Haarlem News in English
Haarlem news in English — local headlines from Haarlem and the wider Kennemerland region (Heemstede, Velsen, Beverwijk, Zandvoort, IJmuiden), translated daily for expats and English-speaking residents.
Weekend tips: things to do in Haarlem (October 23-25)
Haarlem offers a variety of events this weekend, including a Repair Café, an early-night party at Patronaat, and a Halloween music bingo. The weekend wraps up on Sunday with a city-wide golf tourname...
Lights out! What to do near Haarlem during the Night of the Night
On October 24, the Netherlands celebrates Nacht van de Nacht to raise awareness about light pollution by encouraging people to dim their lights. Nearby in Overveen, residents can participate in starga...
No arrests yet after theft of 'goods' from Apple Store in Haarlem
Police are investigating a burglary at the Apple Store on Grote Houtstraat in Haarlem that occurred between Sunday night and Monday morning. Authorities have not yet made any arrests or disclosed the ...
Circular Pop-up at the Grote Markt
A Circulaire Pop-up event is open at the Vleeshal on the Grote Markt in Haarlem until December 30. Visitors can participate in workshops, swap clothes, and learn how to reuse or repair materials as pa...
Spaarne ferry out of service until further notice
The free ferry service known as Spaarneveer, which connects Schalkwijk and Haarlem Zuidwest, has been temporarily suspended due to a mechanical failure. The vessel's engine is broken, and there is cur...
Focus on late ADHD diagnosis in women during lecture in Haarlem
Psychologie Magazine and the Museum van de Geest will host a lecture on late ADHD diagnoses in women on November 26 in Haarlem. Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Dora Wynchank will share her expertise o...
We weren't even checked on the train, the woman said worriedly to her silent husband, that shouldn't happen
An elderly couple traveling from Haarlem to Amsterdam via public transport expressed frustration over a lack of ticket inspections on their train. The woman voiced her concerns loudly to her unrespons...
Candlelight evenings at two cemeteries in Haarlem
The municipality of Haarlem is hosting two candlelit memorial evenings at Akendam and Kleverlaan cemeteries on October 26 and 28. These events allow visitors to commemorate their loved ones through mu...
Remembering loved ones on the evening of lights
Haarlem is organizing two evening memorial events at Akendam and Kleverlaan cemeteries this October to honor deceased loved ones. Attendees can experience a peaceful atmosphere with music and light, a...
67 reports of demolition, tree felling and hospitality in Haarlem last week
The municipality of Haarlem processed 67 permit applications last week for a wide range of projects, including residential renovations, roof extensions, and property conversions. Significant proposals...
Knockout Champs: will this Haarlem resident have the competition rolling on the floor with laughter?
Haarlem content creator Amber Dokter is joining the cast of the second season of the comedy show Knockout Champs. The competition tasks participants with making their rivals laugh while maintaining th...
Outdated information used in documents regarding tourist and advertising taxes
The Haarlem city council has postponed its vote on revisions to tourism and advertising taxes due to the use of outdated documents containing technical errors. Finance Alderman Hendrik Jan Biemond apo...
Do you love having drinks and sharing small Spanish dishes? 5 Spanish bars in the center of Haarlem
This article highlights five popular Spanish bars in central Haarlem that offer a variety of tapas, pintxos, and authentic Mediterranean dishes. From waterfront dining at Restaurant Boca to the award-...
Number of children in welfare families in Haarlem increases for the first time since 2021
The number of children living in families dependent on social assistance in Haarlem increased to 2,220 last year, marking the first rise since 2021. Research highlights that these children face a sign...
Murdered by friend or vigilantes? Tattoo artist case goes to court after 3.5 years
The trial of Ismael el B. for the murder of tattoo artist Steve Mahakena has commenced in Haarlem over three years after the victim's death in Hoofddorp. While the defendant claims he tried to save hi...
Major maintenance: Haarlem Waarderbrug closed for six months
The Waarderbrug in Haarlem will undergo six months of major maintenance and upgrades for remote operation starting next Monday. During this closure, traffic and cyclists will be diverted, while a spec...
Quay wall in poor condition: section of Donkere Spaarne in Haarlem closed
The quay wall along the Donkere Spaarne in Haarlem is in poor condition, forcing immediate traffic restrictions and parking bans along the canal. City officials have moved up the timeline for necessar...
Badhoevedorp residents furious over planned 'traffic cut': 'It was already decided'
Residents of Badhoevedorp are protesting a planned traffic closure on the Zeemanlaan that aims to create a car-free village center. Despite overwhelming local opposition in a recent survey, the munici...
Exhibition on the choices that shape the city
The exhibition Bold City, Brave Decisions will be on display at the Vleeshal in Haarlem from October 29 to December 10, 2026. It explores how urban planning decisions shape mid-sized cities, featuring...
Solve the Haarlem Murdoku with a Halloween twist: who committed murder in the church?
To celebrate Halloween, a fictional murder mystery puzzle called a Murdoku has been set in the St. Bavo Church in Haarlem. Players must use logical clues to place various horror film characters on a g...
Cold weather claims 140 lives in Haarlem annually, where the risk is highest
Cold weather causes approximately 140 deaths annually in Haarlem, contributing to over 10,000 cold-related fatalities across the Netherlands each year. Research by the RIVM highlights that vulnerable ...
Have you seen Jip or Thumble? These 2 pets are missing in Haarlem
Two cats, Thumble and Jip, have been reported missing in Haarlem within the last week. Community members are asked to keep an eye out for these pets, which were last seen in the Gruttostraat and Flore...
Free workshops and clothing swap at Circular Pop-up in Haarlem
The municipality of Haarlem is hosting a Circular Pop-up at the Vleeshal from October 20 through December 30. The event promotes sustainability through free workshops, a clothing swap, and repair sess...
Forensic investigation underway at Apple Store Haarlem following 'incident'
The police and forensic investigators are conducting an inquiry at the Apple Store in Haarlem following an unidentified incident that occurred overnight. While authorities have confirmed an incident t...
Floor (22) and Danique (29) open a lunchroom and bakery
Floor and Danique have opened a new bakery and lunchroom called Brood Café at Kleine Houtstraat 66 in Haarlem. The business serves a variety of artisanal breads and homemade delicacies seven days a w...
Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread? 7 bakeries in Haarlem
This article highlights seven notable bakeries in Haarlem, showcasing their unique specialties ranging from traditional Dutch sourdough to authentic French pastries. These local favorites, including h...
Don't get angry! Here's what's happening during National Games Week in Haarlem
Haarlem is hosting the National Board Game Week from October 26 to November 1 to encourage social interaction through tabletop games. Residents of all skill levels are invited to participate in variou...
Farmer and toy seller: why be a farmer if you can't make a living from it?
The Houdijk family in Abbenes keeps their farm running by supplementing crop production with a successful toy shop and off-farm employment. Despite the financial instability of the agricultural sector...
Insurers: fewer home fire damage claims in Haarlem again last year
The number of residential fire insurance claims and fire department interventions in Haarlem decreased last year. However, the total cost of damages remains high due to inflation and rising constructi...
Two suspects, three shots: neighbors of targeted Haarlem home shocked
Two suspects were recorded firing three shots at a house on Bantamstraat in Haarlem late Thursday night. While the home sustained damage, the resident inside was physically unharmed, and police have l...