If you’re on the hunt for an authentic Christmas market brimming with traditions, exciting activities, festive night events, family-friendly fun, and a host of free attractions, then the Netherlands would be your ultimate destination for a Dutch Wonderland Christmas.
And if you’re thinking of extending your stay through the holiday season into New Year’s, prepare to be dazzled. The Dutch sure know how to welcome the New Year with a flair that will make your holiday experience truly unforgettable.
First, let’s dive into the Dutch winter traditions, offering a glimpse of what you’ll encounter at the Christmas markets, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local celebrations.
Instead of the familiar jingle bells, a midwinter horn is tooted on the Sunday of Advent and can be experienced at various winter events and Christmas markets.
You might witness someone arriving by steamboat, loaded with gifts for the local children. This charming tradition is in honor of Saint Nicholas, celebrated on the 5th of December when boys and girls exchange gifts. Christmas markets are deeply rooted in tradition, explaining their presence across the Netherlands.
Among the most iconic markets is the Valkenburg Market, where the town hosts a fairytale parade featuring illuminated processions and magical Christmas floats. Hundreds of stalls offer heavenly pastries and hot chocolate, all while you admire impressive sand sculptures and savor enticing seasonal music.
For the more active traveler, the Netherlands offers exceptional ice-skating opportunities, a sport in which the Dutch are world champions. Numerous ice-skating rinks even the smaller towns in the Netherlands.
However, if you’re up for a truly authentic Dutch ice skating experience, head to Friesland, where locals celebrate the Elfstedentocht, or Eleven Cities Tour. This 200 km skating tour on natural ice passes through 11 historic Frisian cities and takes place once a year, the ice is at least 16 cm thick. There are a lot activities related to the Elfstedentocht as an alternative, too.
Now, let’s talk about celebrating New Year’s the Dutch way – with a bang! Fireworks light up the skies all across the Netherlands during this time, as it’s the only period when fireworks sales are legal for three days. So, you can expect the sky will be ablaze with fire and sparkling spectacles in practically every Dutch city.
If you prefer to embrace a traditional Dutch New Year’s ritual, consider taking a brisk dive into the chilly sea. It’s an invigorating way to welcome the following year and is guaranteed to wake you up, if not for the year, then certainly for the day ahead!
To cap off your fantastic Christmas and lively New Year’s celebrations, indulge in Oliebollen, deep-fried balls of dough that provide the perfect end to a day of wandering in the crisp winter air.
The Netherlands truly offers a fantastic setting to ring in the celebrations and immerse yourself in local traditions.
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