There’s something magical about the holiday season in the Netherlands. Four years ago, I moved to Germany, and one of my favorite things about living here is how close I am to the Netherlands. In just an hour and a half by car, I can be soaking up the culture of this beautiful country—especially during the festive season, when Dutch Christmas traditions truly shine.
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In this article, I’ll show you how to say “Merry Christmas” in Dutch, share other useful holiday words, and explore the traditions that make Dutch Christmas celebrations so heartwarming. Let’s unwrap the magic together!
How To Say Merry Christmas In Dutch
In Dutch, the most common way to wish someone Merry Christmas is to say "Zalig Kerstfeest."
Zalig translates to “blessed” or “happy,” and Kerstfeest means “Christmas.” So, Zalig Kerstfeest is like saying, “Have a blessed Christmas” or “Merry Christmas” warmly. It's the standard greeting in the Netherlands, especially in more formal settings or when you want to convey a warm, traditional wish.
If you’re looking for something a bit more lighthearted, you can also say "Vrolijk Kerstfeest," which translates to “Joyful Christmas.” This greeting is used in a similar way and feels a bit more upbeat and festive, especially if you’re in a casual setting or with friends and family.
In some regions, particularly in parts of Belgium, you might hear "Zalig Kerstmis" instead of Kerstfeest. While both phrases are understood in the Netherlands, Kerstfeest is a bit more common, but Kerstmis still pops up in Christmas cards.
Dutch Christmas Traditions
Christmas in the Netherlands is a mix of traditions and classic holiday joy. One of the most fascinating aspects of Dutch Christmas is how closely it’s tied to another big celebration: Sinterklaas.
Sinterklaas: The Precursor To Santa Claus
Before Christmas truly kicks off, Dutch families celebrate Sinterklaasavond (Saint Nicholas' Eve) on December 5th. On this evening, children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, a jolly figure in a red robe, and his helper, Piet. Unlike Santa Claus, Sinterklaas travels from Spain on a steamboat rather than flying through the sky in a sleigh!
Kids leave their shoes by the fireplace (or the front door) the night before, hoping to wake up to small gifts or sweets like chocolate letters and marzipan. While Sinterklaas is technically separate from Christmas, it sets the stage for the holiday season, filling Dutch homes with joy and excitement.
Christmas Markets And Festive Streets
As in Germany, Dutch Christmas markets are very popular. Town squares transform into winter scenes filled with twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and the smell of hot mulled wine (glühwein). Cities like Maastricht and Amsterdam are famous for their beautiful markets, where you can shop for handmade gifts, enjoy local treats, and even skate on ice rinks.
Family And Decorations
Dutch families love to decorate their homes with warm lights, candles, and kerstbomen (Christmas trees). Nativity scenes, wreaths, and stars are also displayed in the windows. The decorations are typically simple and elegant, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.
How Dutch People Celebrate Christmas
In the Netherlands, Christmas is about spending time with family, having good food, and enjoying a few surprises. It’s less commercialized than in some other countries, focusing more on being together and enjoying simple traditions.
Eerste Kerstdag: Christmas Day
The Dutch celebrate Eerste Kerstdag, or First Christmas Day, on December 25th. This is a day for family gatherings, often involving a delicious meal. Some people attend church services in the morning, while others stay home to enjoy breakfast and exchange gifts. Unlike Sinterklaas, Christmas presents are usually small or symbolic since the big gift-giving happens earlier in December.
Tweede Kerstdag: Boxing Day
Christmas in the Netherlands doesn’t end on December 25th! The Dutch also celebrate Tweede Kerstdag, or Second Christmas Day, on December 26th. This day is typically more relaxed and often involves visiting extended family, going for a wintery walk, or shopping during post-Christmas sales. Many Dutch people use this day to recharge and enjoy a slower pace after the previous day's festivities.
Christmas Services
In the case of religious believers, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services are a meaningful part of the celebration. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is magical, with candlelight and traditional hymns filling the air.
Dutch Christmas Vocabulary
If you're planning to spend Christmas in the Netherlands, learning a few key Christmas-related words can be really helpful. Below are some essential Dutch terms you'll hear during the Christmas season, along with their pronunciations.
Celebrate Christmas by Learning Languages with Lingopie!
Now you’re all set to spread some holiday joy in Dutch! With these key phrases, you're equipped to participate in all the celebrations and make them even more memorable.
If you're looking to expand your Language skills even further, Lingopie is a great resource to help you learn the language through fun and interactive content. With real TV shows, movies, and conversations, you can practice at your own pace and feel more confident when using these festive phrases!
Ready to take the next step? Give Lingopie a try, and start practicing right now!
FAQs About Dutch Christmas Traditions
Curious about how Christmas is celebrated in the Netherlands? You're not alone! Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about how the Dutch celebrate the holiday season.
1. What Is the Traditional Dutch Christmas Greeting?
The traditional Dutch Christmas greeting is "Zalig Kerstfeest," which means "Merry Christmas." You might also hear "Vrolijk Kerstfeest," which means "Joyful Christmas." Both are commonly used, and you can choose whichever one feels right!
2. What Do Dutch People Drink on Christmas?
During Christmas in the Netherlands, you'll find people sipping on a few of their favorite drinks. Glühwein, a warm, spiced mulled wine, is very popular, especially at Christmas markets. You’ll also see people enjoying advocaat, a rich, creamy Dutch egg liqueur often served with whipped cream. And, of course, for a cozy touch, you can expect to find plenty of hot chocolate around the holidays, sometimes topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
3. What Do the Dutch Eat for Christmas Dinner?
Dutch Christmas dinners can vary, but a classic is gourmetten, where families sit around a small grill and cook their own mini dishes, such as meats, vegetables, and seafood, right at the table. Kerststol, a fruit bread with almond paste, is another must-have treat. And don't forget oliebollen, Dutch doughnuts typically enjoyed during the holiday season and New Year’s Eve.
