Historically, these goodies used to be extremely expensive, which is why their use … easing:"linear", Dutch people don’t have a Santa Claus, they have a Sinterklaas. "@type": "Question", Christmas carols are a tradition of the festive period. downscale_only: false, Den Ilp, a little village north of Amsterdam, is famous for its over-the-top displays. It is so cold during winters in Netherlands that even the water in the canals and lakes of the region freeze. Some people build wooden Christmas pyramids and decorate them with evergreens and candles. What are some popular Christmas traditions in Netherland? Maybe a regular one! Many Christmas events including markets, festivals, and concerts follow his arrival. Amsterdam in winter time is absolutely beautiful. slideshow:false, About Karen. Obviously, these greasy treats are exceptionally calorific and should be approached with caution, as it is extremely easy to end up scoffing down a whole tray of oliebollen before even realizing it. Top 7 Places To Visit In Zagreb To Savor The Best Of South Europe, 10 Best Airports In Europe For An Enjoyable Journey To Your Dream Destination. First of all, the biggest Christmas market of The Netherlands is held in Dordrecht. The Christmas period is a time of celebration and tradition. The local markets are lit up with colourful Christmas lights in Netherlands and are well stocked with seasonal products. Mid-December, for one nights only (Dec 15 in 2009), the town hall and adjacent buildings on the market square are lit by candles while a special Christmas program takes place on the Markt. Deventer has one of the most unique and quirky Christmas markets of The Netherlands. The truth is that there are so many things to do in Amsterdam in December: you can visit festivals and seasonal exhibitions, discover museums and performances. First Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day) Saint Nicholas' Eve (the eve of Sinterklaas, also called Sinterklaasavond or Pakjesavond) on 5 December is not a national holiday, however it is widely celebrated. Suggested Read: Guess Which European City Gets The Title Of World’s Most Liveable City This Year! In Amsterdam alone, around 600 Black Peters will hand out up to four tones of biscuits to children. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Have a holly, jolly, gezellig Christmas. Second, walking through a city that is not well-known to foreigners will bring you closer to experiencing the real Dutch culture. And then the next day half the country goes to Ikea or Intratuin. The Dutch Tourism Office recommends several events to enjoy in the Netherlands during the run-up to Christmas: The arrival in the Netherlands of Santa Claus (Sinterklaas) and his helper Black Peter (Zwarte Piet) is eagerly awaited by Dutch children. Christmas Eve, December 24, is ‘Kerstavond‘, but Christmas eve is not celebrated in the Netherlands. Fun Facts About Christmas Day. The unique tradition here includes Sinterklaas Avond which is celebrated annually on December 5 as St. Nicholas’ birthday. }; Celebrants of Christmas decorate the trees with small electric lights and other items of adornment such as glass baubles, bells and stars. Unlike in neighboring countries, December 24 is traditionally not a day to exchange gifts. }); direction:'horizontal', It is best enjoyed when accompanied by seasonal wine or beer. }); He does not ride a sleigh pulled by reindeers but arrive on a white horse. Christmas in the Netherlands during the month of December opens the opportunity to try out many different things in the various towns, villages, and cities housed by the country. Several hand picked speciality spices are incorporated on these thin cookies to give them a unique and distinct flavour. It is a wonderful experience just attending these events in … Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated two days long, on December 25th and December 26th. Here, CWGC Historian Sanna Joutsijoki explores a Finnish tradition that lights up our Dutch cemeteries in celebration. Many other Dutch communities will also host Christmas markets and numerous Christmas related events. This market opens up to the canals housed by this town which are completely frozen during this time of the year and offers amazing opportunities for a fun-filled experience of ice-skating on naturally formed ice. Christmas markets are a holiday staple of Northern Europe, and the Netherlands is no exception. Image Source Kerst is about the family being together and having enormous dinners. Puzzles are both relaxing and stimulating, and … Why? More than 950 characters out of the books of the famous English writer will come alive. It offers people the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Christmas in the Netherlands during the month of December opens the opportunity to try out many different things in the various towns, villages, and cities housed by the country. The arrival of Santa Claus kicks of the Christmas season in the Netherland. Christmas Day itself is a much quieter day in The Netherlands, with a Church Service and family meal. (N091107), Filed Under: Netherlands Tagged With: 500, Christmas, Christmas Markets, FP, potx, Xmas. This is then glazed with poedersuiker(powdered sugar). Traditionally, the two arrive in the Netherlands by ship from Spain and then tour throughout Holland to deliver gifts to good children on the eve of