Arnhem – Nostalgic Winter Funfair Openluchtmuseum 2027

Nostalgic Winter Funfair Arnhem 2027 is expected to take place from 4 December 2027 to 9 January 2028 at the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum. The dates follow the pattern of previous years, while the opening hours and admission arrangements are based on the 2026/27 season; the new edition has not yet been officially confirmed. You can look forward to historic carousels, winter traditions and a museum experience for the whole family.

Nostalgic Winter Funfair Arnhem 2027: expected season

The Nederlands Openluchtmuseum officially opens for the winter season 2026/27 from 5 December to 10 January. Following the same first weekend in December and running until early January, the expected dates for 2027/28 are 4 December 2027 to 9 January 2028. A specific event date for the new winter season has not yet been announced. The museum remains closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, as in the previous year's schedule. For specific travel plans, check the reservation options and confirmed visiting days when they are announced.

Nederlands Openluchtmuseum as a unique event venue

The winter funfair is not held in a public town square, but at the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum on Hoeferlaan 4 in Arnhem. The open-air museum features Dutch homes, historic shops and traditions from different periods. During the colder months, the museum streets take on a special atmosphere, with lights, music and seasonal offerings. This makes the winter funfair part of a museum visit. The rides are located near the entrance and form part of the overall winter programme. Admission is therefore subject to a valid museum ticket.

Nostalgic Winter Funfair Arnhem 2027: historic carousels

The Grand Carrousel, dating from 1890, is particularly well known, with its richly decorated horses and carriages inviting you to take a ride. A historic swing ride from 1920 was also part of the museum funfair in 2026/27. Attractions like these give you an impression of what fairs used to be like. The museum still needs to confirm whether and when the individual attractions will operate again in 2027/28. A specific 2027 line-up of rides will therefore not be inferred from the previous year. The existing title image is labelled as a placeholder image.

Winter traditions, fairground and crafts

Alongside the funfair, the museum showcased numerous Dutch winter traditions during the 2026/27 season. Historic crafts and a fairground with stalls were also part of the programme. Visitors could, for example, explore a forge or other museum buildings and learn more about the history of everyday objects. The Elfstedentocht, a winter walk around the grounds, was also part of the programme. It is not yet known which individual workshops and activities will be offered again in 2027/28. The description and programme fields therefore remain general until the new season is officially announced.

Roller-skating rink and winter fun for families

At the previous edition, visitors could also enjoy a nostalgic roller-skating rink. The museum paired it with winter decorations, music and opportunities to play. This makes a visit suitable not only for funfair fans, but also for families with children and anyone interested in Dutch history. However, exact age rules and the availability of individual activities may change. Check the official museum website to see whether skates are available to hire and whether particular activities require a reservation. The historic carousels are only one part of the wider winter programme.

Admission, opening times and public holidays

Unlike a Christmas market with free admission, this winter funfair requires a museum ticket. In 2026/27, tickets for adults aged 13 and over cost 20 euros on weekdays and 24 euros at weekends and on public holidays. Tickets for children aged four to twelve cost 15 and 17,50 euros respectively. Children aged up to three and eligible cardholders were admitted free. Visiting hours are initially based on the previous winter. On 24 and 31 December, opening hours were shorter; the museum was closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Getting to the Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem

The Nederlands Openluchtmuseum is north of central Arnhem, near Burgers’ Zoo and surrounded by green spaces. Buses run from Arnhem Centraal station towards the museum; check the current route in advance using the Dutch journey planner. By car, you can reach the grounds via the roads around the A12 and A50. There are signposted visitor car parks. As admission is charged and reservations are sometimes required, it is worth planning your tickets early, especially during the Christmas holidays.

You can find confirmed information and tickets on the official organiser's website. Find more winter festivals in our events calendar.