As we inch closer to the holidays, spending time with loved ones is everyone’s top priority. However, if you’re an international in the Netherlands who isn’t going home for the holidays, this season can be excruciatingly lonely.
So how can internationals in the Netherlands find their holiday cheer this year?
If you’re one of the many internationals spending the holidays in the Netherlands, we feel you — because we are you! Here are 23 things you can do to beat loneliness and help boost your holiday spirits this year. 👇
1. See the city lights
Dutch cities come alive at Christmas time, and strolling through fairy lights is sure to add a sparkle to your step.
Even better? Many cities host fabulous light festivals, which are all but guaranteed to dispel some of those winter blues.
2. Get in the festive spirit
Turn on some of your favourite festive tunes, decorate your flat or house, and have some hot Chocomel while you do.
3. Have an ‘orphan’ Christmas
Know any other internationals in the same boat? Invite them over for a small and intimate holiday gathering!
4. Have some oliebollen
Stop by a street cart and get some warm oliebollen to-go. This delicious Dutch doughnut is a seasonal speciality.
5. Bring home to the Netherlands
Take a trip down memory lane with some of your favourite traditions back home.
From the US? Maybe string popcorn. Danish? Go for a solo dance around the Christmas tree! From Japan? Go ahead and order some KFC.
6. Have a gourmetten party
Indulge in enough meat, sauce, and wine to hold you over till next year. (Warning: not for the faint of heart.)
7. Embark on a baking adventure
Are there any traditional Dutch recipes you’ve been itching to try out? Perhaps, an appelflap or two?
There’s no better time than the winter holidays to try out some seasonal recipes. As a bonus, your whole house might end up smelling of speculaas. Lekker!
8. Get crafty
Can’t find the perfect seasonal decor at your local HEMA? Go for DIY Christmas trees and ornaments this year, instead.
You can even rope your friends and flatmates in for some hands-on merry-making.
9. Host a virtual secret Santa
If you can’t be there in person to celebrate with your nearest and dearest, you can organise a secret Santa with a Zoom reveal party. Order gifts online in the recipient’s country if you’re running out of time.
READ MORE | Here are our favourite gift ideas for Christmas in the Netherlands in 2026
PS: If you’re planning a virtual Secret Santa gift exchange, online generators are great at randomising lists of names.
10. Practice your Dutch poetry
Coin your first gedicht (even if Sinterklaas has already passed). Impress your Dutch friends by writing one of these unique holiday poems and take part in an important Dutch tradition!
11. Prepare a deluxe dinner
Cook up a Christmas feast and invite a few friends to enjoy.
12. Send snail mail
Make greeting cards by hand and catch up on some old-fashioned correspondence.
13. Get guttural
Work on your Dutch by singing along with some classic Dutch Christmas tunes.
14. Hang biscuits
Decorate your Christmas tree with some traditional kerstkransjes (circular cookies) — or just eat them straight out of the pack.
Alternatively, who needs family when you have pepernoten, right?
15. Give
Time, money, coats, blankets — if you have some to spare, give them to those in need.
16. Look ridiculous
Challenge your colleagues or friends to an ugly sweater competition.
17. Design a family photo
Use Photoshop and some recent individual portraits to make your most awkward family photo yet.
18. Make glühwein
Mull your own wine, because it’s honestly easier than it sounds. Geen stress if you’re a glühwein newbie, because Albert Heijn has a quick and easy recipe you can follow.
But don’t just stop there; the Dutch sometimes boil down the glühwein into a syrup for poached pears.
Yes, please!
19. Hold a pub quiz
Get competitive by taking part in an online pub quiz with friends and family from afar!
For those who can’t meet in person, online platforms like Discord are great for hosting video calls with large groups.
20. Festive cocktails with friends
Introduce your favourite holiday drink to some friends, either in person or online, and get those bartender skills rolling!
21. Watch Christmas movies
Watch a Christmas movie from your childhood. Or, try out a classic Dutch film this year. While they might not be very festive, they’re a great way to get to know Dutch culture.
Not into films? You can also sign up for a video streaming site, and get all your seasonal goodness in a longer format.
22. Do it twice
Don’t forget about the second Christmas! On December 26, you can do it all over again… just like the Dutch do!
23. Send a care package
Put together a package with your favourite Dutch treats and send it back home to your dear ones.
There’s no way around it — the holidays are tough when you can’t go home and celebrate with your loved ones. But remember, you’re not alone; we’re all here to beat loneliness this holiday. Proost!
We want to hear from you! How do you plan to spend the holidays this year? Have any hot tips to add to the list?
