Autumn may just be the best season to visit the Leiden region.
With the leaves turning red and the weather getting colder, the many canals and charming old houses in the Leiden region become even more beautiful. This is also a great time for both indoor and outdoor activities. On this page you can find tips on how to make the most out of autumn!
Autumn Activities
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Arrival of Sinterklaas in Leiden
Arrival of Sinterklaas in Leiden
Sinterklaas and his helpers arrive festively in the center of Leiden, with a procession...
Saturday 15 November
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Death and the Maiden
Death and the Maiden
The night before Halloween, the Dudok Quartet put's Schuberts famous string quartet Dea...
Thursday 30 October
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House of Sinterklaas
House of Sinterklaas
Visit the House of Sinterklaas at the Waag! The magic of Sinterklaas is in full swing,...
22 November until 4 December
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Monsters and mythical creatures
Monsters and mythical creatures
Gruesome or awesome? Creepy or funny? This exhibition brings you face to face with the...
until 3 January 2027
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Halloween Party
Halloween Party
The Netherlands' longest-running Halloween event is coming back to Leiden!
Friday 31 October
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To the Movies With Leiden International Centre
To the Movies With Leiden International Centre
The Leiden International Centre team invites you to join us on a movie night! On Monday...
Monday 27 October
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Memories the Party: Halloween
Memories the Party: Halloween
After its great success last year, our Halloween Party is back this year on Friday Octo...
Friday 31 October
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Halloween in Voorschoten
Halloween in Voorschoten
On Saturday, October 25th, we're hosting a Halloween party. Come experience the atmosph...
Saturday 25 October
Exhibitions - Discover some of the 13 museums in Leiden!
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This exhibition brings together the most important paintings by the unknown but very talented 17th-century artist known as Master I.S.
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Suriname is the most forested country in the world. But the forest is under serious threat - the plants and animals that live there, and the people who live there.
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'Unseen' reveals how, for centuries, medical science has taken the male body as the norm, often overlooking women and gender-diverse individuals.
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The Castle Duivenvoorde in Voorschoten, will open its doors to the public from April 6th to December 18th.
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Japan Museum SieboldHuis organizes the exhibition ‘Anaïs López - the Turtle and the Monk’.
Meet&Mingle
We know that meeting new people can sometimes be hard, which is why we organise our monthly Meet&Mingles! Joining is free, and we encourage everyone living or working in the Leiden region to come.
Register for our next Meet&Mingle in November
Soldaat van Oranje
Soldier of Orange (Soldaat van Oranje) is a musical based on the true story of one of the greatest Dutch resistance fighters in WWII, Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema.
Starting from August 22 till January 4th, the musical Soldier of Orange will also be available in English, thanks to an application of audio description via the visitor's smartphone. This innovation makes the production more accessible and now available to international audiences, including expats and tourists!
Food & Drinks
The Leiden region has plenty of cosy restaurants, bars and cafés to offer.
You can warm up at one of the terraces on a rainy afternoon or grab a bite after a museum visit. Or do you want to meet a friend for coffee? You will find that there is something for everyone, from street food to fancy restaurants, from popular places to hidden gems.
Discover the culinary hotspots in the region
Sinterklaas
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On Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 12:00, Saint Nicholas will set foot at the Beestenmarkt!
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They will be coming to Leiderdorp on Saturday 22nd of November around 10:00 in Splisitsing Ockenrode en Tollenearsingel!
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This year, Saint Nicholas and his helpers will visit Voorschoten on the 22nd of November around 14:00 in the centrum of Voorschoten. On the 29th of November they will be visiting Beethovenlaan.
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Saint Nicholas will be returning to Zoeterwoude again this year! On Saturday 22 November he will arrive at Noordbuurtseweg around 11:30 in the morning!
Leiden's Ontzet
Leiden's 'Ontzet' ('relief') refers to the liberation of Leiden city on the 3rd October 1574 from the Spanish forces. It has been commemorated every year since, with celebrations throughout the city.
A range of activities and events take place during this time, starting from the 1st October and continuing until the 3rd.
Make sure to take part in this incredible tradition, where everyone comes together and look forward to our shared future!
Learn more about Leiden's Ontzet
Seasonal Articles
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7 Things to Do in Leiden During Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Leiden. From historic traditions and cultural events to seasonal treats and outdoor fun, the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season!
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Soldier of Orange - The Musical
Up until the day German troops invade the Netherlands in May 1940, Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema and his friends lead ordinary, untroubled lives as students at Leiden University. Suddenly, they face choices that will change their lives forever.
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Dutch Folklore: A Dive into the Scary Stories of the Netherlands
As the spooky season approaches, the days grow shorter and the leaves turn and fall, creating the perfect atmosphere for chilling tales. Every country has its share of ghostly legends, and the Netherlands is no exception.
