Christmas in the Netherlands is similar to the experience in other western, predominantly-Christian countries. It is typified by family gatherings, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the eating of fine food and drink and in some — but not all families — the giving of gifts.

Many expats staying here through the festive season will be pleasantly surprised by the familiarity of the Dutch Christmas and relieved perhaps by the absence of some of the more commercial traditions that go hand-in-hand with the festive season back home.

An early start to the festive season

The Dutch festive season officially starts of course with the arrival of Sinterklaas and his legion of Zwarte Piet helpers in mid-November. He arrives by boat from Spain to a different Dutch city every year in an event broadcast live on television.

The feast of Saint Nicolas is celebrated on 5 December and far from being threatened by his cousin from the North Pole, the tradition of Sinterklaas is rising in popularity. But when the December celebrations come and go, families, shops and businesses file away their Sinterklaas paraphernalia and immediately dust off last year's Christmas decorations. Lights, candles, wreaths, poinsettias and trees are strung, hung, tacked, taped and placed in every available space.   

Department stores eagerly get into the swing of things, decorating every floor with bows, wreaths, fake presents and large plastic trees, in preparation for the burgeoning shopping crowds. Streets can become very busy leading up to the big day, indicating that the Netherlands is not immune to the commercialism of Christmas.

Yet, fairy lights in trees, lighted decorations from house windows and gardens give a cheery, warm glow on a dark and cold December night. Yes, the good natured spirit of Christmas is also alive and well.

Mid-winter horn blowing

While the commercialised, shop-till-you-drop sort of festive cheer might sound familiar to you, there are a few other differences between a Dutch Christmas and say Christmas in the UK or US.

For example, a long time tradition among farmers in the rural east is the "mid-winter horn blowing". This custom begins on Advent Sunday (the fourth Sunday before Christmas) and continues until Christmas Eve.

Farmers use long horns made from the wood of elder trees, and everyday at dawn they blow the horn while standing over a well to announce the coming of Christ.

You might find a horn for sale at one of the Christmas markets across the country, where it might also be possible to stop a while and watch an old craftsman at work. Making the horn actually make noise though is a trick requiring plenty of practice!

For Christmas markets and December events, read our Seasonal events special .

A more recent tradition sees children given a special calendar helping them countdown to Christmas. The calendar hides some candy in a special "door", which must be opened each day.

Another custom is to place an advent wreath in the living room with four red or yellow candles. The first candle is lit on Advent Sunday and an additional candle is lit each following Sunday. 

Many people will also display a nativity scene with their Christmas decorations. The decorated Christmas tree has become widely popular, having been introduced to the Netherlands in the 19th century.

Will the real Santa please stand up?

Despite the arrival of Sinterklaas earlier in the month, a second bearded man, also dressed in red, makes his way to the Netherlands on Christmas Eve. Don't be confused though, because the second arrival is the one most expats will be accustomed to, namely Santa Claus (Kerstman in Dutch).

In the Netherlands, these two days are spent with family, singing carols, playing games, watching movies, reading Christmas tales and indulging in holiday feasts. Family is notably important to the Dutch and this is highlighted over the Christmas period.

Meanwhile, a survey by research bureau Intomart in late December 2003 surprisingly indicated that about one-third of Dutch residents do not know what bible story the Christian celebration is based on.

Among the religious population, not all Christians knew the meaning of Christmas either. Of Dutch Reformed churchgoers, 23 percent got it wrong, compared with 16 percent of Dutch Presbyterians and 26 percent of Roman Catholics.

This is not to suggest the Netherlands does not observe the birth of Christ with religious fervour. In fact, many Dutch residents will attend church on Christmas Eve night, but research also indicates that family get-togethers get higher priority.

Festive feast

Part of what makes a "traditional" Dutch Christmas is the food consumed at this time of year.

Although there are no candy canes, there are plenty of other goodies, such as oliebollen (a kind of an oily dough nut), Christmas stollen (round bread with currents and raisins), almond pastry rings, enough marzipan to last until next Christmas and chocolate "Christmas rings".

Christmas dinners usually consist of venison, goose, hare or turkey with plenty of vegetables and Kerstbrood (Christmas bread). And for dessert, there is usually some sort of pudding, followed by a cup of warm hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Eating out at Christmas became extremely popular in recent years, but due to the tougher economic climate, the mid-range to lower spectrum of the restaurant industry has reported a drop in Christmas custom.

If you are planning to eat out, remember it is always wise — just to be on the safe side — to make reservations far in advance. 

Dutch supermarkets are also feeling in the squeeze. large food stores expect a 1 percent drop in sales in the last weeks of the year when compared with same period in 2003.

Family

While food is an essential ingredient in the Dutch Christmas, family is the secret additive that makes this holiday traditional.

Research has shown  that spending time with family was the most important part of Christmas, followed by eating good food and attending church.

Religious services in English in the Netherlands

For those of you seeking a church service in English, or a midnight Christmas mass with carols, use our guide to relgious services in English in the Netherlands.