MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in Holland

Christmas comes extra early in Holland when, in mid-November, Sinterklaas arrives with his assistant, Zwarte Pieten (Black Pete) by boat from his home in Spain.

The big media event is covered by Netherlands TV stations nationwide. Sinterklaas mounts a gleaming white horse to lead a parade of happy children and their parents through town. Similar parades ensue in towns throughout the country.

While the arrival of Sinterklaas marks the official beginning of the Christmas holidays, the big celebration culminates on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, when children leave out cookies for Sinterklaas and fill their shoes with hay and carrots for his horse.

In the morning, treats and presents are in store, especially if the children have been very good, but twigs are left if they've been bad. Later, families will usually gather for gift exchanges, for what the Dutch call "surprises" - gifts given anonymously and signed only "Sinterklaas."

Holiday dinner may precede or follow the exchange of gifts, but traditionally may include generous helpings of Dutch Christmas treats such as Kersttulband (Christmas Ring Cake) Pepernoten (Peppernut Cookies) and Speculaas Koekjes (Spice Cookies).

With the major celebration over and done, December 25th is a day usually spent quietly with family. However, there's more holiday excitement to come as the Dutch celebrate with champagne and sweet oliebollen to welcome in the New Year...

St. Nicholas - Netherlands - Wonderful overview of modern and traditional celebrations with feature stories on Christmas in Amsterdam, Texel, and other sightings of Sinterklaas throughout Holland.

Christmas in the Netherlands - Feature story on top holiday attractions including Amsterdam's Sinterklaas Procession and the Christmas market in Museumplein.

Christmas in the Netherlands - Kerstfeest in Holland - Nice reminiscence by a Dutch expatriate with a tribute to Christmas customs of her childhood and links to traditional recipes.

A Holland Christmas - Kid-friendly school page with illustrated information on Sinter Klaas, his helper Zwarte Peiten, and other Dutch holiday traditions.

Christmas Market Fluweelengrot in Valkenburg - "The Velvet Cave," a major Dutch Christmas market with photos, video clips, facts and information on this year's highlights, schedule, admission fees.

also see in Holidays -> Christmas Chocolate Recipes

Christmas Cookie Recipes | Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas Recipes | Christmas Trees | E-Cards

Epiphany | Holiday Planner | Music | Santa Claus

also see in Travel -> Holland Tourist Attractions