Want to experience winter wonderland on Texel? Welcome!
Are you planning to come to Texel this autumn or winter? Good idea! Because even then, Texel is exceptionally beautiful. And contrary to some expectations, there's plenty to see, do, and experience on our lovely island during the winter months.
The beach is just as beautiful in winter as it is in summer, if not more so. There are few people around, and the strong wind and wild sea make it magical. It's perfect for a brisk walk, and if you start feeling chilly, you can warm up at a cozy beach pavilion.
If conditions are right, Texel offers wonderful opportunities for skating on natural ice. For example, in the beautiful, marshy nature reserve of Waal en Burg. The shallow waters here freeze quickly after a frost. There are also ice rinks in various villages.
On November 17th, Sinterklaas arrives in our country again. And here on Texel, we celebrate it in grand style too. Because, let's face it, which harbor is more suitable for a Sinterklaas arrival than the one in our beautiful fishing village of Oudeschild? I'm already looking forward to taking my grandson there. It's a festive atmosphere every year, with lots of children singing along enthusiastically to live music from the Royal Texel Brass Band. We have beds ready for children and their parents from the mainland. Because even on Texel, Sinterklaas knows how to find them.
Right after Sinterklaas, on December 12th, we celebrate 'Ouwe Sunderklaas' on Texel. This is a traditional Texel festival and actually has nothing to do with Sinterklaas. It's a costume party where islanders act out an event or news from the past year. Besides that, it's just a fun party with plenty of beer consumed. The festivities often start with 'voorklazen' (December 11th) and continue with 'naklazen' (December 13th). In recent years, more visitors from the mainland have been coming to experience the celebration.
The cozy winter markets are also worth a visit, especially the atmospheric Christmas market on December 15th in Oosterend. As dusk falls, small lights are lit everywhere. The narrow, old-fashioned village streets make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The village residents also put a lot of effort into decorating their windowsills each year. So besides finding nice Christmas gifts, there's plenty to see. You can also enjoy freshly baked fish, oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), and delicious glühwein (mulled wine). In short, it's the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Ever wanted to take a New Year's dive? Every year, hundreds of people wearing Unox hats run into the sea opposite our Juliana apartment complex. It's cold but incredibly festive! So why not give it a try and combine this unique experience with a visit to Juliana? You'll be back under a warm shower within two minutes. Alternatively, we also offer villas equipped with wellness facilities or saunas, which are a delightful combination with the chilly winter weather here. Isn't that relaxing? During the day, enjoy a leisurely walk through beautiful natural areas - consider going on an excursion with a forest ranger through the Slufter and the Geul - you'll see entirely different things in winter! Then relax in one of our accommodations.
During the fall, we also offer discounted rates. Experience Texel in winter! And don't worry about ferry times, it runs every hour. You just don't need to worry about (or wait for) queues. ;)
My colleagues have also compiled some great tips for you. On behalf of our entire team, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you make the most of your stay. So feel free to contact us if you're interested in a winter vacation on Texel!
Rob van der Werff and Marian Feil
