It’s beginning to look a lot like norovirus season. According to the RIVM, the virus, affectionately termed the “poo virus”, has been peaking in recent weeks.
That’s not to say it hasn’t already been around this year. Epidemiologist Eelco Franz of the RIVM tells AD that at the beginning of 2025, the number of infections was also on “the high side.”
Then the summer came and saved us, bringing the number of infections right down.
Now, it’s peaking again
However, with everyone nice and bundled up together as the holidays approach, shit is hitting the fan, so to say.
According to Franz, “it’s peaking quite a bit” in recent weeks. But don’t expect everyone in the office to start suddenly running to the toilet.
While the RIVM is seeing a peak in the number of infections, this is normal for this time of year. It simply marks the start of the norovirus season.
What is the norovirus?
Norovirus is essentially the main cause of what we’d call the stomach flu.
We’re not going to paint too graphic a picture for you, but symptoms typically include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a fever.
If you’re an adult, you can expect it to last two to three days. If you’re an adult with children, we commend you, as symptoms typically last for a week in children.
Want some good news? The variant of norovirus currently circulating should spread less rapidly than the strain the Netherlands experienced in 2024.
This one is more similar to an older strain, which we are more accustomed to.
The number of Americans applying to move to the Netherlands has hit a ten-year high, with nearly 6,700 visa applications in November alone.
This is according to an analysis of immigration data by the NOS and Nieuwsuur — an analysis that hasn’t even factored in the busiest month for visa applications: December.
Although applications have skyrocketed for all visa types, the biggest jumps can be seen in the “family and knowledge and talent categories.” The latter, in particular, is designed for highly-skilled migrants from outside the EU.
More Americans are also taking the DAFT route
Based on the data and analysis, a growing number of Americans also seem to have discovered the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (or DAFT).
This 1956 agreement gives citizens of the United States and the Netherlands an easy route to conduct business operations in each other’s countries.
The requirements? Let’s just say that they’re a touch on the lenient end. All you typically need is a minimum of €4,500 in startup capital, a business plan, and some basic Dutch visa essentials.
This year alone, almost 700 Americans have been the happy recipients of DAFT visas — more than double the number of visa recipients from three years ago.
Easy Dutch visas? “Yes, please,” say American emigrants
To investigate the exodus, the NOS sat down with Jana Sanchez, founder of GTFO Tours, an organisation that helps Americans relocate abroad.
According to Sanchez, Americans who want to emigrate “usually prefer to go to an English-speaking country”, but it’s almost “impossible” to get visas for countries like Canada, Ireland, or the United Kingdom.
But easier visas aren’t the only reason Americans are flocking to the Netherlands. It turns out, the biggest factor driving the move isn’t something… but someone.
Many Americans fear the “rise of fascism”
Sanchez doesn’t mince words about why Americans are leaving, as she sums things up in one word: Trump.
“There’s great fear about the rise of fascism under his leadership,” she tells the NOS. “People with Latin American roots or a different sexual orientation, in particular, are very afraid right now.”
And it’s not just Donald Trump’s brand of politics that has some Americans saying “doei” to the US. As a surprise to literally no one, they’re also quite enamoured with the Netherlands’ healthcare system
“You just don’t want to have to worry about your child getting shot,” Sanchez adds. “Or having to pay thousands of dollars if you ever need to go to the emergency room.”
What do you think of the rising number of Americans immigrating to the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
But the real quirky thing about Christmas in the Netherlands is just how long the celebrations last.
In the Netherlands, Christmas Day is a two-day celebration, with both December 25 (First Christmas Day) and December 26 (Second Christmas Day) being public holidays.
Over the course of these two days, there will be gift-giving, feasting, and drinking in the lead-up to Jesus Christ’s birth.
The Netherlands, after all, was founded on Christianity, and in particular, Calvinism.
More than faith, Christmas in the Netherlands is primarily focused on spending time with friends and family before the New Year kicks off.
So enjoy all the peace and quiet in December, because when January 1 hits, you’ll have the sound of fireworks stuck in your ears. 🎇
Christmas Day is NOT the arrival of Sinterklaas
You might think that Christmas celebrations start on the first Saturday after November 11, when Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa) arrives in the Netherlands.
But, despite the festive feeling, this tradition is completely separate from Dutch Christmas Day.
In fact, Dutchies have an entirely different festival dedicated to celebrating the saint. Have you heard of Saint Nicholas Eve?
