What do Dutch people do during Christmas?

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.

How do Dutch celebrate Christmas?

In the Netherlands, people start celebrating on the eve of December 24th (kerstavond), and continue the the celebrations on the 25th and the 26th of December. During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food.

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.

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 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.

How to Celebrate Dutch Christmas

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.

What is Dutch Christmas called?

The Sinterklaas feast is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve (5 December) in the Netherlands and on the morning of Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) in Belgium, Luxembourg, western Germany, and northern France (French Flanders, Lorraine, Alsace and Artois).

What are three fun facts about Christmas in the Netherlands?

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.

How long is Christmas break in the Netherlands?

The school year has three compulsory holiday periods: at Christmas (2 weeks) in May (1 week) and. in the summer (6 weeks).

What is Dutch traditional clothing?

The most recognizable elements of a Dutch costume are perhaps the 'klompen' (wooden shoes), the 'kraplap' (a stiff starched cloth worn over the shoulders), and the 'hul' (lace bonnet). Despite their visual appeal, these costumes were designed with practicality in mind.

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.

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 people do on 25th December?

Christmas is now celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It's a time when family and friends come together and remember the good things they have. People, and especially children, also like Christmas as it's a time when you give and receive presents!

Is Christmas a paid holiday in the Netherlands?

These are public holidays, such as New Year's Day, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and King's Day. There is no law in the Netherlands that stipulates that employees are entitled to a day off on these official public holidays.

What country has the prettiest Christmas?

Which European country does not celebrate Christmas?

In Eastern European and Balkan countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Christmas is celebrated—just not on December 25th. These nations follow the Julian calendar observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, which places Christmas Day on January 7th.

Where is the capital of Christmas in Europe?

"Strasbourg, capital of Christmas" is exceptionally renowned. Every year, close to two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market.

What do the Dutch call Santa Claus?

History of 'Sinterklaas', the Dutch Santa Claus who brings gifts from Spain.

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 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 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.

Do the Dutch say "merry Christmas"?

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 to do on Sinterklaas?

Take reindeer on the roof for example (Sinterklaas and his horse), Santa's little helpers (Sinterklaas' Pieten), gifts in your sock by the chimney (gifts in your shoe) and gifting Santa with milk and cookies (water and a treat for Sinterklaas' horse).