December 5 and to whisk naughty children back to Spain – the latter not such a fearful threat as it used to be centuries ago! The visitors and tourists even have the option of taking a guided tour into these caverns and also into the castle which stands above these caverns. One must be prepared to deal with very low temperatures while planning a trip to Netherlands during the festive season. The Dutch delicacies are sure to win every food lovers heart. One of the newer Christmas markets in the Netherlands, the event in Leiden is unique due to its layout. If you do not have such a document, the Dutch border authorities will determine whether you may travel via the Netherlands. Using real candles rather than electric lights remains very popular in the Netherlands. Last time we wrote about how Santa came to the Netherlands, but now we'll write a bit more about what the Dutch are eating during Christmas. It tastes somewhat like the gingernut cookies made in the UK. Source: shutterstock . Where to try: Bakkerrij Simon Meijssen, Van Baerlestraat 23, 1071 AN Amsterdam, Netherlands. What do they eat for Christmas in the Netherlands? Budget-friendly Good for Kids Good for Big Groups Good for Couples Good for a Rainy Day Free Entry Hidden Gems Honeymoon spot Good for Adrenaline Seekers Adventurous. } Christmas events in the Netherlands: Zwolle: Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival. They also receive most of their presents on Sinterklaas. Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas has a holiday. "text": "Playing games, watching movies and eating delicious Christmas food includes the main Christmas tradition in Netherland. " The weather during Christmas in Netherlands is quite chilly. An array of lip-smacking traditional dishes are offered almost in every street and restaurant in the Netherlands. Instead, Christmas in the Netherlands means these two days are spent with family, singing carols, playing games, watching movies, reading Christmas tales, and indulging in holiday feasts. Located between Almere and Lelystad, the Oostvaardersplassen stretches onto the Markemeer … The main family dinner is on the 25th. itemWidth:300, He’s also the precursor of Santa Claus – thanks to Dutch immigrants in the US and Conde Nast. You will see how Dutch people experience winter. People from every nook and corner of the country assemble along the river Amstel to catch a glimpse of the arrival of this jovial figure. Sinterklaas arrives on a well-decorated speedboat which is sure to catch every visitor’s attention. "acceptedAnswer": { Besides the Charles Dickens fest, there is also … "name": "What do the Netherlands drink on Christmas? Gouda bei Kerzenschein (Gouda Lit by Candles) is one of the best known of these events. Christmas Day is celebrated with good food and family fun; and in between the city sparkles with bright lights, fun markets, great parties, snowy scenery and festive good cheer! Listen to enticing seasonal music and take in the hundreds of Christmas stalls, impressive sand sculptures and miniature villages. These caverns under the castle are decorated with colourful lights which magically transforms these caverns into a wondrous vibrant area. Christmas festivities in the Netherlands usually start early with the arrival of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) and his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) in mid-November. Talk to our travel experts today. } Here’s the traditional DutchNews.nl list of 10 key things you need to know about Christmas in the Netherlands. }); Copy and paste the url below to share the link. Duration: 17th to 19th December, Suggested Read: Top 10 Hotels In Netherlands For Those Who Want A Grand Stay While Living The Good Life. The most popular attractions are the Municipal Caves and the Velvet Cave. var el = $(this); , { Christmas in Netherlands – Great Event; Christmas Day is a significant holiday in the Netherlands on 25th December every year. Once December arrives, Christmas markets begin to pop up all around the country, and Amsterdam boasts more than a few. "name": "What do they eat for Christmas in the Netherlands? Duration: 1st December to 1st January. minItems:1, During the festive season, this northwestern European country magically transforms into a brightly lit up arena with a number of decorated Christmas trees in Netherlands and many other opportunities for visitors to enjoy and have a fun-filled experience. Nachtmis. Oklahoma was the last state to do so. orig_width: 300 Several people beautify their homes and stopover Christmas markets proceeding to Christmas … November 7, 2009 by Henk Bekker in Netherlands. All things to do in The Netherlands Commonly Searched For in The Netherlands Popular The Netherlands Categories. While they eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, the people around them shop for gifts, write a little poem to accompany each one, and carefully … Richiavo, the Dutch do indeed celebrate Christmas on the 25th. Christmas season in Amsterdam. One of the more interesting is held from end November to just before Xmas in the caves at Valkenburg in the Dutch province Limburg. Ice Skating. The Netherlands is a country with rich and longstanding Christmas traditions.The Dutch figure of Sinterklaas served as a model for the American version of Santa Claus, and the name "Santa Claus" even comes the Dutch