Origin & history
Christmas in the Netherlands has roots in both pre-Christian winter solstice festivals and Christian traditions. The celebration of Christ's birth on December 25 was established by the 4th century, and in the Netherlands, it merged with Germanic Yule traditions. Over time, the Dutch developed a unique two-day celebration: First Christmas Day (December 25) and Second Christmas Day (December 26), which became official holidays in the 19th century.
Customs & traditions
On Christmas Day, the Dutch attend church services, especially Catholic and Protestant congregations. Families gather for a festive lunch or dinner, often featuring gourmetten (tabletop grill cooking) with meats, vegetables, and sauces. Traditional foods include oliebollen (fried dough balls), kerststol (fruit bread with marzipan), and speculaas cookies. Gifts are not typically exchanged on Christmas Day, as children receive presents from Sinterklaas on December 5. Instead, the focus is on togetherness and a warm meal.
Why it is celebrated
Christmas Day in the Netherlands is primarily a religious and family-oriented holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It also reinforces cultural identity and family bonds, offering a quiet contrast to the earlier Sinterklaas festivities. For many, it is a time of reflection, charity, and enjoying winter traditions.