Christmas in The Netherlands (referred to as Kerst or Kerstmis in Dutch) formally begins when the Sinterklaas celebrations finish on December 6th. Traditionalists like to keep these two events separate and there’s a guideline- first Sinterklaas then Christmas. In practice, the lines are a little blurred and Christmas decorations can be seen in some shops at the end of November. Many visitors to Amsterdam will experience similarities with the Christmas celebrations in their home country.
Sinterklaas.
The Sint or Saint Nicolas is a tradition going back hundreds of years, even before The Netherlands formally existed as a country. Consequently, it is also celebrated in Belgium, Luxembourg and parts of Northern France. The festivities begin with the arrival of the Sinterklaas on a steamboat accompanied by his white horse Amerigo and colourful helpers. On 5 December, the eve of St Nicholas day presents are left at the door for children. Adults exchange small gifts and carefully prepared poems for one another.
Santa Kerstman.
Santa Claus is a modern reinvention of Saint Nicholas. One theory is that he was introduced to America by Dutch or English Protestant settlers as an alternative to the Catholic Sint.
Family gatherings.
The Dutch celebrate Christmas over two days: 25 and 26 December, described as First and Second Christmas Day. In the Netherlands, these two days are spent with family, singing carols, playing games, watching movies, reading Christmas tales and indulging in holiday feasts. The family is a priority for the Dutch, and this is seen over the Christmas period. December 25 and 26 are public holidays in The Netherlands, but unlike other countries, these are not carried forward if they fall on the weekend.
The birth of Jesus Christ.
Nativity scenes can be seen in shop displays as well as churches throughout December. Many Dutch residents will attend church on Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day. There is also a good selection of services in English in Amsterdam.
Food and drink.
Part of what makes a “traditional” Dutch Christmas is the food consumed at this time of year. Christmas stollen (round bread with currents and raisins), Almond pastry rings, and Chocolate “Christmas rings”. Oliebollen, which Is similar to a doughnut, are available over the Christmas period but are traditionally a New Year’s Day treat.
Christmas markets
Popular all over Northern Europe. Large cities like Amsterdam have many permanent and temporary Christmas markets during the festive season. Typically the stalls are set up in wooden cabins with ambient lighting. They are manned by independent traders selling specialist food, clothing & gifts. The markets in Holland also have a Gebakkraam, a mobile catering trailer parked in busy areas of the city selling deep-fried specialities such as Oliebollen and Appelflappen.
Christmas Trees
The decorated Christmas tree has become widely popular, having been introduced to the Netherlands in the 19th century. Trees can be seen in shops, offices, homes and public spaces such as Dam Square in Amsterdam.
Christmas Lights
Lights start to appear in shopping streets in mid-November – for Sinterklaas and remain through Christmas & New Year until January.
Giving of gifts
Gifts are exchanged amongst friends and family members for both the Sinterklaas and Christmas festivities. Employers give employees a Christmas box (Kerstpakket) containing food and small gifts. You’ll see many people carrying these home in the rush hour commutes leading up to Christmas.
Christmas decorations
The decorations which are specific to Christmas, such as trees, advent candles, stars and wreaths, will appear after Sinterklaas. Many people leave up their outdoor lights throughout the winter.
Advent calendars & candles
The advent wreath is placed in the living room with four red or yellow candles. The first candle is lit on Advent Sunday and an additional candle is lit each subsequent Sunday. Children enjoy the days leading up to Christmas with Advent calendars. Each calendar contains 25 chocolates, one for each day in the December run-up to Christmas.
Christmas music.
Christmas music can be heard on the radio. Again, this will never be heard before Sinterklaas. SkyRadio calls itself “The Christmas Station” and plays a comprehensive selection- no DJs taking, just music and ads. Carols are sung in churches – mostly the week before Christmas. Many of the carols will sound familiar as they are translations of the English version.
Christmas cards.
Christmas cards are less popular now but can still be found in the main stores. Just like other countries, people are choosing to send greetings online instead.
HOLIDAY SEASON TIMELINE
Mid-October – Shopping street lighting goes up
Mid-November – Arrival of Sinterklaas
End November – Christmas markets & Outdoor skating
4th Sunday before Christmas – Advent
1 December – Advent calendar
5 December – Sinterklaas / present giving
6 December – Saint Nicholas
7 December – Christmas decorations
24 December – Christmas Eve
25 December – Christmas Day
31 December – New Years’s Eve
1 January – New Year’s Day
6 January – Christmas decorations come down