Welcome to this week’s edition of Wassenaar Weekly. Your source for local stories, events, and community news in English, brought to you by Wassenaarders.nl.
Large Search Operation for Missing Man Near Wassenaar
A large-scale search operation took place in the dune area between Katwijk and Scheveningen for Guido de Graaf (33), who has been missing since Sunday evening, 14 December.
More than one hundred volunteers, coordinated by a Search and Rescue team and supported by sniffer dogs, took part.
Earlier in the week, a Burgernet alert was issued in Wassenaar after reports that Guido may have been seen near Wassenaarse Slag.
Police continue to ask anyone with information to contact 0900-8844 (or 112 in urgent situations).
Open Blitz Chess Championship – 29 December
On Monday, 29 December, Chess Club Wassenaar will host the annual Open Blitz Chess Championship of Wassenaar at Deijlerhuis (Hofcampweg 3).
The tournament starts at 19:00 and is open to everyone — club players and home players alike. Participation is free.
The winner will receive the title Open Blitz Chess Champion of Wassenaar, along with a trophy and prizes.
Registration: info@schaakclub-wassenaar.nl
New Atlantikwall Walking and Cycling Routes Launched
New Atlantikwall Netherlands walking and cycling routes have been launched, highlighting World War II heritage along the Dutch coast — including South Holland.
The routes are part of Liberation Route Europe, recognised by the Council of Europe as a Cultural Route.
In total, more than 650 km of routes and 100 stories (in Dutch, English and German) are now digitally available, connecting bunkers, monuments and memorial sites from Zeeland to Groningen.
The routes can be explored via www.liberationroute.com using an interactive map and route planner.
Editorial: “Without Volunteers, Everything Comes to a Halt”
In a reflective end-of-year editorial, Wassenaarders.nl highlights the crucial role of volunteers in keeping local organisations and initiatives running.
Often working quietly behind the scenes, volunteers contribute time, responsibility and commitment — not for recognition, but because they care.
The editorial calls for year-round appreciation, respect and gratitude, stressing that even small gestures of recognition help sustain a strong and resilient community.
Preparing for New Year’s Eve: Fireworks and Waste Rules
The municipality of Wassenaar has shared practical guidelines for a safe and responsible New Year’s Eve:
- Fireworks may be set off from 31 December, 18:00 until 1 January, 02:00
- Extra restrictions apply in certain areas (e.g. thatched-roof homes, dunes and woodland)
- Bonfires are only allowed with a permit
- Many waste containers will be temporarily closed on 31 December at 19:00 and reopen on 1 January at 06:00
More information: https://en.wassenaar.nl/jaarwisseling-2025-2026
New Year’s Concert Kicks Off 125th Anniversary of Excelsior Wassenaar
Music association Excelsior Wassenaar will open its 125th anniversary year with a New Year’s Concert on Sunday, 18 January 2026, at Theater De Warenar.
The concert will be performed twice (13:00 and 16:00) and includes a special guest: thereminist Thorwald Jorgensen.
Tickets (€15) are available via Eventbrite.
New Year’s Dive at Wassenaarse Slag – 1 January
The traditional New Year’s Dive returns on 1 January 2026 at Wassenaarse Slag.
At exactly 12:00, hundreds of participants will run into the North Sea to welcome the new year — this time over a royal red carpet.
Participation is free, and hot chocolate will be available on the beach thanks to Scouting De Paauw.
Strong Momentum for Team KiwiFondue on the Atlantic
Ocean rowing team KiwiFondue, including Wassenaar resident Mark Slats, reports excellent progress halfway across the Atlantic.
Favourable winds and waves have led to high speeds and strong morale on board.
The team is rowing for the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. Updates and videos are shared regularly via the team’s channels.
Stay Connected – Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel!
Want more local stories, interviews and video reports?
Visit youtube.com/wassenaarders for episodes of “Praat-je Wassenaars?!” and features on local news, history, culture and events.
Stay informed — subscribe to our YouTube channel and don’t miss a thing!
