December – festive month on Texel
The holidays are a perfect time to visit Texel. On an island where peace and quiet reign in December, you’ll experience total freedom. You’ll have time for each other—and time to explore Texel. This season reveals a wilder side of the island, with wind taking the lead.
A stunning National Park
Even if travel is allowed again in December, many Dutch people will choose a staycation. Texel is an ideal destination. That holiday feeling kicks in as soon as you board the ferry—it’s an escape from the hustle of the Randstad. After just twenty minutes, you step onto Texel. The island has a spectacular attraction that’s always open and never crowded: the Texel Dunes National Park along the west coast. It stretches from the sandy southern tip at De Hors to the blonde dunes near the lighthouse in the north. You’ll find wide beaches, wet dune valleys, rugged plains, lakes, and forests. You could explore a different part every day—by foot or bike. At Ecomare near De Koog, you’ll find the visitor center of the park and discover what lives in the area. You’ll be surprised by how beautiful it is—even in winter!
Step into a museum
Texel has several museums that are well worth a visit—especially with the whole family. Forget dusty old exhibits—these are interactive, engaging, and cover a wide range of topics. Most Texel museums offer both permanent and rotating exhibitions. Love nature and curious to see seals and porpoises? Head to Ecomare. Interested in history? At the Texel Aviation and War Museum, you’ll learn about the island during WWII and the development of aviation here. Did you know KLM used to fly to Texel? Or that the last battle of WWII took place on the island? For an even deeper dive into history, visit Kaap Skil Museum in Oudeschild. Check out the 17th-century silk dress (called “the Night Watch of the sea”) and the impressive model of the Reede van Texel, where VOC ships once waited for favorable winds. And to learn all about beachcombing and its treasures, visit the Beachcombing and Shipwreck Museum Flora near De Koog.
Touring Texel
Too chilly for long walks? Take a scenic drive through Texel’s lovely villages. Use your own car or rent a Tuktuk—those fun three-wheelers make it extra enjoyable. Even in winter, you can join a Tuktuk safari. Looking to explore nature? Join a horse-drawn wagon ride through the forest during the Christmas holidays—snug under a blanket, with hot chocolate and a Texel cookie. And for sporty visitors, the 100-kilometer MTB trail network remains a winter challenge. Check VVV Texel for tips during your stay.
Cozy winter stays
With short, dark days in December, there’s nothing better than spending time together in a cozy holiday home. Preferably somewhere unforgettable—away from the crowds. Vakantiehuizen Texel offers such special places. These comfortable homes are located right on the edge of the National Park—you can walk straight into the woods! Yet the villages of Den Burg, Den Hoorn, and De Koog are nearby and easily reached by bike on a crisp winter day. However you spend it, December on Texel is always a good idea.