word. Sunday Market is one of the most popular, located in the reformed historic gas building, Westergas. directionNav:true, }); Snow and Christmas lights create a perfect setting for that festive time in Amsterdam. There is however no turkey, fruit cake or any complicated dish. }); But, visiting Dordrecht during winter is one of the best things you can do in The Netherlands. In case you are not familiar with Dordrecht, this stunning city in South Holland is known as the “Venice of Holland.”Although the Christmas market here goes on a considerably shorter period than some other Dutch Christmas markets, the Dordrecht market has more than 300 stalls, sing-a-longs, … My father came from Sittard. This is the day where families gather, have dinner together and exchange presents. Christmas Day is a public holiday. Location: Lage der A, Groningen, Netherlands Maybe both, if they are on the smaller side! var cloned = el.clone(); If you add up all the gifts given in the song the Twelve Days of Christmas there are 364 total gifts. $('li:not(".flex-active-slide") .animated', slider).not('.disabled').each(function(index) { ", Dordrecht has the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands. You can do this with a note verbale from that country’s embassy, for example, or another type of document that proves you can travel there. } They are high in calories but one bite into an Oliebollen and you would forget about the calories and end up gulping down the whole tray of this delicacy. In Rotterdam, a new tradition held on December 23 is the Santa Claus race. The festive season in the Netherlands is generally the time when peak winters hits this European region. The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes by taking a boat tour or a water taxi … Canals Of Amsterdam. ] Location: Valkenburg Castle Ruins, Grendelplein 13, Valkenburg, Netherlands During the Christmas season, Maastricht turns into a spectacular shopping destination with several market stalls throughout the village pathways. Sinterklaas is a prominent figure in the Netherlands, whose visit to the country marks the beginning of the Netherland festive season. Celebrating Christmas in the Netherlands. The arrival of Sinterklaas is a very significant and an important Christmas tradition in the Netherlands. $('#metaslider_50542 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_50542 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { Feel mesmerized with the enchanting underground caves and fairytale décor. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. Delicious food is the main part of the holiday celebrations including vegetables, roast pork, and homemade breads. You will be going back to the 19th-century English city of Charles Dickens. var timer_metaslider_50542 = function() { On this eve, Sinterklaas visits home of every child and leaves a gift for them. Get an opportunity to experience the Christmas festivities in Netherlands by planning a winter holiday to the Netherlands here with Travel Triangle. The best experience of Christmas in Netherlands for kids is offered by the game stands in this area which hosts a variety of games. While it may seem similar to what you know, Christmas is not about Santa Claus and reindeer in the Netherlands. Maybe a Christmas one! In the Netherlands the Christmas tree is called the paradise tree. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. "@type": "Answer", $('#metaslider_50542 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { During the Christmas season, many seasoned sellers and bakers offer a delicious variety of Oliebollen on almost every major street of the country. if( ! window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_50542, 1) : metaslider_50542(window.jQuery); Image Source. "@type": "Question", "acceptedAnswer": { Nov 8, 2019 - Explore Cathy Smith's board "Dutch Christmas foods", followed by 164 people on Pinterest. Christmas celebrations in The Netherlands are separate from the visit of Sinterklaas! Mauritius Honeymoon Starting @ Rs 27,000/--. Here are some interesting fun facts about Christmas in Netherlands that you should know before you leave for the Dutch land to celebrate the festivities. Every year, about three weeks before December… "@context": "https://schema.org", The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas Day, the tradition that may have seeded the idea for Santa Claus in the first place) on December 5, and it is this day that Dutch children get excited about. Christmas in The Netherlands. $(e.target).closest('a').length) { Eager children eagerly await the parade of colorful wagons that tour the streets of Amsterdam. Over Christmas, hundreds of oliebollen street vendors pop up around the Netherlands and prepare these tasty pastries from inside dedicated food trucks. As you probably know, you send a Christmas card to wish someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. You can do your Christmas shopping in one of the pleasant cities. "acceptedAnswer": { The top 10 Dutch traditions, compiled by the Dutch folk culture centre NCV. 