Over 60 years later, boys and girls, families, couples and friends from all over the world make the journey to the South of Holland to visit Efteling and all its special inhabitants to enjoy rides, attractions and spectacular shows.

And from 14th November 2016 until 31^st January 2017 (including Christmas day!) visitors will be in for even more of a treat, as this day signifies the start of Winter Efteling.

As the days get cooler and darker, Winter Efteling warms you up with bonfires and guides your way around the Fairytale Forest and park with thousands of twinkling lights. Captivating visitors of all ages, Efteling is transformed into a spectacular winter world - the cobbled paths under a soft blanket of snow.

You’ll be enchanted by the romantic atmosphere and breathtaking live entertainment including the world renowned water show, Aquanura. Sit and enjoy the autumnal colours of the crackling bonfire while stories and music are shared. At the end of the day, warm yourself up with a choice of no less than six kinds of hot chocolate at Ton van de Ven square.

The hand crafted attractions and beautiful carousels will leave you speechless, and no trip to Efteling is complete without watching the incredible Raveleijn show. Featuring stunt riders and a fire breathing dragon, you won’t want to miss it.

Listen to old and new fairytales told by the Fire Prince and Snow Princess, with singing around the bonfire where everyone can join in.

Explore Efteling on the cross country ski track that winds through the meandering snow covered Dutch landscape, or slip on some skates and take to the ice rink. There is even a real snow slide that the little ones will love.

Tuck into scrumptious winter treats, perfect for those of you with a sweet tooth. Choose from delicious traditional Dutch pancakes, sweet syrup waffles and more. Visit the traditional food stalls for smoked sausage and don’t forget to try the extremely tasty potatoes on a stick. Warm up in the indoor ice rink, IJspaleis, with a glass of Schrobbèler, the festive Dutch liqueur, or sip on traditional hot mulled wine.

You’ll be mesmerised by Droomvlucht, Efteling’s most famous dark, indoor ride which takes you on an enchanting journey where elves, fairies, unicorns and forest animals come to life. Admire the panoramic view from the Pagode, the Thai temple that soars above the park, or experience a high speed adventure on the indoor roller coaster Vogel Rok. Thrillseekers can enjoy the daring double track wooden coaster, Joris en de Draak, or Baron 1898, the plunging dive coaster.*

When darkness falls, find Winter Efteling’s must-see impressive illusions on Villa Volta and De Vliegende Hollander - they really have to be seen to be believed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15IR-iIBxwQ

And don’t forget to witness the breathtaking fountains of Aquanura, Europe’s largest water show which features fire, lights and music - it’s even more incredible in the dark!

Stay in the park after it has closed to enjoy a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants, and then head back to your accommodation where the enjoyment continues.

Efteling Bosrijk, the spectacular little holiday village, is truly stunning in the winter months. With winding paths leading to houses set amongst woodland and romantic lakeside lodges complete with saunas[KK1] , you have plenty to look forward to after an exciting day in the park. You can even order pizza delivered to your door by bicycle.

Or unleash your inner child in a themed fairytale bedroom at the Efteling Hotel. Step into an intricately decorated room filled with fairytale surprises - the icing on the cake after an unforgettable day exploring.

Open 365 days a year.

Fairytales do come true at Winter Efteling.

* Water rides Piraña and De Vliegende Hollander will close during winter. All other rides are open depending on weather. Stay up to date with the Efteling app.

About Efteling
Since the opening in 1952, more than 120 million visitors have experienced an unforgettable day at Efteling, in the South of Holland. Over the years, Efteling has grown to become one of Europe’s biggest theme parks, with a unique fairytale atmosphere, natural surroundings and a wide range of thrilling and enchanting attractions. It is now ranked in the top 25 theme parks in the world, according to the Tea Theme Index 2015. Efteling is open all year round, and makes an ideal family short-break destination with the Efteling Hotel and the holiday Park Efteling Bosrijk just a stone’s throw away. Through a programme of phased growth over the coming years, Efteling aims to become an international destination with five million visitors per year by 2020.

Only during Winter Efteling – indoor and outdoor skating
Various special winter attractions are unique to Winter Efteling. You can skate indoors and outdoors this winter on the ice rink, for example. Shoot down a real snow slide, cross-country ski through a traditional Dutch landscape or stroll around the atmospheric Beierse market. Anything is possible. Apart from the Piraña and The Flying Dutchman, all attractions are open as long as the weather permits.

Aquanura
The four frogs from the Aquanura water show transform the lake into a musical extravaganza lasting 12 minutes. Fairytales like The Indian Water Lilies are brought to life to the sound of well-known Efteling melodies and the spectacle of around 200 coloured fountains. Attractions such as the Hounted House, Raveleijn and Dreamflight are also brought to life and Aquanura’s pageant of colour is even more spellbinding set against a pitch-black sky.

New Year’s Eve
Special tickets are available for Efteling’s New Year’s Eve party. These provide entry to the park from 19.00 hours and also include catering packages. The attractions stay open until midnight and there are live performances on various squares from 19.00 hours onwards. At midnight, the New Year will be celebrated in a festive manner with a spectacular firework display and the popping of corks.

Impressive illusions with 3D video mapping*
From twilight onwards, three attractions that house ghostly apparitions take on an entirely different appearance. A couple of residents manage to escape through the Creepy Castle’s walls and visitors can see the eternally roaming ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, on the attraction’s outer walls. Villa Volta’s walls also creak to life, allowing its owner’s curse to break through into the outside world...

* The Winter Efteling illusions were created with the help of 3D video mapping: an extra layer is projected on to the buildings’ walls, creating an optical illusion between 2D and 3D. This illusion between projection and reality changes the appearance of the building in a matter of seconds. The buildings can appear to move or even collapse.

Raveleijn park show at Winter Efteling
The struggle against the wicked ruler of the magical city of Raveleijn takes on a special lustre during the evenings, through the use of lighting and fire. The park show, in which real horses and ravens play a leading role, is performed four or five times a day. The show lasts 20 minutes and is suitable for children aged six and upwards.

Fairytale musical Mr Sandman
During the winter months the Efteling Theatre is staging the brand new, Dutch-language, fairytale musical: Mr Sandman. With his magical sand Mr Sandman ensures that children all over the world have sweet dreams. Also in the Fairytale Forest. But it seems that the magic sand no longer works. Could Witch have something to do with this? And where does the black sand come from? After nightfall, Mr Sandman and his trusty owl friend set out to solve the puzzle once and for all. The fairytale musical can be seen exclusively at the Efteling Theatre from 13 September 2013 until 9 March 2014.

Opening dates and hours during Winter Efteling

• Monday 18 November 2013 until Sunday 2 February 2014
• Weekdays: 11.00-18.00 hours
• Christmas holidays (21 Dec – 5 Jan): 11.00-20.00 hours
• New Year’s Eve (31 December 2013): 11.00-18.00 and

19.00-01.00 hours(attractions until 00.00 hours)

Further information is available at www.efteling.com/winterefteling