Forget Santa’s sleigh — Sinterklaas sails all the way from Spain on a steamboat, accompanied by his controversial helpers, the Zwarte Pieten, to personally greet children in towns across the Netherlands.
His arrival beckons a huge parade, ending in the town’s market square. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to say hello to the elusive fellow!
Saint Nicholas Eve
This tradition comes from the Netherlands’ long history with Christianity.
Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of this holiday, was known to be a generous and giving Saint, and this is perhaps why we exchange gifts in his name. 🎁
“Sinterklaas” is the Dutch word for Saint Nicholas, and fun fact: it was this Dutch translation that inspired English speakers to adopt the term “Santa Claus.”
Sinterklaas and Santa Claus sound pretty similar, don’t they?
Dutchies celebrate the Eve of Saint Nicholas on December 5, which involves gift-giving, a little bit of playful poetry, and a real Dutch novelty: gourmetten.
Christmas in the Netherlands is a truly special time. Image: Depositphotos
Both Sinterklaas and Saint Nicholas Eve are separate events from December 25 and 26.
A season of saints (not just Santa)
The festivities start with the celebration of Sint Maarten on November 11, then comes the arrival of Sinterklaas, followed by the feast of Saint Nicholas, and finally, the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
In the 21st century, a lot of these traditions have mushed into one big Christmas bonanza, but they remain distinct and special to the Dutch and their history.
Yet the reason to celebrate Christmas over two days is quite simple: so families have enough time to reconnect with one another, enjoy meals, and catch up.
December 26 (known globally as Saint Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day) serves as a holiday continuation, offering even more time for family festivities.
Why is it quirky?
For a lot of us internationals, the most important date on the winter calendar is December 25.
All the holiday cheer during the winter months leads up to this one day. But the first Christmas Day can actually be a bit exhausting.
And the day after? Second Christmas Day usually involves tidying up, eating leftovers, and recovering from a hectic, pre-Christmas work schedule.
Many of us would appreciate an extra Christmas day, maybe only to have an extra morning to sleep in. 😴
If you have a large family, the extra day means you have time for both your closest relatives and extended family, without anyone feeling left out.
Plus, spreading out the celebrations makes Christmas Day all the more enjoyable, so say goodbye to last-minute turkey shopping and stressful gift-wrapping!
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
While it’s unclear how exactly van der Sloot sustained his injuries, the Peruvian newspaper La República reports that he was found “in circumstances that suggested a possible suicide attempt.”
What happened in the cell?
According to La República, prison guards found van der Sloot with “a piece of blanket tied around his neck” while they were distributing breakfast in his cell block.
Acting swiftly, they freed him from the makeshift noose and transferred him to the prison infirmary, where he received specialised medical attention.
While van der Sloot’s condition is reported to be stable, the Peruvian Ministry of Justice has stated that he will remain under observation. This is due to his psychiatric condition and the fact that this incident took place in one of Peru’s maximum security prisons.
Ah yes, December — a month of cold weather, fun, family holidays, and… fire hazards? Well, the last one sounds a little out of character for this festive month.
It’s strange, but true: the Dutch have a strange affinity with fire and setting things on fire, and no one is sure why.
Let’s just say, fireworks might be the most dangerous hobby the Dutch have. 🔥
What is it?
For most of the year, lighting fireworks is limited to professionals, but there is an exception.
From December 31 to January 1, ordinary Dutchies are allowed to light fireworks for New Year’s Eve.
Now, this would seem like a reasonable time and manner to welcome the New Year, but the Netherlands has had a history of extreme firework usage, to the point where several large municipalities have banned them altogether. ⛔
Why do they do it?
No one is really sure where this interesting (and very dangerous) habit comes from. If you’re familiar with Dutch stereotypes, you might know Dutchies are often characterised as mellow, quiet people who love to doe normaal.
But this is far from the case, at least when it comes to fireworks.
Dutchies LOVE to make a commotion with loud and bright fireworks (as if people don’t already know it’s New Year’s Eve), and everyone tries to show off their biggest, most extravagant fireworks. 🙄🎆
Why is it quirky?
Another classic Dutch stereotype is being a “stickler for the rules”, but that is far from reality.
Fireworks are banned for 364 days of the year, so everyone in the Netherlands makes it a point to buy and light every single firework they can in the short period it’s legal.
But maybe that’s a bit counterintuitive? 🤔
Should you join in?
Well, that depends. Fireworks in the Netherlands aren’t for the faint of heart — if you’re easily spooked by loud noises and fire, it’s probably best to stay inside and keep the windows shut.
