Holiday parks in the Netherlands nearly fully booked for Christmas week

Holiday parks across the Netherlands report high occupancy rates during the Christmas period, with many describing the season as “traditionally busy.” According to Parkvakanties, an online platform offering a comprehensive overview of holiday accommodations, the majority of vacation homes have been booked well in advance, though some availability remains.

Laurens Taekema, founder of Parkvakanties, stated that occupancy at the over 750 holiday parks and bungalow locations in the country is hovering around 90 percent for the week of Christmas. “This is always a very busy week,” Taekema said. However, he noted that the numbers fall slightly short of those seen two years ago, when the demand for getaways soared in the wake of pandemic lockdowns, reaching near-total capacity.

Major providers such as Roompot and Center Parcs are currently offering last-minute discounts on remaining holiday homes for this week. Their websites indicate an effort to fill the final vacancies before Christmas.

Despite the high demand, some holiday homes are still available for late bookers. Taekema explained that many families and friends plan their holiday park stays immediately after the summer months, securing their spots well ahead of time. However, he added that “last-minute bookings are still trickling in.”

For the upcoming New Year’s week, slightly more accommodations remain available. Taekema estimated the current occupancy rate for the period around New Year’s at approximately 85 percent. This figure reflects a broader trend of families opting to celebrate Christmas together while leaving New Year’s plans more flexible.

Parks such as Waterdunen experience a surge in demand during New Year’s from guests seeking tranquility and an escape from traditional fireworks displays. However, for those looking to secure a stay in the coming weeks, Taekema recommends targeting the final weekend of the holiday season. “There are significantly more options available then, and prices are lower,” he said.

According to Parkvakanties’ booking data, the first weekend of January sees the lowest occupancy rates of the holiday season, with only 70 percent of homes booked. This period typically marks the end of the busy holiday travel season.