{"id":14277,"date":"2025-10-27T12:47:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T11:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchforkids.nl\/?p=14277"},"modified":"2026-07-24T07:53:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T05:53:49","slug":"christmas-how-do-we-celebrate-it-in-the-netherlands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchforkids.nl\/en\/christmas-how-do-we-celebrate-it-in-the-netherlands\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas: How Do We Celebrate It in the Netherlands?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Christmas in the Netherlands is always such a cozy, festive time! As the year comes to an end, most classrooms set up a big Christmas tree that the children decorate with handmade crafts or real ornaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I used to teach in the Netherlands, I always asked my students to bring one ornament from home \u2014 it made the tree feel so personal and special. I would add the lights and tinsel beforehand, and then together we would decorate the tree. It was such a warm, happy moment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weeks before the holiday, we practiced Christmas songs, lit candles together, and counted down to the Christmas break. On the last day before the holidays, most schools have a Christmas breakfast<\/strong> or Christmas dinner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my class, everyone brought something they had made \u2014 enough for about six people \u2014 so there was plenty for everyone to taste. I often asked one or two parents to help serve the food. With carols in the background and lots of laughter, it was always a highlight of the school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, after the school breakfast (usually with a little chocolate and a boiled egg), we\u2019d tidy up together, take down the decorations, and head home for the holidays \u2014 everyone cheerful and ready for Christmas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every family celebrates Christmas in their own way. In this blog, I\u2019ll share how Christmas is celebrated in the Netherlands, how I used to experience it as a child (both in the Netherlands and on Aruba, where my father once worked), and how we now celebrate it with our own family in Spain \u2014 where our expat life makes Christmas feel a little quieter and more relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Christmas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For most Dutch families, Christmas is a time to slow down and enjoy being together with family and friends. There\u2019s lots of delicious food, candles, games, and laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you visit the Netherlands during Christmas as an expat family, you\u2019ll likely go from one family gathering to another \u2014 lunch with grandparents, dinner with relatives, walks along the beach, or cozy evenings by the fireplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We try to be in the Netherlands during Christmas whenever we can, but sometimes we travel to warmer places instead. Wherever we are, I always take a moment to tell my children the story of the birth of Jesus \u2014 it\u2019s a beautiful reminder of what this season is all about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are so many wonderful things to do in the Netherlands around Christmas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf84 Christmas markets<\/strong> are everywhere \u2014 full of lights, music, hot chocolate, and handmade gifts. If you live nearby, it\u2019s also lovely to visit one in Germany or Belgium<\/strong>, where the markets are even bigger and more magical (and sometimes snowy!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf85 Intratuin<\/strong>, a famous Dutch garden center, transforms into a true Christmas wonderland every year \u2014 with moving trains, tiny villages, and sparkling decorations. My children love it! And of course, we always end the visit with a warm cup of hot chocolate in the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 You\u2019ll also find light festivals<\/strong>, Christmas concerts<\/strong>, and Christmas ice rink<\/strong>s<\/strong> all over the country \u2014 perfect for creating that festive feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas at School<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Dutch primary schools, Christmas is one of the most anticipated events of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside decorating the classroom and singing carols, there\u2019s often a school-wide celebration<\/strong>. On Christian schools, children might perform a small Christmas play or sing in a nativity service. On other schools, the focus is more on togetherness, kindness, and sharing \u2014 but always with candles, songs, and cozy lights everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Celebrate Christmas as an Expat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As an expat, Christmas can look quite different depending on where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here in Spain, for example, Christmas is mostly a family holiday. On the 24th and 25th, most people spend the whole day with relatives, so the streets are quiet. That can feel a bit different when you don\u2019t have your extended family nearby \u2014 but there are still many ways to make it special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf81 Tips for celebrating Christmas abroad:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n