Choosing the right time and place to buy a Christmas tree in the Netherlands can feel like a mystery when you first arrive. In many countries, festive decorations appear the minute Halloween ends, but the Dutch follow a different rhythm.
Between Sinterklaas, practical considerations, and a love for all things gezellig, the timing of the Dutch Christmas tree has its own logic.
If you are wondering when people here actually buy their kerstboom (and where to get a good one) this guide breaks down everything you need to know. 🎄
When to buy a Christmas tree in the Netherlands?
For a small country, the Netherlands shows surprisingly consistent behaviour when it comes to Christmas tree timing.
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Internationals often expect trees to appear the moment Halloween ends, but the Dutch follow their own schedule.
Early December: Sinterklaas first, Christmas later
Most Dutch households wait until after 5 December, when Sinterklaas officially leaves the country.
Only once the last chocolate letter has been eaten and Sint has sailed back to Spain do Christmas decorations begin to appear.
For internationals, this slower start can feel unusual. While other countries put up trees in November, Dutch living rooms often stay bare until the very last pepernoot is swept away.
The second weekend of December rule
Ask around, and you will hear the same timing again and again: the second weekend of December.
It is early enough to enjoy the lights for a few weeks, but late enough that your tree is still standing by Christmas Eve rather than collapsing in a pile of dry needles. It is practical, neat, and very Dutch.
Families with kids tend to buy earlier
Households with young children are more likely to dive into Christmas mode as soon as the 5 December festivities end. Schools, neighbourhood associations, and community groups often put up their trees during the first full week of December, which inspires families to follow along.
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Either way, if you wander into a shop after 20 December, expect some disappointment. Garden centres and supermarkets begin selling out, and the remaining trees tend to look a little tired.
The best places to get a Christmas tree in the Netherlands
You can find a Christmas tree almost anywhere in December. From giant garden centres to quick pop-up stands on street corners, there is a perfect option for every budget and every apartment size.
Garden centres (Intratuin, GroenRijk, etc.)
Garden centres are the most popular place to buy a tree in the Netherlands. They offer a huge range of sizes, species, and qualities. The Nordmann is usually the bestseller thanks to its soft needles and long lifespan.
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Expect a full winter wonderland experience too. Many Dutch garden centres build entire indoor Christmas villages with lights, moving displays, and enough ornaments to decorate The Hague.
Prices are slightly higher than other shops, but the quality is reliably good.
Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi)
From the first week of December, most supermarkets sell Christmas trees outside the entrance. They usually stock spruce or Nordmann varieties in a handful of sizes.
These trees are budget friendly, though the selection is sometimes limited.
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Local street stands and markets
In many Dutch cities, small pop-up stands appear throughout December. These sellers usually offer decent prices and quick service.
They are ideal if you do not need the most symmetrical, competition-ready tree, but you want something fresh, affordable, and easy to carry home.
DIY stores (Praxis, Gamma, Karwei)
DIY stores are another reliable place to pick up a Christmas tree. They stock a good range, usually priced between supermarkets and garden centres.
The bonus is convenience. You can also grab tools, lights, and a sturdy stand all in the same trip.
Renting a Christmas tree in the Netherlands
Tree rental is becoming more popular in the Netherlands, especially among people who want a sustainable option.
Companies deliver a live, potted tree to your home, you enjoy it for December, and then it is collected in January and replanted. Some services include pickup so you do not have to drag a muddy tree through your hallway.
Search for terms like “kerstboom huren” or “rent a Christmas tree Netherlands” to compare providers.
Online delivery
Online Christmas tree delivery has taken off in recent years. Your tree arrives netted and ready to set up, which is ideal if you live car-free or have limited time.
It is also a lifesaver for internationals who are not quite ready to balance a two-metre tree on a bike.
Types of Christmas trees in the Netherlands
Ready to buy your tree but not quite sure what to look for? These are the most popular choices you’ll come across.
The Nordmann: the Dutch majority favourite
Walk into any Dutch garden centre, and you will see one species dominating the rows: the Nordmann fir.
It is popular because it lasts a long time, drops far fewer needles, and has soft branches that are easy to decorate. It is also the most expensive option, but most Dutch buyers decided long ago that the upgrade is worth it.
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Traditional spruce (fijnspar)
The traditional Dutch spruce is lighter on the wallet and has a wonderful classic Christmas scent. It does lose needles faster, so it is better suited to households that buy their tree later in December or do not need it to last into January.
Potted trees
Potted Christmas trees work well for smaller homes and eco-conscious families. They can be replanted after the holidays, though they tend to be smaller and require careful watering.
Artificial Christmas trees in the Netherlands
Not every Dutch household brings home a real tree. Artificial Christmas trees are hugely popular, especially among people who prefer a zero-mess, zero-maintenance option. Many families keep a reusable tree stored in the attic and bring it down as soon as Sinterklaas has left.
Why Dutch people choose artificial trees
Artificial trees stay perfectly shaped, never drop needles, and can be used for years. They are ideal for smaller flats, busy households, and anyone who does not fancy vacuuming pine needles every day in December.
While the environmental impact depends on how long you keep it, some experts say a good-quality artificial tree becomes the greener choice if you reuse it for at least seven to ten years — others say you need to keep it much longer.
For many Dutch families, this long lifespan is exactly why they buy one.
Wide range of styles
Shops like Intratuin, Blokker, and IKEA offer artificial trees in every size from tiny tabletop versions to full two-metre centrepieces. Some even come pre-lit, which saves a lot of time and untangling.
Making the Dutch tree-buying experience easier
Buying a Christmas tree in the Netherlands is fun, but a little preparation goes a long way:
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If you don’t have a car, make sure to bring a sturdy bike with straps, or borrow a cargo bike if your tree is tall.
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Check opening hours before you go — popular shops sell out early in the day during peak weekends.
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If you live in an apartment, confirm that real trees are allowed, as some buildings prefer artificial ones.
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Try to buy your tree and stand from the same shop, and ask the seller to shave off a small slice from the bottom of the trunk. This helps the tree absorb water and stay fresh for longer.
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And most importantly: do not wait until the week of Christmas unless you enjoy the thrill of hunting through the leftover misfits.
How to get rid of your Christmas tree in the Netherlands
Once January arrives, it is time to say goodbye to your kerstboom. Luckily, the Dutch make disposal easy.
Municipal pickup
Most municipalities organise a special Christmas tree collection in the first two weeks of January. You simply remove all decorations and place the tree on the curb or at a designated drop-off point on the correct day. The trees are then shredded and turned into compost or biomass.
Recycling centres
If you miss the pickup — or want the tree gone earlier — you can take it to a local recycling centre (milieustraat). These centres accept bare Christmas trees and process them sustainably.
Bonfires and neighbourhood tree burnings
In some Dutch towns and villages, Christmas trees are collected for a traditional New Year bonfire.
These community burnings are usually organised by neighbourhood groups or the municipality and happen in early January. It is a festive, slightly chaotic tradition where piles of old trees go up in flames while locals gather to watch.
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Not every city still allows these events for safety reasons, but where they do exist, they offer a very Dutch way to end the season: warm, gezellig, and a bit dramatic.
What about artificial trees?
Artificial trees are not collected with real ones. If you ever want to dispose of a fake tree, take it to a bulky-waste collection point or donate it to a second-hand shop. Otherwise, pack it away for next year and enjoy the easiest January cleanup ever!
Whether you pick up a Nordmann from a sparkling Intratuin Christmas village or wobble home on a bike with a tree twice your height, choosing a kerstboom is one of the most magical things you will do in December in the Netherlands.
Have you already put up your Christmas tree? Let us know in the comments!
