What are the Christmas traditions in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, Christmas traditions include Sinterklaas Avond on December 5th, midwinter hoornblaazen, and special celebrations on both Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day. These occasions involve gift-giving, spending time with family, playing games, watching movies and eating traditional food.

What is the Dutch Christmas tradition?

Generally regarded as the Dutch equivalent of Christmas, Sinterklaas is a holiday where people get together with loved ones to exchange gifts, and is especially a big deal for young children who receive sacks of presents from Sinterklaas and his helpers the Pieten.

What do Dutch people do during Christmas?

During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food. As a matter of fact, to some international students this might seem strange.

What are three fun facts about Christmas in the Netherlands?

What do the Netherlands eat on Christmas Day?

There is a festive Christmas spread for dinner. This starts with a popular Dutch Christmas starter, a shrimp cocktail. It is followed by the main course of mixed wild meat along with cheese fondues and vegetables. A traditional sweet treat is Kruidnoten, Dutch gingernut cookies prepared with ginger and sweet spices.

Christmas in the Netherlands: Discover the Dutch Christmas traditions

What is a typical Dutch Christmas gift?

A cheerful cap, tasty sweets, syrup waffles, or the famous kissing couple. And no, not boring, nice and fresh designs make them really attractive. Of course, your gift doesn't have to be just fun, it can also be practical. Kitchen textiles such as a kitchen towel or towels give a real Dutch touch to a house.

Is Christmas a big deal in the Netherlands?

Christmas in the Netherlands is a magical time, filled with cozy traditions, festive lights, and unique celebrations. For expats, it's a great opportunity to experience Dutch culture and embrace the holiday spirit.

What is Santa called in the Netherlands?

Sinterklaas (Dutch: [ˌsɪntərˈklaːs]) or Sint-Nicolaas ( Dutch: [sɪnt ˈnikoːlaːs]) is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children.

What is the Dutch Christmas special?

Gift-Giving on Pakjesavond

On December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas's birthday, Dutch families celebrate Pakjesavond, a special gift-giving occasion separate from Christmas celebrations. On this Christmas Eve night, Dutch children eagerly await gifts from Sinterklaas, delivered by his helpful assistant, Black Peter.

What's the most popular Christmas tradition?

Gift-giving is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions (especially for children), originating back when the Three Wise Men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus in the manger. Gifts are usually placed under the Christmas tree or within stockings in festive patterns.

Do Dutch people say "merry Christmas"?

1. What Is the Traditional Dutch Christmas Greeting? The traditional Dutch Christmas greeting is "Zalig Kerstfeest," which means "Merry Christmas." You might also hear "Vrolijk Kerstfeest," which means "Joyful Christmas." Both are commonly used, and you can choose whichever one feels right!

What is the surprise tradition in the Netherlands?

Another tradition that the Dutch have at this time of year is called “surprise” (pronounced sur-preeze). People buy a gift for someone and then write a poem and wrap up the gift in creative ways. The person receiving the gift has to guess who it's from.

What do the Dutch leave out for Santa?

Since Sinterklaas travels by horse, children leave a vegetable, like a carrot or a turnip, in a wooden shoe — in Dutch, a klompen — by the chimney thinking, that if they feed his hungry horse, Santa will be more inclined to give them a nice present. A wooden shoe, in Dutch a klompen, left for Sinterklaas and his horse.

What do Dutch people do on Christmas Day?

Everyone is gathering at the table to have fun and spend nice time together. For some families Christmas means fancy dinner with various dishes and served table, for others it is about cooking together. One special tradition which some of Dutch families do on this day is called gourmet.

What does "Santa" mean in Dutch?

Did you know that the name "Santa Claus" comes from the Dutch "Sinterklaas"? It's a contraction of "Sint Nikolaas", honouring Saint Nicholas, the generous 4th- century bishop 🎅🏻❤️ #santa #santaclaus #saintnicholas #sintnikolaas #sinterklaas #fatherchristmas. 82.

Who brings Christmas gifts in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands and Belgium, Sinterklaas is the beloved figure who brings gifts to children, but he differs from the American Santa Claus in several ways. Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat from Spain in mid-November, and his feast day is celebrated on December 5th.

What are some facts about Christmas in the Netherlands?

Facts About Christmas In The Netherlands

Dutch people don't have a Santa Claus, they have a Sinterklaas. He does not ride a sleigh pulled by reindeers but arrive on a white horse. Christmas celebration in the Netherlands includes every kid getting an alphabet made from chocolate that starts with their name.

What is the religion of the Netherlands?

While 67.8% of the Dutch population are not members of any religious community, the remainder report affiliation with a multitude of religions. 24.5% of the Dutch population is affiliated with a Christian church. The largest group, 11.7% in 2015, is Roman Catholic.

What are 5 interesting facts about the Netherlands?

What does Sinterklaas mean in Dutch?

According to tradition, St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas in Dutch), a 4th century bishop, appears on the night of December 5-6 loaded with gifts for Dutch children, accompanied by his curious pages, the Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters).

Is Santa Claus German or Dutch?

He is popularly associated with a deep, hearty laugh, frequently rendered in Christmas literature as "ho, ho, ho!" This image originated in the United States during the 19th century, after Dutch settlers brought the legend of Sinterklaas ("Saint Nicholas") to 17th-century New Amsterdam (present-day New York City).

What is the most famous Dutch holiday?

One of the most celebrated days in the Netherlands is King's day. During King's day, the whole population takes on to celebrate the birthday of the King; Willem Alexander. On the day of the celebration, the whole Netherlands is “painted” orange.

Which European country spends the most on Christmas?

Despite economic challenges, the UK anticipates leading Christmas spending across Europe this year. Projections suggest retail sales nearing €100 billion, followed by Germany's estimate of €85 billion. Belgium, on the other hand, is expected to spend a modest €11.5 billion.

What is the difference between Santa Claus and Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas is mounted on a horse, whereas Santa Claus rides in a sledge; Sinterklaas has a robe and crosier, Santa Claus has a red and white coat and trousers with fur trimming; and Sinterklaas is tall and slender, while Santa Claus is short and chunky.