Last Updated on April 10, 2026
Christmas has almost arrived! As a true Dutchie, I’m happy to tell you all about Christmas in the Netherlands. From cozy family traditions to lots (and lots) of food, Dutch Christmas is all about togetherness, good vibes, and delicious meals.
In this article, I’ll share how we celebrate, what we eat, when we exchange presents, and a few fun traditions you probably not know yet. Whether you’re visiting the Netherlands in winter or just curious about Dutch culture, this guide has you covered. Enjoy reading it and Happy holidays!
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
How do the Dutch celebrate Christmas?
One thing that often surprises visitors: Christmas in the Netherlands lasts three days:
- December 24: Christmas Eve
- December 25: First Christmas Day
- December 26: Second Christmas Day
Both the 25th and 26th are official national holidays, so most people are free from work and shops have limited opening hours. How Christmas is celebrated really depends on the family. Some people gather on Christmas Eve, others on the 25th or 26th or even all three days. December 25 is often used for quality family time and December 26 for visiting another side of the family, going out for lunch or dinner, shopping (many stores are open) or visiting a museum or city.
In general, Christmas in the Netherlands is very family-focused. The most important things are being together, feeling cozy (gezelligheid), eating good food and relaxing.
Christmas in the Netherlands for travelers
Visiting Christmas in the Netherlands can be a wonderful experience. I think my country feels cozy and festive, with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and beautifully decorated cities. However, it’s good to know what to expect, especially when it comes to opening hours and planning your days. Expect:
- Cities and towns beautifully decorated from early December
- Christmas markets and winter events taking place throughout the country
- Public transport runs, but sometimes with a holiday schedule
- The atmosphere being calm, cozy, and family-oriented
Christmas in the Netherlands is less about big public celebrations and more about at-home coziness, so the streets can feel quieter on the main Christmas days.
Keep in mind that December 25 & 26 are official public holidays. Many shops are closed or have limited opening hours, especially on the 25th. Museums and attractions often stay open, but with holiday schedules. Always check opening hours in advance 😉
Trains, trams, and buses continue to run during Christmas in the Netherlands, but often on a reduced timetable. Check the NS (Dutch Railways) app or 9292 website before traveling.
Dutch Christmas Food
If there’s one thing you should know about Christmas in the Netherlands, it’s this: Food plays a huge role. From breakfast to dinner, everything is extra special during the holidays.
– Christmas Breakfast
A traditional Dutch Christmas breakfast often includes:
- Kerststol (a sweet bread filled with raisins and almond paste)
- Fresh bread rolls or croissants
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Butter, cheese, and sweet spreads
- Coffee, tea, and orange juice
Every family does it a bit differently, but a long, relaxed breakfast is very common.
– Christmas dinner
Dinner is the highlight of Christmas in the Netherlands. There are a few popular options:
* Gourmetten (table grilling)
This is probably the most famous Dutch Christmas tradition. Gourmetten is like a mini indoor barbecue: everyone sits around the table with a small grill and cooks their own meat, fish, vegetables, or cheese in tiny pans. It’s fun, interactive, and very social, but expect the house to smell like food for days 😉
* Extensive home-cooked dinner
Many families prepare a luxurious multi-course dinner, often including:
- Soup or a starter
- A main dish with meat, fish, or vegetarian options
- Salad
- Dessert
Sometimes each family member cooks one course, which makes it both fun and less stressful for one person.
After all the food, Dutch people love to go outside. A Christmas walk (kerstwandeling) is extremely common, especially on the 25th or 26th of December. Wrapped up in warm coats and scarves, I think it’s the perfect way to get some fresh air before (or after) dessert 🙂
* Dining out
Eating out during Christmas is very popular in the Netherlands. Restaurants often offer special Christmas menus, but they fill up quickly. Make reservations weeks ahead if you plan to dine out on Christmas Day or Second Christmas Day.
Reading Tip: other traditional Dutch Foods and Drinks
Christmas presents
Yes, we do give presents during Christmas in the Netherlands, but how it’s done differs per family. Some common options are that everyone buys presents for everyone or drawing names (very popular). Then you buy a gift for just one person
Usually, there’s an agreed budget so gifts stay fair. Many families also make wish lists to help each other choose. Presents are placed under the Christmas tree and opened together, often after dinner.
