Piet Heinstraat is one of my favourite streets in the city — lovely cafés, restaurants and stores line it, and you could easily spend half a day exploring it all. One of the most charming spaces there is, And Concept Store.
Run by Bénédicte Cador-Robinot, originally from Paris, the store has quietly been part of the neighbourhood for three years now. She brings her French eye for beautiful things to The Hague, both through her own handmade jewellery and a store filled with gorgeous finds.
Walk in and you’ll understand immediately why people lose track of time here. The store brings together artists from around the world, and every single piece is handmade: clothing, scarves, candles, jewellery, trinkets, the kind of gifts that feel personal rather than generic. It’s the sort of shop where you go in looking for one thing and leave half an hour later with three, all of them for people you love.
But what I really want to tell you about is the workshop I joined.
I sat down one Tuesday evening to make a pair of earrings using glass Miyuki beads, those tiny, jewel-toned Japanese beads that catch the light in a way that photographs never quite capture. There was no rush, no pressure to get it right the first time, just the quiet, repetitive motion of threading bead after bead while conversation drifted easily around the table.
It struck me, somewhere in the middle of it, how rare that kind of stillness has become. We fill our days with screens and speed, and here was a room full of people choosing instead to make something slowly, with their hands. It felt less like a craft class and more like a small meditation, the kind where you finish not just with a finished pair of earrings, but with your mind a little quieter than when you sat down.
The rising popularity of analog hobbies says a lot about what we’re all craving right now: fewer screens, less doomscrolling, more time spent actually making something with our hands.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit And Concept Store, let this be it, and mark your calendar for something extra special while you’re there. On 26 November, the store is hosting Pink Christmas, an evening of drinks and festive cheer to welcome the season in style. It’s the perfect excuse to start your holiday shopping somewhere that actually feels like a gift in itself.
So next time you’re wandering Piet Heinstraat, step inside. Browse slowly, pick up more than you planned to, and if you get the chance, sign up for a workshop. You might just leave with something you made yourself, and a little more stillness than you walked in with.
And Concept Store is open Tuesday – Sundays on Piet Heinstraat 92A with workshops on Tuesday evenings and one Saturday a month— follow them on Instagram for more details
Do you have a story about your own space in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
A packed program with 17 artists offering their work, plenty of options for Christmas gifts! You can screen-print your own deco. Food stalls with delicious food, the bar will be open, there’s a bonfire in the garden and mulled wine, and there will be lively music in the bar area from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with DJs and two live performances!
See Lab Duinstraat 55-57, The Hague Sunday 14th dec 11:00 – 17:00
If you’re new to the city (or not!) and are searching for a Christmas market, then you’re in luck. The Royal Christmas Fair, located in the historic heart of The Hague, along Lange Voorhout, is not to be missed. Being in its 10th year, it’s grown bigger and better each year and can easily rank as one of the best in the country.
If you can’t get away to visit the larger German markets, you can still find the lovely wooden stalls here with plenty of food and drinks on offer such as hot chocolate with whipped cream and rum, mulled wine, oliebollen, poffertjes and more. Not only Dutch eats can be enjoyed – foods such as pretzels, scones, bratwurst and savoury pies can be found too. And if you’re still in need of present shopping, you have lots of offer including décor, clothing and other unique pieces.
Santa Claus himself will be making daily appearances for the young and old and best of all, your furry companions are welcomed too!
The market is open daily until 23rd December from 12:00 until 21:00
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.Connect with Sherika here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherika-rooplal/ https://www.instagram.com/sherikarooplal/
This Christmas holiday marks a particularly special moment: a true local favourite, The Nutcracker (6+) by De Dutch Don’t Dance Division (DeDDDD), returns to the Amare stage for the very last time. The beloved production, which has been cherished by countless families since its premiere in 2006, will be performed one final time from 25 to 30 December. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a cherished Christmas tradition.
The Nutcracker as a Hague tradition
In 2006, choreographers Thom Stuart and Rinus Sprong created their own version of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s classic tale, set to the unforgettable music of P. I. Tchaikovsky. Their Nutcracker has grown into one of the company’s most beloved productions, thanks in no small part to its distinctive blend of star soloists, young talent and dancers of all ages. The stunning projections by David Middendorp, inspired by Hague landmarks such as the palace on Kneuterdijk and the Grote Kerk, give the production a warm and familiar atmosphere.
Quote from Thom Stuart, Artistic Director DeDDDD
“After dancing as a soloist in Nutcrackers in America for 10 years, it was a dream come true for Rinus Sprong and me to bring our own Nutcracker version to the Netherlands. Community art, cultural participation and simply a wonderful Christmas ballet – and by now truly a Hague Christmas tradition. Every year it’s a celebration!”
A story full of magic
After a grand Christmas party with all the ambassadors, Amalia van Wassenaer goes with her family to Mass at the Grote Kerk. During the sermon, she falls asleep as the clock strikes twelve. When she wakes, her family has vanished and she finds herself threatened by frightening mice, rats and a terrifying Rat King. Her Nutcracker doll, a Christmas gift from her favourite uncle Unico, comes to her aid. But he too, along with her little brother Willem, cannot escape the horrors. Fortunately, Uncle Unico manages to transform the nightmare into a dream. The doll transforms into a handsome prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy brings dancers from all corners of the world to life. When Amalia suddenly wakes with a start, she’s back in the church pew beside her mother, father, little brother and grandmother. As they walk home, the snowflakes seem to dance.
Eighth and final run
This series is particularly special, as it marks the last time this iconic Nutcracker will be performed. With this run, the successful production reaches its eighth staging, having become a treasured and established Christmas tradition for many Hague families.
Practical information
The Nutcracker (6+) By: De Dutch Don’t Dance Division in collaboration with Amare Performance dates: 25–30 December 2025 Location: Amare, Spuiplein 150, The Hague
The Royal Christmas Fair brings festive cheer to The Hague with its warm atmosphere, sparkling lights and wide range of seasonal stalls. Visitors can browse beautifully decorated wooden stands offering gifts, crafts, ornaments and winter treats – perfect for anyone looking for something special for the holidays.
The fair is known for its mix of artisanal products and unique finds. From handcrafted decorations to thoughtful presents and cosy winter accessories, it’s a great place to explore at a relaxed pace. Many of the stalls focus on local makers and small creative businesses, adding to the charm.
It’s also a lovely seasonal outing for friends, families and colleagues. Beyond shopping, the fair offers a festive experience: music, lights, delicious food and the welcoming atmosphere that has made it a favourite December tradition in The Hague.
The Lange Voorhout is located in the centre of The Hague. Easily accessible by car, bike, public transport and within walking distance of the Central Station. The entrances to the Christmas market are at the Kloosterkerk (Kneuterdijk), hotel Des Indes (Denneweg) and the American embassy (Korte Voorhout).
December 4 to 23, 2025 Open daily from 12:00 – 21:00.
Attention winter sports enthusiasts: from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 December, The Hague will open the winter sports season with Snowfest – a spectacular three-day winter sports festival full of sport, games, and snowy fun for the whole family.
At Koekamp, opposite The Hague Central Station, a complete winter sports village will arise featuring an impressive ski and snowboard ramp. For three days, visitors – young and old, beginners and pros alike – can take part in a wide range of free winter sports activities.
One of the highlights is the freestyle ski and snowboard competition Rock A Rail, where the world’s best riders will battle for the European titles on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is all about families and children, with plenty of snow activities specially designed for young visitors.
Snowfest is a winter sports spectacle you’ll definitely want to mark in your calendar. The full program can be found at snowfest.eu/en/the-hague.
