Dutch Holidays
The most important holidays on the Dutch calendar are undoubtedly Sinterklaas, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter and Queen's Day. Each holiday has its own traditions and accompanying foods. Why not have a go at one of the many much-loved Dutch festive treats?
The Story of Sinterklaas
The Dutch celebrate the feast day of Sinterklaas on Dec. 5 and 6 to commemorate the life of St. Nicholas.
The Dutch celebrate the feast day of Sinterklaas on Dec. 5 and 6 to commemorate the life of St. Nicholas.
Kerstfeest (Christmas in Holland)
Xmas is celebrated over two days in the Netherlands, i.e. 'Eerste Kerstdag' (First Christmas Day) on December 25 and 'Tweede Kerstdag' (Second Christmas Day) on December 26, both of which are public holidays. Christmas in Holland is not centered on Santa Claus, crazy commercialism and gift-giving, but on the family and the ambiance of the holiday.
Xmas is celebrated over two days in the Netherlands, i.e. 'Eerste Kerstdag' (First Christmas Day) on December 25 and 'Tweede Kerstdag' (Second Christmas Day) on December 26, both of which are public holidays. Christmas in Holland is not centered on Santa Claus, crazy commercialism and gift-giving, but on the family and the ambiance of the holiday.
Oud en Nieuw (Dutch New Year)
New Year in the Netherlands consists of New Year’s Eve on December 31 and New Year’s Day, a public holiday, on January 1. The Dutch celebrate it much the same as in many other Western countries, but there are a few special treats unique to the Netherlands, such as 'oliebollen' and 'appelflappen' that are certainly worth trying.
New Year in the Netherlands consists of New Year’s Eve on December 31 and New Year’s Day, a public holiday, on January 1. The Dutch celebrate it much the same as in many other Western countries, but there are a few special treats unique to the Netherlands, such as 'oliebollen' and 'appelflappen' that are certainly worth trying.
Pasen (Dutch Easter)
The Netherlands has a history as a Christian nation, and follows the Christian holiday calender. Easter, a holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, is celebrated much in the same way as in other Christian countries. You’ll find the same penchant for chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts in Holland, but there are a few Easter traditions unique to the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has a history as a Christian nation, and follows the Christian holiday calender. Easter, a holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, is celebrated much in the same way as in other Christian countries. You’ll find the same penchant for chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts in Holland, but there are a few Easter traditions unique to the Netherlands.
Queen's Day
On April 30, Holland erups into one giant orange-clad street party. The excuse? To celebrate the Queen's birthday. Welcome to Orange Madness!
On April 30, Holland erups into one giant orange-clad street party. The excuse? To celebrate the Queen's birthday. Welcome to Orange Madness!
Sintmaarten
The feast day of 'Sintmaarten' (Saint Martin of Tours) is celebrated in the Netherlands on November 11. In a ritual rather similar to Halloween, children knock on doors and sing songs or recite little poems in exchange for bags of candy and fruit.
The feast day of 'Sintmaarten' (Saint Martin of Tours) is celebrated in the Netherlands on November 11. In a ritual rather similar to Halloween, children knock on doors and sing songs or recite little poems in exchange for bags of candy and fruit.