum

  • Kunstwinkel Ogenblik

    Kunstwinkel Ogenblik

    A partnership of 7 artists and designers, who run an art shop/gallery together. A new exhibition based on a theme is organized every 3 months. In a...

    Gallery

  • SPOONK Art Cantina

    SPOONK Art Cantina
    Museum

  • Fries Landbouwmuseum (Frisian Agricultural Museum)

    Fries Landbouwmuseum (Frisian Agricultural Museum)

    Friesland has been an agricultural province for centuries. Since time immemorial, farmers have kept livestock and worked the land. In the Frisian A...

    Heritage

  • Natuurmuseum Fryslân (Frisian Museum of Natural History)

    Natuurmuseum Fryslân (Frisian Museum of Natural History)

    An interactive museum for the whole family to enjoy!

    Museum

  • Kunstruimte H47

    Kunstruimte H47

    Kunstruimte H47 is the gallery hosting exhibits of contemporary visual arts located in the city centre of Leeuwarden.

    Gallery

  • The Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics

    The Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics

    In the middle of Leeuwarden's historic city centre stands the 18th-century city palace of Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, princess of Orange Nassau...

    Cultural organizations

  • De Utrecht

    De Utrecht

    A hidden gem in the middle of downtown Leeuwarden. Built in 1904 in art nouveau style, crammed with sayings, lavishly decorated and full of symboli...

    Architecture

  • Pier Pander Museum

    Pier Pander Museum

    Temporarily closed

    The Prinsentuin, the beautiful city park on the edge of downtown Leeuwarden, houses the museum and temple dedicated to the Frisian sculptor Pier Pa...

    Museum

  • Historic Centre Leeuwarden

    Historic Centre Leeuwarden

    The HCL is the centre for Leeuwarden's historical heritage. Thousands of linear meters of historical documents, from the Middle Ages to the present...

    Heritage

  • Baukje Schrijft

    Baukje Schrijft
    Gallery

  • Dekema State

    Dekema State

    Dekema State was originally a noble residence, where several families lived until 1996. The noble residence and the gardens are now open to the pub...

    Heritage

  • Museum Hert fan Fryslân

    Museum Hert fan Fryslân

    The Museum 'Hert fan Fryslân' (Eng.: 'Heart of Friesland') is situated in the middle of the characteristic village of Grou, itself lying in the 'he...

    Museum

Visitor Center on tour!

Spot a sparkling disco bike cruising by on Friday or Saturday? That’s our dazzling cargo bike! Specially pimped for Skitterend Najaar (or Luminous Fall), this beauty is packed with info, the up-to-date program, and some last-minute ticket deals for everyone in Leeuwarden. So don’t be shy — come have a peek and grab some (free!) goodies. A city map with highlights, a fun colouring sheet or treasure hunt card for kids, or a flyer with the full program — you’ll find it all at the bike! No weekend plans yet? Just ask what’s going on and snag your ticket on the spot (maybe even with a sweet discount). Let’s go! 

Skitterende Bakfiets

Coffee, lunch, or drinks break - Let's refuel!

  • Grand café De Dikke Van Dale

    Grand café De Dikke Van Dale

    The Dikke van Dale is located at Nieuwestad 69 in the centre of Leeuwarden. It is the perfect location for a night out in the town.

    Restaurant

  • Brownies&downieS Leeuwarden

    Brownies&downieS Leeuwarden

    Brownies&downieS stands for pure. Pure in all its facets. Our employees are sincere, enthusiastic and pure. But we also consider the products with...

    Sandwich shop

  • Bar Zelle

    Bar Zelle

    Cosy, comfy place in the heart of the city centre where you can go for a nice cappuccino, cocktail or drink! Freshly made sandwiches, pizzas, snack...

    Restaurant

  • Stadswaag

    Stadswaag

    Come and experience tasty treats in this lunchroom in the centre of Leeuwarden, with a Dutch kitchen.

    Monument

  • Special Beer Cafe de Markies

    Special Beer Cafe de Markies

    Specialty beer cafe De Markies is a leading Specialty beer cafe in Leeuwarden, Friesland where knowledge, service and a warm smile are our focus.

    Café or Bar

  • Grand Café De Hofdame

    Grand Café De Hofdame

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and events with a view of the Oldehove.

    Restaurant

  • The Bakery Leeuwarden

    The Bakery Leeuwarden

    The Bakery Leeuwarden is the modern bakery of Leeuwarden. Enjoy our wide range of breads. But that's not all! Not only the bread but also ice- crea...

    Sandwich shop

  • Fer Koffie

    Fer Koffie Front view shop

    Welcome to Fer, your second home for the best specialty coffee and tea.

    Coffee shop

  • Café de Strohoed

    Café de Strohoed

    Café de Strohoed is a brown Café in Leeuwarden, where everyone is welcome.

    Café or Bar

  • Irish Pub Paddy O'Ryan

    Irish Pub Paddy O'Ryan

    Paddy O'Ryan: The Irish Pub where we bring the convenience of Ireland to Leeuwarden.

    Restaurant

  • Vino & Verder

    Vino & Verder

    Discover exceptional wines and delicious local produce in a unique place in the city!

    Drinking

  • Banhs & Boba

    Banhs & Boba

    Getting a quick sandwich. It happens all over the world, including in Asia. Taste? Banhs & Boba brings Asian street food to Leeuwarden. Tasty, fres...

    Brasserie/Lunchroom

  • Barrevoets

    Barrevoets

    At Barrevoets you can enjoy a killer cappuccino, hearty lunch, cocktail or gorgeous fresh smoothie.

    Restaurant

  • Bowls 'n Rolls

    Bowls 'n Rolls

    Bowls 'n rolls is the first poké bowl restaurant in Leeuwarden and stands for convenience and quality! A quick, healthy and nutritious meal for an...

    Restaurant

  • Bagels & Beans Leeuwarden

    Bagels & Beans Leeuwarden

    In the location of the former Forum Ljouwert (a marketplace for vegetables, cheese, butter; grains, and corn market), at the Kelders 3, you'll find...

    Brasserie/Lunchroom

For a big appetite - Dining done right

The best part of a cultural city trip? Discovering cozy cafés and surprising restaurants! When it comes to food and drinks, the choices here are endless. Enjoy pizza under a giant disco ball, taste the flavours of Fryslân in a centuries-old post office, or dine in the cosiest living room in town — we know exactly where you’ll want to be.

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