Unfortunately, for all you little pyromaniacs out there, past incidents have gotten so bad that some local municipalities have announced a formal ban on fireworks. Yikes.
Otherwise, we’d encourage everyone to take part in this festive Dutch tradition very safely and within Dutch rules and regulations for fireworks. But until then, you’ll have to find another way to celebrate the New Year.
Maybe you can watch an action film or light some candles instead? 🤷
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
If you thought Dutch trains couldn’t get any more chaotic, ProRail is here to throw a spanner in the works with over 400 rail projects announced. (Including a nine-month train-free period in Alphen aan den Rijn.)
According to a new press release, the rail manager is shifting its focus away from shiny new projects and towards maintenance.
While that sounds admirable on paper, the reality for commuters is going to be far less impressive: expect significant disruptions across the country as tracks, bridges, safety systems, and stations undergo desperately needed work.
Will my commute be affected?
If you’re commuting to and from Alphen aan den Rijn, the answer is going to be a resounding yes. With much-needed work to be completed on the Gouwespoorbrug, train travel will grind to a halt from October 12, 2026, to July 14, 2027.
Certain stations will feature major or recurring disturbances, and these include:
Route/Station
Disruptions
Schiphol to Leiden
January 17 to 27
The Hague (station)
January 29 to February 16
Haarlem to Leiden
February 14 to 19
Driebergen to Utrecht
February 20 to March 2
Amsterdam to Haarlem
February 21 to March 2
Amsterdam Zuid to Duivendrecht/Schiphol
April 28 to May 5, and May 13 to 18
Nijmegen (station)
May 14 to 30
Utrecht to Amsterdam/Schiphol
May 18 to 26
Rotterdam (station)
June 13 to 14
Haarlem to Leiden
July 3 to 6
Nijmegen to Venlo
July 4 to 13
The Hague (station)
July 10 to 13
Almere Centrum to Lelystad
July 18 to 25
Rotterdam to Dordrecht
July 21 to 25
The Hague Mariahoeve to The Hague HS
August 7 to 10
Delft to Rotterdam
August 25 to 29
Amsterdam Central (station)
October 3 to 6
Alphen aan den Rijn to Bodegraven
October 12 to July 14, 2027
Haarlem to Zandvoort aan Zee
November 16 to December 5
What this means for you
If you’re a regular train commuter, then managing the Dutch rail chaos in 2026 is going to require some patience and flexibility. It’s worth checking if your usual route will be affected before you travel, and plan alternative routes, if needed.
The NS has already announced its new 2026 timetable, but keep in mind that maintenance work can override even the best-laid timetable plans.
Your best bet? Download the NS app, check for updates before every journey, and perhaps invest in a good book for those inevitable replacement bus journeys.
Tired of heading to Amsterdam to check out the Dutch Masters? You’re in luck, because the Rijksmuseum is opening a southern outpost in Eindhoven, with backing from chip giant ASML.
A joint project between the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the municipality of Eindhoven, the museum is expected to be built on the Dommel River, just a few minutes’ walk from the station.
Helaas, you won’t be able to swing by and buy a ticket anytime soon — the project is expected to be completed in six to eight years.
No, it’s not just a copy of the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum
The new branch won’t just be a miniature version of its Amsterdam big brother, reports the NOS.
Instead, it’ll feature changing exhibitions centred around art production, creativity, and craftsmanship, perfect themes for what Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits calls “a city of makers and doers.”
To get this underway, the museum will work alongside local heavyweights like Eindhoven University of Technology, the Van Abbemuseum, and the Design Academy.
The goal, according to Eindhoven’s municipality, is to make the museum “easily accessible for city residents and visitors from both the Netherlands and abroad”.
Got deep pockets? Eindhoven wants you
You’d think that funding and expertise secured from ASML would make a dent in the projected budget, but nee.
With costs expected to total a whopping €80 million, the municipality is on the hunt for businesses and individuals with deep pockets to invest in it. In particular, the municipality of Eindhoven is eyeing the Dutch government.
“We hope they will contribute as well,” they said — which in Dutch civic-speak translates to “please don’t make us do this alone.”
What do you think of Eindhoven’s upcoming Rijksmuseum? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Do what the Dutch do best. Grab your skates and hit the natural ice rinks! Here’s all you need to know about natural ice skating in the Netherlands.
You may have heard that the Dutch are big fans of ice skating. When there’s snow and ice, you will most definitely find the Dutch on the ice.
Get involved by putting your skates on some iced-up natural lakes, just like all the true Dutchies do!
