Your friendly guide to surviving (and enjoying!) winter in the Netherlands. ❄️
December in the Netherlands is one big swirl of gezelligheid. Twinkling lights, warm drinks, deep-fried dough, family traditions, and a surprising amount of 🧨 loud noises 🧨 after Christmas. Whether this is your first winter in Amsterdam or your tenth, there are a few cultural habits worth knowing about.
Here’s your extended guide to doing December the Dutch way.
🎁 A quick word about Sinterklaas (yes, it already happened!)
If you were part of the final course quiz with founder Koen you probably know this already, but by now, Sinterklaas has sailed back to Spain and the chocolate letters are on discount. If you experienced pakjesavond on December 5, complete with rhyming gedichten and overly honest jokes in gift poems… congratulations! You’ve survived one of the most important Dutch traditions.
If you missed it: no stress. Dutch Christmas is calmer, quieter, and gives you a perfect second chance at joining in. (And honestly, half the country is relieved it’s over too.)
🎄 Do enjoy a cozy, calm Dutch Christmas
Christmas in the Netherlands is more about warmth and connection than spectacle. Think long dinners, candlelight, kerstlichtjes in the windows, and relaxed gatherings at home. Presents are minimal, or absent because most gift-giving happened earlier in the month.
Amsterdam tip: For a magical December feeling, wander through the Jordaan, Plantagebuurt, or De Pijp after sunset. The houseboats, narrow streets, and glowing windows create pure winter stemming (atmosphere).
Don’t: expect a Hollywood-style Christmas explosion. The Dutch keep things understated and very knus (cozy).
☕ Do master the art of ‘gezellig’
One Dutch word you’ll need all month: gezellig. It can mean cozy, sociable, warm, intimate, friendly, atmospheric. Basically anything that feels good and together.
Do: use it often.
Don’t: try to translate it literally.
If you’re having a good time in a warm place with nice people, it’s gezellig. Done.
⏰ Do plan ahead, December fills up fast
Dutch people love planning. By early November, calendars are usually packed with kerstborrels (holiday drinks), dinners, school events, and family visits.
Do: send invites early.
Don’t: assume spontaneous hangouts will happen. They won’t.
Extra don’t: arrive late. Punctuality is practically a Dutch hobby.
🍽️ Do say yes to gourmetten
If you get invited to gourmetten, accept! It’s a classic Dutch holiday dinner where everyone gets a tiny frying pan and cooks mini-portions at the table. It’s fun, cozy, and a little chaotic.
Dutch word: gourmetstel (the little grill sitting proudly in the middle of the table).
Don’t: wear your best outfit. The smell will stay with you longer than the memory.
🧣 Do dress for Dutch weather
December in Amsterdam means wind, rain, wind again, sideways rain, and sometimes more wind.
Useful word: waterdicht (waterproof).
Do: always bring a scarf. Dutch winter loves throats.
Don’t: trust the sky. It lies.
🍩 Do treat yourself to oliebollen before New Year’s Eve
From mid-December, oliebollen stands appear everywhere, filling the air with the smell of warm dough and poedersuiker. These classic Dutch treats are essential for ringing in the New Year.
Amsterdam tip: Many locals swear that the best oliebollen come from Hartog’s Bakery in Oost. Expect a line. It’s worth every minute.
Other great spots: Hollandse Gebakkraam at Museumplein; Oliebollen stall at Westermarkt (look for the long queue!).
Don’t: wear black. You will look like a snowy mountain within five seconds.
🎆 New Year’s Eve fireworks: a Dutch reality check
New Year’s Eve (oud en nieuw) in the Netherlands is intense. Fireworks start early, continue loudly, and sometimes feel… enthusiastic. One student once told us, “It sounded like a small war.” Dramatic, yes, but if it’s your first Dutch NYE, you’ll probably understand the comparison.
Dutch word: vuurwerk (fireworks).
Amsterdam tip: Best calm-but-beautiful viewing spots include Oosterdok (near the OBA library), Java-eiland (great reflections over the IJ), or any high apartment with big windows and zero risk of rogue fireworks.
Do: watch from a safe spot, like a balcony or behind a window; keep your bike off the street (really); stick to familiar areas if you’re walking around after midnight.
Don’t: assume all fireworks are professional. They’re definitely not.
⭐ Do enjoy the slow days between Christmas and New Year’s
This period, known informally as the tussendagen (in-between days), is one of the quietest moments of the Dutch year. Offices empty, shops close early, and everyone moves at half-speed.
Amsterdam tip: Perfect places for a calm winter recharge include Café de Ysbreeker (Amstel), Bocca Coffee (Jonge Roelensteeg), Volkshotel’s café spaces in Oost, or the Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore for sweet comfort.
Don’t: expect bureaucracy to function. Even the government takes a nap.
🎉 Final tip: bring curiosity and humor
December in the Netherlands is full of lovely traditions, delicious treats, strange habits, and occasional moments of chaos. Embrace it all with curiosity and a sense of humor.
Dutch word: voornemens – your New Year’s resolutions!
✨ Prettige feestdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar!
Whether you’re tasting oliebollen at Hartog’s, enjoying candlelit windows along the canals, braving the vuurwerk, or sharing gezelligheid with friends, we hope your December in the Netherlands feels warm, joyful, and full of connection. 💚
