Holidays in the Netherlands

As an international professional in the Netherlands, you’ve probably noticed the country’s unique traditions and celebrations, especially during the last months of the year. This article provides an overview of the most important customs surrounding Sinterklaas, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Learn how to fully embrace the festive season Dutch-style and discover how employers often celebrate these traditions.

What is it?
Sinterklaas is a Dutch tradition similar to but distinct from Santa Claus. Based on Saint Nicholas, this celebration includes gifts, sweets, and family time. Sinterklaas arrives in mid-November by steamboat and officially kicks off the festive season.

Traditions:

• Shoe setting: Children leave their shoes by the fireplace (or radiator) and wake up to small gifts or treats like chocolate letters or “pepernoten.”
• Pakjesavond (Gift Evening): On December 5, families exchange gifts, often accompanied by humorous poems and creative packaging (called “surprises”).
• Food: Traditional treats include pepernoten, chocolate letters, speculaas, marzipan, and taaitaai cookies.

What do employers do?

• Many employers give employees a pastry letter filled with almond paste, a chocolate letter or a small gift.
• Some bigger companies host a “Sinterklaas celebration” for employees and their families, complete with a visit from Sinterklaas and his helpers.

What is it?
Christmas in the Netherlands is about spending time with family, enjoying good food, and embracing coziness. While rooted in religious traditions, it’s often celebrated in a more secular way.

Traditions:

• Christmas tree: After December 5, Dutch households set up their Christmas trees. In addition to artificial or cut trees, there are sustainable options like potted trees that can be replanted or even rented trees that are returned to nurseries after the holidays.
• Christmas markets: Cities like Haarlem, Amsterdam, and The Hague host charming Christmas markets with glühwein, festive snacks, and unique gifts. Haarlem, for example, has a large market set in its historic city center, complete with fairy-tale charm.
• Food: Christmas wreath cookies and Christmas bread with almond paste and raisins. Brunches, multi-course fancy dinners or “gourmetten” (a tabletop grilling experience where everyone cooks their own food) are popular choices.

What do employers do?

• Christmas gifts: Most employers give employees a Christmas package, a box often filled with food or small gifts, as a token of appreciation.
• Christmas parties: Many companies host informal gatherings or dinners to celebrate the season with their teams.

What is it?
New Year’s Eve marks the end of the year and is celebrated with a mix of family traditions and public festivities.

Traditions:

• Oliebollen: These deep-fried dough balls, often filled with raisins or currants, are a holiday staple. You can buy them at stands or make them at home for a taste of coziness and togetherness.
• Fireworks: Fireworks are legal to set off between 6 PM on December 31 and 2 AM on January 1. They create a spectacular show, but it’s important to keep pets safe and take precautions for safety.
• New Year’s Dive: On January 1, thousands of people take a cold plunge into the sea, especially in Scheveningen. Sponsored by Unox, participants receive an orange hat as a souvenir of their brave start to the new year.
• New Year’s Resolutions
  New Year’s resolutions are a common tradition where people set personal goals at the start of a new year to improve themselves or their lives. In the Netherlands, this tradition is also observed, with common resolutions focusing on healthier lifestyles, work-life balance, or financial savings. It’s a universal way of looking forward to a brighter and better year ahead.

What do employers do?

• At the end of the year, most employers conduct performance reviews, where employees can discuss their achievements, goals, and areas for improvement. This is also an opportunity to negotiate a salary increase, as the review often includes discussions about compensation based on performance, company budget, and individual contributions throughout the year. It’s a time for both feedback and setting expectations for the year ahead.
• Many companies host New Year’s receptions in January to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future.

1. Visit a Christmas market: Experience the magic of the season at cozy markets. Try glühwein and pick up unique souvenirs.
2. Try local treats: Indulge in speculaas and chocolate letters during Sinterklaas and oliebollen during New Year’s Eve.
3. Plan ahead: Shops and public transport often operate on reduced schedules during the holidays.

The holiday season in the Netherlands is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Dutch culture, enjoy the warm atmosphere, and make lasting memories. 🎄🎆

Has your employer organized something special, or are you curious about how to join in? Share your experiences with us!