Christmas in The Netherlands

The holiday season in The Netherlands is a festive time that combines age-old traditions with contemporary celebrations. For expats and digital nomads spending their first Christmas and New Year's in this European country, the experience is a delightful blend of Dutch customs, twinkling lights, and convivial spirit.

Christmas and New Year's Traditions in The Netherlands

In The Netherlands, the Christmas season is marked by gezelligheid, a Dutch term that loosely translates to coziness or togetherness. Homes and streets are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Dutch celebrate Christmas on both December 25th and 26th, known as Eerste Kerstdag (First Christmas Day) and Tweede Kerstdag (Second Christmas Day), allowing for extended time with family and friends.

New Year's Eve, or Oud en Nieuw (Old and New), is another significant celebration, with fireworks lighting up the sky as the clock strikes midnight. It's a time for reflection, looking forward to the new year, and enjoying the company of loved ones.

Festive Events and Celebrations

Leading up to the holidays, Christmas markets spring up in towns and cities across The Netherlands. These markets are a hub for holiday shopping, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. Ice skating rinks and festive lights add to the holiday cheer, making these markets a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in Dutch Christmas spirit.

One of the most anticipated events is the arrival of Sinterklaas, a Santa-like figure who traditionally arrives in mid-November. Although Sinterklaas Day is celebrated on December 5th, his presence is felt throughout the holiday season. Children eagerly await gifts from Sinterklaas, who is said to travel from Spain by steamboat.

Gift-Giving and Traditional Foods

Gift-giving is a cherished part of the holiday season, with thoughtful presents exchanged among loved ones. Dutch gift-giving is often accompanied by humorous poems that gently tease the recipient, adding a personal and playful touch to the tradition.

When it comes to holiday cuisine, the Dutch table is laden with festive foods. Kerststol, a fruit-filled bread dusted with powdered sugar, is a Christmas staple. Oliebollen, deep-fried dough balls typically enjoyed on New Year's Eve, are another beloved treat. Gourmetten, a type of indoor grilling where everyone cooks their own small dishes at the table, is a popular way to enjoy a communal meal during the holidays.

Christmas Eve and Day Celebrations

Christmas Eve is often a quieter affair, with some attending midnight church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day itself is reserved for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and indulging in a sumptuous Christmas dinner. While not everyone attends church, those who do often go on Christmas morning or during the special Christmas services held throughout the holiday period.

Notable Towns and Neighborhoods

Certain towns and neighborhoods in The Netherlands are renowned for their holiday displays and festivities. Amsterdam's canals are lined with twinkling lights, and the city's Museumplein transforms into a winter wonderland. Valkenburg, in the province of Limburg, hosts a famous Christmas market set within the town's velvet caves. In Dordrecht, the Christmas market is known as the largest in the country, offering a picturesque setting for holiday shopping and entertainment.

As the holiday season unfolds in The Netherlands, expats and digital nomads will find themselves enveloped in a world of festive joy and Dutch traditions. From the arrival of Sinterklaas to the final fireworks of New Year's Eve, the experience is sure to create lasting memories and perhaps even new traditions to carry forward. Whether it's through sharing oliebollen with new friends or strolling through a twinkling Christmas market, the spirit of the season is alive and well in this charming corner of Europe.