From 8 December to 3 January, the historic centre of Delft is beautifully lit up. Delft Verlicht is a trail of lights past the loveliest spots in the city: the canals, the Market Square, the Nieuwe Kerk and the narrow streets. ibis Styles Delft City Centre is right next to Delft station. From the hotel it is a 10-minute walk to the start of the trail.
Delft Verlicht begins on Tuesday 8 December with Lichtjesavond, the evening of lights. The city centre is lit up for the festive season and the trail is officially opened. Make it an evening to remember: enjoy dinner in the city centre after the opening and stay the night at ibis Styles. The next morning you can walk the trail again in daylight, a completely different experience.
There is something to see and do every day during Delft Verlicht. Stroll along the sparkling canals and lit-up squares, browse festively decorated shops full of gifts and treats, and be surprised by music and theatre in unexpected places. In between, warm up in one of the cosy cafés or restaurants in the city centre. From a full Christmas dinner to a local winter beer in a friendly pub: you will find it all within walking distance of the hotel.
Delft Verlicht takes place over Christmas and New Year. In these weeks the city centre is extra atmospheric, with lit shop windows, Christmas markets and cosy restaurants. Combine the festive season with a night in Delft and enjoy the wintry mood. The hotel is right next to the station, so it is easy to arrive by train.
By day, visit the Vermeer Centre, Royal Delft or Museum Prinsenhof. In the evening, follow the trail of lights. At the Nieuwe Kerk you can see the tomb of William of Orange and climb the tower for views over the illuminated city. The hotel offers packages that include tickets for the Vermeer Centre and Royal Delft, so everything is arranged in one go.
Delft Verlicht 2026 runs from 8 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. It opens on Lichtjesavond, Tuesday 8 December. This is the 28th edition.
You can stroll through beautifully lit streets and along the canals, come across music and theatre in unexpected places, skate on the ice rink, shop in festively decorated shops and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate in one of the cafés and restaurants. There are winter markets and creative activities, and something is going on every day.
Yes, the light trail and most activities in the city centre are free to visit.
From ibis Styles Delft City Centre it is a 10-minute walk to the illuminated city centre. The trail takes you past the canals, Oude Delft and the Market Square with the Nieuwe Kerk.
Absolutely. Combine the light trail with shopping in the decorated shops, dinner in the city centre and a visit to the Vermeer Centre or Royal Delft. Staying the night turns it into a complete winter break, whether you come with friends, your partner or the family.
Yes. Visit the Vermeer Centre, Royal Delft or Museum Prinsenhof by day and walk the light trail in the evening. The hotel offers packages that include museum tickets.
The hotel is next to Delft station, with direct trains to The Hague (8 minutes), Rotterdam (12 minutes), Schiphol and Amsterdam. Travel by train and you can skip the parking hassle.
Yes, there are cafés and restaurants in the city centre that are open in the evening. You are also welcome in the hotel bar for a drink, with local wines and regional beers and a game of pool.