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2021! Find out how to celebrate Christmas in the Netherlands! Your best chances are the end of December and all month of January… tip: Christmas time is a great time to visit! $(this).remove(); Valkenburg Christmas market and parade. Go international. “The Netherlands is closing down,” he said to the sound of protesters banging pots and pans outside his office in The Hague. Budget-friendly Good for Kids Good for Big Groups Good for Couples Good for a Rainy Day Free Entry Hidden Gems Honeymoon … Sufficient warm clothing has to be packed if one wishes to spend their Christmas in the Netherlands. In many Dutch cities, temporary ice rinks are set up so that locals can practice their favorite hobby in winter: ice skating.Christmas markets are often found around the rinks where you can enjoy Christmas delights such as glühwein (mulled wine) and oliebollen (deep fried Dutch doughnuts).During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the canals of Amsterdam … "@type": "Answer", slideshowSpeed:3000, reverse:false, However, there are beautiful Christmas markets that you have to visit when you are in The Netherlands during Christmas time in 2020. Report. A typical Christmas dinner in Netherland includes of venison, turkey with plenty of vegetables, goose, and Kerstbrood (Christmas bread). }); $(window).resize(function(){ pauseOnHover:true, In Germany Christmas markets are up for the advent period, but this is not always the case in The Netherlands. }, Christmas In Sri Lanka Christmas In Prague Christmas In Barcelona. Christmas lights in the Netherlands tend to be in terribly good taste – lots of illuminated canal bridges and trees in gardens – but if you want tacky Santas, you can find them if you know where to look. Netherlands In October: A Guide To Witness Painted Naturescapes And More! itemMargin:0 We have reviews of the best places to see in … 95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2021 For A Romantic Escape! A small disclaimer about Christmas markets in The Netherlands. Further Read: 10 Best Airports In Europe For An Enjoyable Journey To Your Dream Destination. Christmas dinners in The Netherlands Yummy Dutch is a webshop with typical Dutch products.On this page you can read all our blog posts and recipes. First of all, while the Dutch definitely encourage people to dress according to their personal taste and personality, usually they don’t get too crazy with their outfits themselves. }, Playing games, watching movies and eating delicious Christmas food includes the main Christmas tradition in Netherland. Do a puzzle. With our recipes you will discover great meals, sauces and other typical dutch stuff you can make with the products from our Dutch food and products shop. The building itself is a work of art and dates from the 17th century and is nestled between Hofvijver Lake and the parliament buildings. 1. Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam on 13th November every year. before: function(slider) { The Christmas market of Deventer is also named Dickens Festijn. Many a Dutch citizen will cross the borders to Germany during Advent to visit Christmas markets but many fine Christmas markets are available in the Netherlands too. How does a Dutch Christmas looks like? } Christmas festivities in the Netherlands usually start early with the arrival of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) and his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) in mid-November. Guess Which European City Gets The Title Of World’s Most Liveable City This Year! Not only do we have two bearded old men visiting the Netherlands in December, we celebrate an extended Christmas. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. $(this).css('display', 'block'); }; "mainEntity": [ Amsterdam festivals, events & exhibitions in December. Christmas in Amsterdam is a fairy-tale mix of twinkle lights, majestic trees adorned in brightly coloured baubles, and crackling hearths that warm hands and hearts. There are a couple of things you should think about before you choose what to wear in Amsterdam, or the rest of the Netherlands. The Dutch family unit is notably important and this is especially highlighted over the Dutch Christmas period. Dutch Christmas tradition #2: sending cards to family and friends Another one of the Christmas traditions in the Netherlands is to send Christmas cards to family and friends. el.before(cloned); Many people in the Netherlands celebrate Christmas Eve (Kerstavond) by attending a church service and getting together for a family dinner. This Deventer Christmas market is held on the 14th and 15th of December 2019. One of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands and a true gem for those who love the outdoors. On Christmas Eve in Finland people remember those who are not anymore with us. Christmas Day itself is a much quieter day in The Netherlands, with a Church Service and family meal. It looks even older, almost like you’ve stepped into some past time. var layer = $(this); $('#metaslider_50542').metaslider_scale_layers({ Even though Christmas isn’t as commercial as it is in Western countries here, Christmas in Egypt is considered to be more of a humble and spiritual experience that you can share with your family and friends. Here's a list of translations. “We realise the gravity of our decisions, right before Christmas.” Amsterdam somehow becomes even more beautiful during the Christmas season. Instead, Christmas in the Netherlands means these two days are spent with family, singing carols, playing games, watching movies, reading Christmas tales, and indulging in holiday feasts. } Egypt: Shop for Christmas supplies.