The year in Alkmaar

Nov 2026 – Oct 2027 · 6 moments

The big moments of the year in Alkmaar: Sinterklaas arrives, Prachtkerst, The cheese market and more, with their dates.

November2026
14Nov

Sinterklaas arrives

Saturday 14 November 2026

On Saturday 14 November 2026 Sinterklaas travels by boat over the Noordhollandsch Kanaal to the Ringersplein, where he moors around 13:20. From 14:00 the parade goes through the centre.

December2026
19Dec

Prachtkerst

Saturday 19 December 2026

A Christmas day across the whole centre, with live music, creative activities for children and a big sing-along. The ice rink on the Waagplein is open from 27 November to 3 January, and the Winterfair is on 28 November.

March2027
26Mar

The cheese market

Fridays, 26 March – 24 September 2027

The cheese market runs every Friday from the last Friday in March to the last Friday in September, from 10:00 to 13:00. In July and August there is an extra market every Tuesday evening, from 19:00 to 21:00. In 2027 the season runs from 26 March to 24 September.

June2027
Junusually

Kaeskoppenstad

Usually early June; 2027 is not announced (2026: 6 – 7 June)

For a weekend the old centre becomes the city of 1573, the Oude Stad. The 2026 edition was on 6 and 7 June; the dates of 2027 are not announced yet.

August2027
Augusually

The kermis

Usually late August; 2027 is not announced (2026: 21 – 30 August)

Ten days of fairground attractions in the centre. The 2026 edition ran from 21 to 30 August; the dates of 2027 are not announced yet.

October2027
8Oct

Alkmaars Ontzet

Friday 8 October 2027

The city celebrates the relief of 1573 on 8 October, with a parade and festivities on the Waagplein. In 2027 the day is a Friday.