Hilversum is best known as the home of Dutch television, but its event calendar deserves just as much attention. From November 2026 to May 2027 the city hosts a film festival, a choir festival with a Christmas market, a Sinterklaas parade, four days of Top 2000 tribute concerts and a ten-day spring fair. Here is a verified overview, with an apartment on the Kerkstraat right in the centre.
November: film, Sinterklaas and a choir festival
Film Festival Hilversum runs from 4 to 8 November 2026 at Filmtheater Hilversum on the Herenplein, with previews, classics and special guests.
Source: Live Hilversum, events calendar.
On Sunday 15 November 2026 Sinterklaas arrives by boat in the Oude Haven. The parade leaves the Taludweg at around 14:15 and passes through the centre, including the Kerkstraat, before finishing on the Marktplein at around 16:00.
Source: Sintintocht Hilversum, route 2026.
On Saturday 28 November 2026 the Peace of Cake Choir Festival returns as a Christmas edition at Studio 21 on the Media Park, with choirs on two stages and a Christmas market, from 10:00 to 22:00. Entry is €11, children under 12 go free, and Hilversum Media Park station is right next door.
Source: Peace of Cake Korenfestival.
Exhibitions worth planning around
- Beeld & Geluid (Sound & Vision), Media Park: Beleef 75 jaar TV and the free exhibition Heel Holland Zoekt, both until 31 December 2026.
- Fotomuseum Hilversum: World Press Photo 2026 until 29 November 2026, and BLOS – Where Colour, Textiles and Photography Meet until 7 February 2027.
- DAC Dudok Architecture Centre: 110 Years of Gispen in Buildings until 4 April 2027.
Sources: Museum.nl, Beeld & Geluid; Live Hilversum, events calendar.
December: Live 2000 in the city centre
From 27 to 30 December 2026 the centre of Hilversum is dedicated to the Top 2000 during Live 2000, with free tribute concerts in a tent on the Marktplein and music at venues across town. Read our Live 2000 Hilversum guide for details.
Source: Live Hilversum, Live 2000.
Spring 2027: the fair and King’s Day
The Hilversum fair (kermis) fills the Marktplein from 23 April to 2 May 2027, open daily from 12:00. On King’s Day, Tuesday 27 April 2027, it opens early at 10:30.
Source: Live Hilversum, Kermis in Hilversum.
Where to stay for Hilversum events
Alphabet Apartments has seven furnished studios and apartments on the Kerkstraat in the centre of Hilversum, a short walk from the Marktplein, Filmtheater Hilversum and the shopping streets. Beeld & Geluid and Studio 21 on the Media Park are easy to reach by train or bus. Visiting without a car? Our guide to a car-free short stay in Hilversum helps you plan the journey.
Frequently asked questions
When is Film Festival Hilversum 2026?+
Film Festival Hilversum takes place from 4 to 8 November 2026 at Filmtheater Hilversum.
When does Sinterklaas arrive in Hilversum in 2026?+
On Sunday 15 November 2026. The parade ends on the Marktplein at around 16:00.
When is the Hilversum fair in 2027?+
The fair is on the Marktplein from 23 April to 2 May 2027, including King’s Day on 27 April.
Where can I stay in central Hilversum?+
Alphabet Apartments offers furnished studios and apartments on the Kerkstraat in the centre of Hilversum.