Merry Dutch Christmas!
As soon as Sinterklaas leaves the country on 6 December, all decorations in honour of the Dutch Saint Nicholas make way for another favourite Dutch holiday – Christmas! However, Christmas in the Netherlands might not be the same as what you are used to. Here are a few traditions that may seem unusual to an international.
Food
In the Netherlands, Christmas is about spending time with the family over a meal. But don’t wait for turkey to be served. The Dutch enjoy other Christmas specialties as for example 'gourmetten'. For this tradition, you cook your own dinner at the table on a ‘gourmet’, a hot plate with pans in the middle of the table where you can grill bite-sized pieces of meat, fish or vegetables. Children love it, and it’s a great way to enjoy a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
‘Kerstkransjes’ – little chocolate wreaths tied to Christmas trees with ribbons or a ‘Kerststol’ – a raisin and current bread filled with marzipan, will also make an appearance at the dinner table around Christmas time.
One day is not enough
Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated over two days: 25 and 26 December, also known as the First Christmas Day ‘Eerste Kerstdag’ and Second Christmas Day ‘Tweede Kerstdag’. The First Christmas Day is usually when the Christmas feast takes place with the immediate family, while the Second Christmas Day is reserved for brunch with friends or other family members.
What to do in The Hague
If you are wondering what to do in The Hague this Christmas, look no further! The city of Peace and Justice transforms into the city of festive cheer throughout December, and no matter where you go, you'll be greeted by bright lights, colorfully decorated trees and joyful music wherever you step. The Hague is also full of events and activities this month, so now is the perfect time to explore the city and embrace the festive delight.
The Royal Christmas Fair is one of the largest and nicest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. From 5 to 23 December 2024, the Royal Christmas Fair will bring you into the ultimate Christmas atmosphere with twinkling lights and well-known Christmas songs. This year even more festive, atmospheric and colorful than previous years!
If you are looking for a day out this holiday season, perhaps Madurodam is perfect for you. This winter, Madurodam will be unrecognizable, as the theme park will be atmospherically illuminated with tens of thousands of lights. From 21 December to 5 January, you can enjoy the spectacle with the whole family.
This winter, Cool Event Scheveningen is the place to be for some ice skating fun, perfect for the whole family! You can find an indoor ice rink of no less than 600m2 at the Kurhausplein. If you prefer a more easygoing activity, visit WinterWonderZand! You can find this sand sculpture exhibition on the beach to the left of the Pier - open from early November, 2024 to 31 January, 2025. Admire the sand sculptures made from no less than 500 tons of sand and witness how the works of art are made on the beach of Scheveningen. This event offers a sustainable alternative to ice sculptures and is a fun family outing for young and old!
THIC opening hours
During the holiday season, The Hague International Centre has adjusted opening hours. If you have any questions while we are closed, please feel free to contact us by email. We wish you and your loved ones cheerful holidays and a happy new year!
P.S: Did you come across any other interesting Christmas traditions in the Netherlands? Tell us about it! You can email our communications team at THICcommunications@denhaag.nl. We’d love to hear from you!