Amsterdam
Date: 05-12-2024
Written by: Kamar Marouan
December is a magical time in the Netherlands, full of traditions, coziness, and festive activities. With holidays like Sinterklaas, Christmas, and New Year’s, there’s plenty to celebrate. But what makes this month so special, and how do the Dutch celebrate these holidays?
Who is Sinterklaas, and who does he bring along?
Sinterklaas is truly Dutch! You might compare him to Santa Claus, but there are some big differences between the two. Sinterklaas arrives in mid-November from Spain on his iconic steamship. Based on a figure from mythology, he is said to be over 1,700 years old. This tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is a magical and unforgettable time of year for many young children.
Sinterklaas doesn’t deliver presents to all the children in the Netherlands by himself. He’s assisted by his helpers, called Pieten, and his white horse, Americo. According to the story, Sinterklaas spends the entire year preparing for this big celebration. On the evening of December 5th, called pakjesavond (present night), he delivers gifts to families. He keeps track of which children receive presents in his famous Sinterklaasboek (Sinterklaas book).
Setting your shoe for Sinterklaas
From Sinterklaas’s arrival in the Netherlands until pakjesavond, children often leave their shoes out at home. They place them near a fireplace or another spot in the house, often with a drawing, a carrot, or a treat for Sinterklaas’s horse. In the morning, they’ll find a small gift or a sweet treat like a chocolate letter or pepernoten (spiced cookies) in their shoe.
Children also enjoy watching the Sinterklaasjournaal, a daily TV show that follows the adventures of Sinterklaas and his Pieten.
Pakjesavond
On December 5th, it’s time for pakjesavond! Families exchange gifts, read funny, homemade poems, and enjoy festive treats together. While Sinterklaas is often seen as a children’s celebration, older kids and adults join in the fun too.
They often draw names for a game called lootjes, where they secretly pick a family member or friend to make a surprise gift for. This gift is usually creatively wrapped, often with a humorous twist, and comes with a personal poem. The result is a night full of laughter and fun.
For younger children, pakjesavond focuses more on the presents and the magical presence of Sinterklaas. He even visits primary schools, where children dress up as Pieten, sing songs, and make gifts for Sinterklaas and his helpers.
Coming together for Christmas
Sinterklaas may be more for children, but Christmas is celebrated by people of all ages in the Netherlands.
Christmas is a Christian holiday. On December 25th, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus by attending church services. However, Christmas is not just for the religious—it’s a time for everyone to come together with friends and family.
On Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) and Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag), families often gather for large meals. A popular Dutch tradition is gourmetten, where everyone cooks their own food in small pans at the table. Other traditions include eating turkey or a luxurious dinner. Many families also dine out at restaurants.
On Boxing Day, many Dutch people enjoy activities like visiting family and friends or exploring Christmas markets.
New Year’s Day and Eve
To close out the year, the Dutch celebrate Oud en Nieuw (New Year’s Eve). On December 31st, they enjoy traditional treats like oliebollen (fried dough balls) or appelbeignets (apple fritters), often bought from local stalls.
Fireworks are a big part of New Year’s celebrations, although they are restricted in some areas. In places where fireworks are allowed, people gather to set them off. Just before midnight, everyone counts down to the new year, often lighting sparklers and toasting with loved ones.
On January 1st, many people start the year calmly by resting after the holidays or visiting family. For some, it’s a tradition to take a Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive) into the icy sea.
A month full of festivity
December in the Netherlands is a special month filled with traditions, warmth, and festive activities. From Sinterklaas to New Year’s, there’s something for everyone. Towns and cities do their best to create a cozy atmosphere with twinkling lights and decorations everywhere. It’s a month focused on togetherness and ending the year on a positive note.
At Welcome app, we’re also in the festive spirit! Our app lists plenty of winter activities, from Sinterklaas celebrations to New Year’s events. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with friends, family, or to meet new people, we’ve got you covered.
Check out what’s happening in your area! Discover the activities on our app.
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