Enkhuizen in December: Seasonal Events and Things to Do

Seasonal events and markets

Enkhuizen's December calendar is modest but genuine. The indoor Visserijdagen winter edit fills the Zuiderkerk and Waag with stalls of smoked fish, wool and local cheese in the first full weekend; entry is free, and it draws a few thousand visitors over two days. The Compagnie 1602 light route runs along the old harbour and through the Westerstraat from early December to early January, with illuminated displays in shop windows. Note that the Zuiderzeemuseum is closed in December except for a short 'Winterbij' programme in the second week; check its site for exact dates before you go.

The town's Christmas market is small (around 40 stalls) and takes over the Breedstraat and the area around the Waag on the second Saturday. It's low-key and local, with little English spoken but plenty of goodwill. If you want bigger markets, Hoorn's is 20 minutes by train and runs on the same weekend, but it gets very crowded. I'd skip the Enkhuizen market if you're after gifts and go to Hoorn instead; otherwise, the Enkhuizen version is charming for an hour's wander. For either, book accommodation early — December weekends fill up, and prices start around €95 per night for a double in Enkhuizen.

Things to do in and around Enkhuizen

The Zuiderzeemuseum's outdoor park is closed, but the indoor 'Binnenmuseum' opens on selected days in December (typically weekends). It's worth checking the schedule; entry is around €15. The harbour itself is atmospheric even in the cold, with the Drommedaris tower and the old town walls offering a bracing walk. The Enkhuizen–Stavoren ferry does not run in December, so don't plan on crossing the IJsselmeer. Instead, the 15-minute train to Hoorn gives you access to the Westfries Museum and a larger town centre. For a longer trip, Alkmaar is 35 minutes by train and has a winter festival in mid-December.

If the weather turns, the library on the Wierdijk and the indoor pool at the Sportpark are reliable fallbacks. The best months for Enkhuizen are April to October, when the museum and outdoor terraces are fully open. In December, expect short days (sunset around 16:30) and temperatures between 2°C and 6°C. Drive times: Amsterdam is 50 minutes via the A7, and Haarlem is 45 minutes. Parking at the station costs about €5 per day. I'd book a hotel within walking distance of the station, such as the Van Heemskerckstraat area, to avoid moving the car in the dark.

Where to stay and what to book

Enkhuizen has a handful of small hotels and B&Bs, mostly in the old town. The best-located are within 10 minutes' walk of the station and the harbour, along the Westerstraat and the Breedstraat. Expect to pay €90–€140 per night for a double in December, with a minimum two-night stay on event weekends. The Hotel Enkhuizen and the B&B De Oude Waag are both central; I'd book the latter for its breakfast and quiet location. For more choice, consider Hoorn (20 minutes by train) or Alkmaar (35 minutes), both of which have larger hotels and more restaurants open in winter.

If you're driving, the Hotel De Lindeboom on the outskirts has free parking, but it's a 25-minute walk into town. For a winter break, I'd prioritise a central location even if it costs a little more — the streets are quiet at night, and you'll want to be close to the lights and the few open restaurants. Book directly with the hotel for the best rates; December weekends are the busiest, so reserve at least three weeks ahead. Check the hotel's cancellation policy, as winter weather can disrupt trains between Enkhuizen and Hoorn.

Practical tips for a December visit

Enkhuizen is easily reached by train from Amsterdam (1 hour, with a change at Hoorn) or by car via the A7. The station is a 10-minute walk from the harbour. Most restaurants in the old town are open on weekends but many close on Mondays and Tuesdays; the Brasserie on the Dijk is a reliable bet for lunch. The tourist office on the Waag is open on Saturdays. Bring waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes, as the cobbled streets can be slippery. Cash is useful for the smaller market stalls, though most accept cards.

If you're combining Enkhuizen with other Noord-Holland towns, the 3-day regional travel ticket (around €30) covers trains and buses in the province and is good value. Avoid the last weekend of December, when many places close for the holidays. For a quieter experience, visit in the first half of the month. I'd book a hotel in Enkhuizen for two nights and use it as a base for Hoorn and Alkmaar, rather than moving around. The town's compact size makes it a stress-free winter destination.