When Does Santa Claus Come to the Netherlands?

Posted on November 9, 2023November 9, 2023 by Amsterdam Guide

When Does Santa Claus Come to the Netherlands? When are the presents handed out? Is anything happening on December 24?

The Netherlands has its unique and enchanting way of celebrating the arrival of Santa Claus, known locally as Sinterklaas. Let’s delve into the festive timeline to understand when Sinterklaas comes to the Netherlands and when the eagerly awaited presents find their way to the excited hands of children.

1. The Arrival of Sinterklaas: December 5th

According to Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas arrives on the evening of December 5th, bringing joy and merriment to households across the country. The arrival is marked by a grand procession, with Sinterklaas sailing into towns on his steamboat, accompanied by his mischievous helpers, the Pieten. It should also be mentioned that he officially arrives in the country from Spain on the first Saturday after November 11 and in the period between that Saturday and December 5, he watches the children to see who is behaving in a good way.

2. Present Time: December 6th

The magic continues on the morning of December 6th, when Dutch children wake up to discover whether Sinterklaas has left them treats and gifts. To receive these surprises, children often leave out their shoes on the night of December 5th. The Pieten, with their playful spirit, fill the shoes with candies, small toys, and other delightful goodies.

This day is not only about material gifts but also about the joy of giving and sharing. Families come together to exchange presents, and the festive spirit envelops the entire country.

3. December 24: The Christmas Eve Question

While December 24th is not traditionally associated with Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, it does raise the question of Christmas Eve. In Dutch culture, Christmas Eve is indeed celebrated, but it is not as prominent as the festivities surrounding Sinterklaas.

On Christmas Eve, some Dutch families may exchange small gifts or enjoy a festive meal, but the main gift-giving event remains tied to Sinterklaas on December 5th and 6th.

In summary, the enchanting arrival of Sinterklaas on December 5th sets the stage for a festive celebration, culminating in the joyous exchange of presents on the morning of December 6th. While Christmas Eve holds its own significance, it is the unique Dutch traditions surrounding Sinterklaas that truly capture the hearts of both young and old during the holiday season.

Christmas presents to buy in Amsterdam

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Amsterdam Guide

Christmas is almost here and everyone is trying to find the best presents for Christmas. In this article we will list some of the best gifts you can get in Amsterdam during a holiday.

The good thing is that Amsterdam is one of the most interesting and busiest cities in Europe and it has countless shops and markets on every corner of the city. Around Christmas in the city like in the other big cities in Europe you can find the Christmas markets where you can buy the usual Christmas gifts all the handmade knitted accessories such as scarfs, hats, gloves, crafted chess boards and sets, wooden toys for children, wooden kitchen accessories, all kind of lamps, various metal and glass works, leather bags in different sizes, various Christmas decorations and so on, but if you want to get something more special and personal we recommend you to try the small boutiques such as Cottoncake and Jan where you can get the nicest presents for your loved ones and even have a coffee as well.

Cottoncake is a small shop located between the Sarphatipark and the busy Albert Cuypmark. The boutique sells all kind of women clothes, home and living accessories and jewellery as well. The items of the store are coming from all over the world and they were inspired by travel adventures which makes all of them really unique and special.

Jan is a small concept store where you can find all kind of presents for Christmas for your loved ones. At the store you can choose from various unique jewellery, coffee table books, gadgets for girls such as leather bags, home accessories and so on. Apart from these there are plenty other stores you can find in Amsterdam with almost the same quality and prices.

If you want to know more on Amsterdam check the following site for more information.

Christmas Market in Amsterdam

Posted on December 22, 2013January 9, 2014 by Amsterdam Guide

Christmas and Netherlands are waiting for you! The capital prepares with lots of Christmas markets in this year too, to make smile on your face. Beautiful lights, awesome programs and fantastic presents welcome everybody, who visits one of the markets in Amsterdam.

First of all, let’s talk about the Winter Market, which locates in Amsterdam’s downtown at Damrak between 21 December 2013 and 12 January 2014. The Damrak is the busiest street in Amsterdam; it connects the Dam Square with the Central Railway Station. The market enchants visitors with great Christmas atmosphere.

Besides the Winter Market we can’t forget about the Sissy Boy Christmas Market at Amstelkerk, the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabrieken, the Pure Winter Market at Beatrixpark, the Latam Fair at The Sand, the Winter Fairy at Blijburg, the Christmas Warehouse Market at Amsterdam Roest and Midnight Market at Toren.

The markets have extra programs on certain days, what makes the Christmas atmosphere better. Everybody find the perfect program here: you can do shopping, see the beautiful lights, ice skating or anything what you want, even at the same time.

If you want a fantastic program for Christmas, surprise your loved ones with a travel in Amsterdam. It doesn’t matter that you go with your family, friends or partner, the Holland capital is always an unforgettable experience. Believe it, you won’t be disappointed! Have a great time!

Christmas exhibition at the Rijksmuseum

Posted on December 20, 2011January 6, 2012 by Amsterdam Guide

If you would like to see magnificent wooden and painted Madonnas, then you better head of to the Rijksmuseum to check out the Christmas exhibition available until March 5th, 2012. At the exhibition you can see a picture from 1490 called “The Holy Kinship”, and besides this you can see many other wonderful paintings and wooden work. So, if you are still in the Christmas atmosphere, why not check out this exhibition?