A “Dickens Christmas market”, shepherd tours, and much more are coming to the province of Drenthe
One of the Netherland’s most beautiful provinces, Drenthe, will be getting seriously christmassy in the coming days. There is a Dickens Christmas market in the village of Havelte, a christmas market in Assen, a shepherd tour in Balloo; and much more!
Dickens Market Havelte
The Dickens Christmas Market in Havelte, on Saturday December 22, is one of the largest markets in Drenthe. All 80 stalls will be decked out as they would have been in Victorian times. In addition to the stalls there will also be musical performances, street theater and a children’s square with fun activities. The arrival of the local Holtinger Sheep Herd with 300 sheep completes the afternoon of wholesome fun.
Men’s Choir Christmas Concert in Assen
The Christian Men’s Choir will be holding a caroling spectacular at the DNK performing arts centre in Assen on Saturday 21 December. Expect all the classic carols and hymns including ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. Aside from the choir, soloists including Jorrit Woudt, Jan Lenselink, Maurice van Dijk; Maria den Hertog and Regina Ederveen will also perform. Tickets cost 17 euros.
Christmas Market Assen
The Drents capital will be transformed on the 22, 23, and 24 December into a giant christmas market. Head to the Koopmansplein for food trucks, crafts and gifts at the market, an ice rink, and various activities throughout the three days. After christmas, the Koopmansplein will also host various wintry activities to keep the ‘gezelligheid’ going.
Shepherd tour Balloo
Finally, in Balloo on December 24 you can walk 2.5 kilometers over the pleasantly lit Balloërveld (heather fields). For young and old, the ‘Herdertocht’ is a great opportunity to hear, see and experience the Christmas story. The route starts and ends at the Balloo shepherds hut, where a choir will sing Christmas songs. Along the way a part of the Christmas story will be told at various places around campfires by Roman soldiers, shepherds, sages, and an innkeeper. Price: 3 euros.
Image via Pixabay user Gerhard Gellinger