Where are the natural ice skating rinks in the Netherlands?
Natural ice skating is possible between the months of December to February when it’s cold enough for shallow waters, lakes, and canals to freeze over.
Some farmers even flood their fields in order to allow people to ice skate on them.
It’s vital that you watch where you step and only skate on ice you know to be thick enough. Image: Freepik
Beware! It’s not always safe to skate on your local lakes, which is why you should keep an eye out for where it’s safe to skate naturally in the Netherlands.
Sprint is an app that the KNSB created: the authority for the field of natural ice in the Netherlands. With Sprint, you can find which natural ice skating rinks in your area are okay to go to (fingers crossed! 😉).
Another option would be to follow a crowd that might be ice skating on the canals.
The canals freeze when temperatures stay at -4 degrees for four consecutive nights. The municipality will then give the go-ahead to safely ice skate down the endless canals.
If you want to ice skate on natural ice, you WILL need your pair of skates. You might be able to find them at a sports shop such as Decathlon, which provides a wide range of skates at reasonable prices.
If not, you can always go to your local indoor ice rink arena and rent a pair for a few hours.
What to bring with you before going ice skating in the Netherlands
Natural ice skating has its perks, but being prepared before gliding on ice is always a wise idea.
Here are some things you shouldn’t forget before exposing your ice-skating moves to the public. 👇
Warm clothes
A no-brainer, really, but warm clothes with lots of extra layers. A thermal shirt will undoubtedly keep you warm, but also thick thermal socks, gloves, a scarf, and a beanie will ensure you won’t catch a cold.
In the Netherlands, a nice wool sweater with some thermal undergarments really does the trick! Image: Freepik
In the case of extreme freezing temperatures, put on some windproof clothing, a ski mask, and a pair of ski goggles.
Snacks
All that ice skating will get you hungry and thirsty, so make sure you pack plenty of food and drinks.
Think sandwiches, a thermos for hot drinks such as coffee or chocomel (hot chocolate), and a towel or blanket to keep you extra warm and cosy.
First aid kit and protection
Make sure to bring a first-aid kit, or at least a few plasters if you’re clumsy (don’t worry, it gets the best of us). Better to be safe than sorry, right? 😉
Plus, knee protectors, wrist guards, and most importantly, a helmet. True, it’s not very Dutch to wear a helmet, but safety should always come first for a newbie on natural ice.
5 of the best man-made ice skating rinks in the Netherlands
If you’re not a big fan of skating on the raw ice of the Dutch lakes or canals, you can always visit an indoor or outdoor ice rink to enjoy the feeling of being on the ice.
A girl skates in the Dam Square ice skating rink in Amsterdam. Image: Pexels
Let’s not waste any more time! Here are 5 ice rinks that we recommend:
1. Jaap Eden: This rink is named after Jaap Eden, who was a famous Dutch athlete admired for his speed skating skills. It covers 400 meters of ice, making it the biggest arena in Amsterdam. Jaap Eden offers ice skating lessons for those of you who are keen to learn how to skate.
2. Ijsbaan Rembrandtplein: open till the start of January each year, this ice skating rink on the Rembrandtplein is a great place to meet up with friends and family and enjoy an excellent ice experience.
3. Schaatshaal Leiden: an ice skating rink in the cosy city of Leiden. There is an inner track and an outer track of about 220 meters. This rink provides ice skating lessons and a hot cup of chocomel! ☕️
4. Ijsbaan Haarlem: this ice rink in Haarlem is excellent for the new skater and for those diehards out there (respect). It’s open till late March.
5. Schaatsbaan Rotterdam: this ice rink in Rotterdam is one to put on your priority list! Many ice skating activities are possible for both youngsters and adults, and there’s even a silent disco on ice.
Dutch food to eat after ice skating
After a long day of ice skating, the Dutchies traditionally like to enjoy a warm drink, poffertjes (those mini pancakes with melting butter and sugar on top). Some even grab a typical Dutch pea soup.
These types of hapjes (snacks) are, thankfully, served close to the ice rinks.
The Elfstedentocht, or the Eleven-Cities ice skating tour
If you sit with the Dutch crowd, you will hear all sorts of stories of the Elfstedentocht.
It’s more of a historical ice skating event for them, perhaps because it rarely occurs. Journalists from all over the world travel to Friesland to catch a glimpse of the race. So pop on by!
What is the Elfstedentocht exactly? The Elfstedentocht is a 200-kilometre long-distance skating event that is held both as a speed skating competition and a leisure tour. Yes, all this happens on natural ice!
