On November 23rd, 1245 Haarlem officially gained its rights as a city. “City rights” were a medieval practice in the Low Countries, where a town or village were given privileges that places without city rights didn’t have. This special commemoration deserves its glory. After all it made the place we live in, the beautiful city it is today! As of Friday November 23rd all through Sunday November 25th, activities for all ages are scheduled to take place throughout Haarlem. From life as a knight and celebratory cake on Friday, to a guided walks on Saturday and a storytelling festival on Sunday. Brace the cold and find yourself and your kiddos exploring and learning more about this wonderful city.
Life as a knight
On Friday the 23rd of November, de gardens of the City Hall on the Grote Markt will be transformed into Medieval times where our youngest ‘mugjes’ can learn all about the life and trials of the people in Haarlem in the late 1200s. Free admission during visiting hours at City Hall from 9:00-17:00. For the early birds, the reveal of the City Rights is scheduled to take place at 10am at the Noord-Hollands Archief, where cake will be served.
Guided walks
Wander around the City center on Saturday November 24th where several guides will tell you all about the our city. The walks are scheduled to take place at 1pm and 3pm and start at the Archeologisch Museum. Admission is free.
Storytelling festival
Nothing beats storytelling! On Sunday November 24th different storytellers across Haarlem will be telling, reading and showing you all about Haarlem! The length of the stories vary from 10 to 20 minutes and in the Archeologisch Museum is a story about two children who want to leave the city during the siege of Haarlem.
Storytelling program:
Hoofdwacht, Grote Markt 17
13.00 – 14.00 – 15.00
Archeologisch Museum Haarlem,
Grote Markt 18k
13.30 – 14.30 – 15.30
Museum Haarlem,
Groot Heiligland 47
13.15 – 14.15 – 15.15
Free admission.
Have fun celebrating!
Text: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
Photo: Eva Cameron-Bakker
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for even more child friendly tips or buy the book MUGJES (in Dutch), with over 100 locations, tips by locals and fun activities in Haarlem (and surroundings) for kids aged 0 to 7.
