What to Experience in Wijk aan Zee: Events & Activities
Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events in Wijk aan Zee and the surrounding region. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Arrival of Sinterklaas in IJmuiden and Wijk aan Zee
In November, Sinterklaas comes to the coast. In IJmuiden the programme starts at the Loswalkade, and Sinterklaas travels via the Kennemerplein to Plein '45, where he is welcomed. Wijk aan Zee also has its own, smaller arrival. What can you expect? - IJmuiden: Arrival at the Loswalkade and a festive procession to Plein ...
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2027
New Year's Day plunge
January 1
On 1 January, it’s time again for the annual New Year’s Day Plunge from the beach in Wijk aan Zee! This popular event attracts both locals and tourists looking to start the new year in a refreshing and energetic way. What can you expect at the New Year’s Day Plunge in Wijk aan Zee? - A Splashing Start to the Year: ...
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Tata Steel Chess Tournament
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Every January, Wijk aan Zee becomes the centre of the chess world. During the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, the world's best chess players compete here, while thousands of amateurs play in the same village. What can you expect at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament? - World elite: Top grandmasters compete in the Masters. - ...
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Shell Counting Day
During Shell Counting Day, we head en masse to the beaches to count shells! At the previous edition on Saturday 21 March 2026, around 190,000 shells were counted along the entire North Sea coast, more than 108,000 of them in the Netherlands. In 2027 there will be another count on various beaches in the Netherlands. The ...
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Car Boot Sale
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Dive into the cosy atmosphere of the Car Boot Sale (Kofferbakmarkt) on the large village green in Wijk aan Zee. A unique market experience where you can find treasures among second-hand items and attic clear-outs. What can you expect at the Car Boot Sale? - Unique Finds: Browse through a wide assortment of second-hand ...
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Lifeboat Day
Each year, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) opens the doors of its rescue stations during the annual Lifeboat Day. This event offers a unique opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes. What's on at Lifeboat Day? - Educational Activities: Learn all about the rescue work and the equipment used, ...
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National Mill Day
The National Windmill Day, held annually on a weekend in May, is the perfect opportunity to admire hundreds of working windmills across the Netherlands up close. Since 1973, this event has celebrated our country’s rich windmill heritage and paid tribute to these iconic structures. What can you expect during the National ...
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Wijk aan Zee May Festival
Mei
In May, the Dorpsweide in Wijk aan Zee becomes the village's festival ground for a few days. The May Festival offers music, a family programme and good food, with a special day full of rock 'n' roll. What can you expect at the May Festival? - Music: Performances over several days. - For the whole family: A family ...
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Bunker Day
Along the coast of Wijk aan Zee, traces of the Second World War can still be found. Dive into the past and experience history up close during Bunker Day, a unique event that opens the doors to the hidden bunkers along the Dutch coast. From Zeeland to the Wadden Islands, discover the remnants of the Second World War and the Atlantic Wa ...
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Fisheries Day
Every year, Egmond aan Zee celebrates its maritime heritage on a Saturday in June during the Fisheries Day. Around the Pompplein, the village’s fishing history comes to life with music, traditional crafts, and of course, delicious fish dishes. A day full of nostalgia, stories, and maritime traditions! What can you ...
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IJmuiden Harbour Festival
Juni
Close to Wijk aan Zee, IJmuiden celebrates its harbour. During the Harbour Festival, the Trawlerkade is full of ships, stalls and fresh fish. A free day out for the whole family. What can you expect at the Harbour Festival? - Visit ships: Step aboard special vessels. - Boat trips: See the harbour from the water. - Fresh ...
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Zangers aan Zee
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Singing along with your feet in the sand: Zangers aan Zee is an open-air festival with Dutch-language live music on the beach of Wijk aan Zee. Thousands of visitors sing along to the best-known Dutch hits together. What can you expect at Zangers aan Zee? - Dutch artists: Live performances on the beach. - Two days: In 2027 ...
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Open Monuments Day in Wijk aan Zee
Second Saturday and / or second Sunday in September
Every year, on a weekend in September, many monuments in the Netherlands open their doors to the public. The participating monuments in Wijk aan Zee can be recognised by the Open Monuments Day flag, with the logo as depicted here. It offers the rare opportunity to visit historical buildings, churches, windmills, residences, and ma ...
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National Museum Week
The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. From historical artefacts to ...
