Nativity Scene Trail - Nativity Scene Walk

From Sunday, December 6, through Saturday, December 26, 2026 (Boxing Day), the downtown area of Sneek will once again be transformed into a charming walking route featuring no fewer than36 unique nativity scenes. This initiative invites people of all ages to explore together and experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Festive opening by the King’s Commissioner in Fryslân

The second edition of the Sneek Nativity Scene Route will be festively opened on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the Onder de Linden restaurant on Marktstraat in Sneek. The official opening ceremony will take place around 4:30 p.m. and will be presided over by the King’s Commissioner in Fryslân, Drs. A.A.M. Brok. The festive pre-program begins at 4:15 p.m. and will feature musical performances by The Christmas Voices, who will set a warm and festive Christmas mood with their Christmas carols.

After the official opening, all attendees are invited to walk part of the Nativity Scene Route together. Anyone who would like to join can take part in a walk past several locations where the nativity scenes are on display. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with these unique nativity scenes and the stories behind them.

Everyone is warmly welcome to attend this festive opening!

36 Nativity Scenes, 36 Letters, and One Special Christmas Message

Scattered throughout the charming downtown area of Sneek, there are no fewer than 36 nativity scenes to admire this year. From traditional and nostalgic to modern and surprising: each nativity scene has its own unique charm and story. Starting Sunday, December 6, free route booklets will be available at nearly all participating locations. Once again, the Kribjesroute features a fun and meaningful puzzle. You’ll find a letter at each nativity scene. If you collect all 36 letters and put them in the correct order, you’ll discover a hidden Christmas message.

The route is suitable for all ages and can be explored on your own. Whether you’re setting out on your own, with family, friends, or (grand)children, the Kribjesroute offers a wonderful opportunity to explore downtown Sneek in the Christmas spirit, spend time together, and take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

The Experience Tree: a ribbon full of thoughts, a tree full of stories

At the end of the Kribjesroute, a special moment awaits participants. The Belevingsboom stands on the church square in front of St. Martin’s Church on the Singel. Everyone is invited to take a moment to reflect on what the walk has meant to them. Perhaps it was a special nativity scene that made an impression, a lovely encounter along the way, or a thought that came to mind while walking. Visitors can write their personal experience, thought, memory, or wish on a ribbon and hang it on the tree. In this way, throughout the Christmas season, the Tree of Experiences grows into a special collection of personal stories, wishes, and thoughts—a tree that symbolizes hope, love, peace, and togetherness.

Each ribbon tells its own story. Together, we’ll turn the Experience Tree into a tree full of memories, wishes, and connection.

Building a New Sneek Christmas Tradition Together

With this second edition, the organizers hope to further establish the Kribjesroute as a beloved Christmas tradition in Sneek. The route isn’t just about admiring nativity scenes, but above all about connection and togetherness. Especially during the dark days of December, the Kribjesroute aims to be a ray of light and bring people together.

Festive closing ceremony on Boxing Day

The Kribjesroute will conclude with a festive celebration on Saturday, December 26, 2026—Boxing Day—at 11:00 a.m. at the Sint Martinuskerk on the Singel in Sneek. During this atmospheric gathering, the Christmas story will come to life with a special Christmas play. Well-known Christmas carols will also be sung together. A special moment will be the unveiling of the complete Christmas message, which participants have collected letter by letter during their walk. Everyone is warmly welcome to come together to bring this special Christmas season to a close.

An invitation to everyone

The Kribjesroute Sneek committee warmly invites residents of Sneek, visitors from the region, and everyone who loves Christmas to join the walk.

Discover the 36 nativity scenes, collect the letters, and be surprised by the hidden Christmas message!

On behalf of the Kribjesroute Sneek committee, we wish everyone a pleasant walk, wonderful encounters, and a blessed Christmas season.

Practical Information

Sneek Nativity Scene Trail 2026

• Dates: Sunday, December 6 through Saturday, December 26, 2026
• Official opening: Sunday, December 6, around 4:30 p.m.
• Pre-show: The Christmas Voices, starting at 4:15 p.m.
• Opening location: Onder de Linden restaurant, Marktstraat, Sneek
• Opening ceremony: King’s Commissioner in Fryslân, Drs. A.A.M. Brok
• After the opening: a group walk past several nativity scenes for anyone who would like to join
• Number of nativity scenes: 36, scattered throughout downtown Sneek
• Closing: Saturday, December 26, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Martin’s Church on the Singel in Sneek

Participation in the Nativity Scene Route is open to everyone.

The Kribjesroute is an initiative of the St. Anthony Parish in Sneek