It takes place in the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands. The tour is held once yearly and only when the natural ice along the entire length of the course is at least 15 centimetres deep.
The US State Department has launched a new offensive on the Dutch-designed Calibri typeface.
Since January 2023, officials in America have been using the Calibri font, designed by Dutchman Lucas de Groot, for all official communication.
That is, until December 9, 2025, when Marco Rubio put an end to the Biden-era decision, ordering all communication to return to the Times New Roman typeface.
According to The New York Times, the Secretary of State called Calibri a “wasted step on diversity.”
Lucas de Groot, the Dutchman who designed Calibri, calls Rubio’s decision “sad,” reports NOS.
A more accessible font
Although Times New Roman was once widely used, its 1990s digital version became “much less suitable for computers,” De Groot tells the NOS.
Serif fonts such as Times New Roman can look very beautiful, he admits. “But they can be distracting and unclear.”
In 2002, the typeface design teacher was commissioned by Microsoft to create a modern and user-friendly font that was easy to read on screens.
Due to its simpler shapes and wider spacing, Calibri is easier to read for people with reading disabilities, such as dyslexia.
That’s why accessibility advocates welcomed the Biden administration’s 2023 switch to Calibri.
Progress versus tradition. Image: DutchReview
Rubio’s love for tradition
Rubio’s directive titled “Return to Tradition…” halted the use of Calibri to “restore decorum and professionalism,” says the memo accessed by The New York Times.
Although many diplomats suffered a blow to their morale since Trump took the reins, the Times New Roman directive fits neatly within his administration’s resistance toward anything DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility).
But why the nostalgia for Times New Roman? What does the State Department long for so badly that it’s willing to sacrifice clarity and ease of use?
Is it a time with classical federal architecture, picket-fence houses, when women couldn’t vote, racism was rife, and disabilities were taboo?
Perhaps Calibri is indeed “too woke” for an administration led by old, White men.
Health care, food, housing… skyrocketing costs everywhere. But thanks, Trump Administration, for focusing on the real fight: Calibri vs. Times New Roman. pic.twitter.com/Uk8yy7UJj4
The United States is proposing mandatory social media checks for all tourists from visa waiver countries, including the Netherlands.
That means anyone heading to America might soon need to disclose every Instagram post, tweet, and TikTok video from the past five years before they can even board the plane.
It sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, but it’s very real.
The US Customs and Border Protection published a proposal on Wednesday requiring all visitors using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to provide their complete social media history spanning five years.
What exactly does America want to know?
And yes, the proposed changes go far beyond asking for your Facebook username.
According to CNBC, ESTA applicants will need to provide social media handles from platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Reddit, WhatsApp, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Travellers will also need to hand over telephone numbers used in the past five years, email addresses from the past decade, and detailed information about family members.
You’ll also need to upload a selfie through a mandatory mobile app.
The proposal even mentions collecting biometric data “when feasible”, which could include fingerprints, DNA, and iris scans.
From optional to obligatory
Social media questions have been part of the ESTA application since 2016, but answering them has always been optional.
Now? Not so much. The US Department of Homeland Security wants to make social media disclosure a mandatory requirement.
According to AD, private companies will be paid to use artificial intelligence to scour through social media platforms and flag “suspicious” public posts to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Who does this affect?
This proposal specifically targets travellers from the 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, which includes the Netherlands, UK, Australia, Japan, and most of Western Europe.
The ESTA system costs €40 and typically provides almost instant approval online, valid for two years. This proposal would transform it into something far more invasive.
Dutch travel industry organisation ANVR is taking a wait-and-see approach. Spokesperson Hanita van der Meer tells AD that “we still have to see how this will work out in practice”.
The free speech irony nobody’s missing
Here’s where it gets properly awkward: this proposal comes from an administration led by President Donald Trump, who frequently positions himself as a champion of free speech and has accused Europe of censorship.
And it’s not just theoretical. A French scientist was reportedly denied entry at the US border after officials searched his phone and found messages criticising the Trump government.
So much for that freedom of expression, then.
What happens next?
The good news (if you can call it that) is this isn’t final yet. The proposal has been given a 60-day public comment period, meaning it could still be revised or even scrapped entirely.
For now, nothing changes for travellers who already have valid ESTA approvals. But if you’re planning a US trip for 2026, especially around major events like the World Cup, you might want to start scrolling through your old posts now.
Are you planning a trip to the US? Will these new requirements make you think twice about travelling there? Tell us in the comments below!