A fun extra tradition is writing poems for each other. These poems are often funny, personal, or a little teasing, and talk about events from the past year or someone’s personality.
Other Christmas traditions in The Netherlands
Besides food and presents, here are a few other things you’ll see during Christmas in the Netherlands:
– Visiting Christmas markets
Christmas markets are becoming more popular every year in the Netherlands. For many people, visiting a Christmas market has become a fixed tradition during Christmas in the Netherlands, often combined with a day trip or weekend getaway. While they may not be as large as the famous German markets, I think they are still very atmospheric and fun to visit. You’ll find:
- Wooden stalls with gifts, candles, and decorations
- Hot drinks like glühwein, hot chocolate, and mulled cider
- Winter snacks, waffles, oliebollen, and sweets
- Live music and festive lights
Some popular Dutch Christmas markets are:
- Valkenburg Christmas Market (in caves underground – very unique!)
- Maastricht Christmas Market
- Haarlem Christmas Market
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise
– Christmas packages from work
A very typical Dutch tradition! Many employers give their staff a Christmas package filled with snacks, drinks, and treats. Unpacking it is almost a holiday activity in itself.
– Christmas tree at home
Almost every Dutch household has a decorated Christmas tree. Most people put it up right after Sinterklaas (December 5) and take it down sometime in January.
– Lighting candles and making the house extra cozy
The Dutch love gezelligheid, and I think Christmas is the ultimate season for it. Homes are filled with candle, fairy lights, extra blankets and cozy (Christmas) decorations. With dark days and short daylight hours, I love creating a warm and inviting home during this season.
– Advent calendars
From December 1 to 24, many people open an advent calendar daily. These days you can find calendars with almost anything. Think; chocolate, tea, beer, toys, plants, wine, skincare or makeup.
– Christmas cards
Sending Christmas cards is still popular, although many people now send digital ones instead of handwritten cards.
– Attending a Christmas church service (for some families)
While the Netherlands is quite secular, some families still attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church service. Even for non-religious people, the music, candles, and atmosphere can feel very special.
– Listening to Christmas music everywhere
From early December onwards, Christmas music is everywhere:
- In shops
- On the radio
- At Christmas markets
- At home while decorating the tree
Dutch people probably complain about hearing the same songs every year, but secretly, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas in the Netherlands without them :p
– Watching the same Christmas movies (every year)
Just like in many other countries, Christmas in the Netherlands comes with classic Christmas movies on TV. Popular choices include Home Alone, Love Actually or The Holiday. Many families also watch traditional Christmas TV shows together on Christmas Eve or Christmas night.
Short FAQ: Christmas in the Netherlands️
Is everything closed during Christmas in the Netherlands?
No, but December 25 is very quiet. Supermarkets, shops, and small stores are often closed. On December 26, many places reopen.
Are Christmas markets worth visiting in the Netherlands?
Yes! While smaller than German markets, Dutch Christmas markets are cozy, festive, and fun. Especially in cities like Valkenburg, Amsterdam, Maastricht, and Haarlem.
Is Christmas a good time to visit the Netherlands?
If you enjoy cozy winter vibes, festive lights, and quieter cities, then yes. If you prefer busy attractions and long opening hours, another season will suit you better.
Do I need to book accommodation early?
Yes. Hotels, especially in popular cities, can fill up quickly around Christmas and New Year. Booking in advance is recommended.
Can I still travel between cities during Christmas?
Absolutely. Public transport runs throughout Christmas in the Netherlands, just less frequently.
Conclusion
I hope this article gave you a clear (and cozy) picture of Christmas in the Netherlands. It’s all about spending time together, enjoying good food, and slowing down at the end of the year.
Christmas in the Netherlands spans three days: December 24, 25, and 26, focusing on family and togetherness. Traditional meals play a huge role, with highlights including Christmas breakfast, gourmetten, and multi-course dinners. Christmas presents are common, often involving family traditions like drawing names and writing humorous poems. Other traditions include decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, and enjoying festive music and movies.
I’d love to know: how do you celebrate Christmas in your country? Let me know in the comments below!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄✨
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