Kampen – Kerst in Oud Kampen 2027

Kerst in Oud Kampen 2027 is expected to take place on Saturday, 18, and Sunday, 19 December 2027 in Kampen’s historic town centre. The forecast follows the third weekend in December 2026; opening times are based on the previous year, but 2027 has not yet been officially confirmed. Theatre, music, Christmas lights and a nostalgic funfair area define the two-day festival.

Kerst in Oud Kampen 2027: likely dates

The organiser Stichting Ventura has announced the 26 edition of Kerst in Oud Kampen for Saturday, 19, and Sunday, 20 December 2026. Following the same third Advent weekend, the next edition is provisionally expected on 18 and 19 December 2027. As no separate announcement for 2027 has been published so far, these dates are not yet confirmed. In previous years, the town centre became a large stage on two evenings. The new scenes and exact programme will be announced later.

Historic town centre as an open-air theatre

The Christmas festival takes you through the old Hanseatic town of Kampen. The route runs from the IJsselkade through narrow streets and historic districts. Old façades, town walls and the proximity of the IJssel create an exceptional setting. Unlike a typical Christmas market, it is a large street theatre festival with many small performances. Actors, choirs and music groups perform at various stops. The exact route may change each year. That is why the map marks the area around the IJsselkade as a guide.

Kerst in Oud Kampen 2027: nostalgic funfair

The 2026 edition included plans for a nostalgic funfair with classic attractions on the Buitenkade. The organiser named Kop van Jut, a glass maze and the traditional caterpillar ride, similar to a roller coaster. Rides like these highlight the festival’s historic fairground character. However, it has not yet been confirmed which attractions will return for 2027. The ride links for the new edition will therefore remain empty until specific information for that year is available. In addition to festival admission, rides at the funfair may cost extra.

Stages, lights and stories

At previous editions, numerous amateur performers and theatre groups staged short stories at changing locations in the town centre. The programme for 2026 included imaginative light scenes, music and unusual characters along the route. The Christmas lights were also an important feature. It is not yet known which plays, artists and effects will return next year. We therefore do not carry over old individual event times into the calendar. Visitors should allow plenty of time to walk through the narrow streets.

Winter arena and special family activities

For the 2026 edition, the covered VDK Winterarena with an ice rink was advertised at Nieuwe Markt. This kind of winter activity can be a lovely addition to the theatre festival, especially for families with children. There are also stalls along the route selling drinks, light snacks and other items. However, the Winterarena may have different opening times from the theatre festival itself. Its possible additional opening days are therefore not automatically included in the two-day event period.

Tickets, admission and opening times

You need an admission wristband to visit Kerst in Oud Kampen. According to the latest information published by the organiser, admission was free for children under eight. It cost three euros for children aged eight to fourteen. Visitors aged fourteen and over paid six euros online or eight euros at the gate per day. These prices are from the previous season and are not confirmed for 2027. The two festival days had different opening times, listed in the schedule. Rides may cost extra.

Getting there, parking and routes

You can reach Kampen by train from Zwolle. The station is by the town bridge to the historic town centre. From there, you can walk to the entrance to the festival route. In previous years, special parking areas were available in Spoorlanden, with a shuttle bus. The prices and bus times need to be confirmed again for 2027. Families and visitors with limited mobility should also bear in mind that some of the old town’s streets are narrow and that visitor numbers may be high. The organiser usually publishes information on accessibility and entrances.

You can find more details on the official organiser's website. Discover similar winter funfairs in the event calendar.