All the Dutch customs and traditions at Christmas they are very similar to those of other central and northern European countries. However, it has some peculiarities that make it different and especially charming.
In this post we are going to review some of these traditions that have to do with the celebrations, markets and the typical gastronomy of these dates. Join us on this fascinating journey to the Christmas in the Netherlands.
Sinterklaas, the Dutch 'Santa Claus'
Unlike the rest of the world, in the Netherlands the most important day for children is the December 5. That's the date, three weeks before Christmas, that Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) brings them his gifts.
As shocking as it may sound, legend has it that Sinterklaas lives in Spain during the rest of the year. But he does not miss his Christmas date with the Dutch children, traveling by boat to cold Holland with a steamboat full of gifts and surprises.
To fulfill his mission, Sinterklass has the help of his servant, Zwarte Piet (Pedro el Negro), also known as Sooty piet o roetpiet (Pedro Hollin or Pedro de la Chimney).
Arriving at the port (each year choose a different one) is an exciting time, as well as one of the most endearing Dutch traditions at Christmas. Families crowd on the dock. When Sinterklaas and his Petes (their "pedros") put their foot down, the church bells begin to ring and the children burst into shouts of excitement.
When the children go to sleep, Sinterklaas will tour the country's cities and towns on his white horse. He will leave gifts and sweets for children who have been good; he will put the bad guys in a sack and take them to Spain.
If all of this happens on the night of December 5-6, what about the Christmas Eve in Holland? Dinner is celebrated as a family, but since the little ones have already received their gifts weeks ago, now it is the turn of the adults. However, there are more and more households where Father Christmas or Santa Claus (in the Netherlands they call him Santa Claus) also happens to leave their gifts.
Christmas markets and decorations in the Netherlands
Amsterdam during Christmas time
From Saint Nicholas Day (December 6) to Christmas Eve, the streets of the country's big cities are filled with lights and ornaments. As many of the Dutch cities are lined with channels, the light is reflected in its waters so this lighting is especially beautiful.
In the houses it is customary to mount a Christmas tree and put lights and other ornaments on the doors, windows and facades. Family and friends exchange greetings in which they write Prettige kerst (Merry Christmas in Dutch). Traditionally, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are to be celebrated at home, with the family.
Instead, on December 26 (Boxing Day or "second day of Christmas") is usually dedicated to visit the most distant family or to go Christmas shopping, since almost all shops are open that day.
The Christmas markets in Holland they are more beautiful and authentic in small cities than in large ones. Some of the best are the ones that are organized in Haarlem y Dordrecht, with its large ice rinks and wooden street stalls where you can taste mulled wine. Special mention for the Christmas market in Valkenburg, in the interior of the country, which is installed in some underground caves, or the floating market of Leiden .
Dutch traditions at Christmas on the table
Gourmetten at Dutch Christmas dinners
Although Dutch gastronomy is not widely known internationally, traditional Christmas cuisine does offer some interesting delicacies that are worth getting to know.
There is an old tradition called gourmet which consists of placing a small stove on the table on Christmas Day (called First Christmas Day or "first day of Christmas"). Diners gather around this stove where delicacies are heated in small portions, each using their own individual tray. You could say that it is something like French raclette.
At a Christmas dinner in Holland you cannot miss the roast meat (beef, duck, pheasant ...) well accompanied by different vegetables and sauces. Of course, different types of food are also often put on the table. Dutch cheese. As for the drink, although in this country more beer is consumed than wine, the latter is the preferred one for a lunch or dinner of this type.
After lunch or dinner, desserts arrive. It is time to savor the bankletter, some marzipan cookies made in the shape of letters. The usual thing is that they are cooked at home using the initials of the different members of the family. Another sweet option is the peppernoot, a delicious cinnamon and spice cake.