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Police find hundreds of kilos of illegal fireworks — beneath Amsterdam police station

Don’t you just love an extremely short commute? Most would, but when you’re a police officer following up on an anonymous tip, it’s not ideal. Specifically, when your investigation only takes you down a flight of stairs.

Hundreds of kilos of illegal fireworks were found beneath the Hoofdweg police station in Amsterdam-West.

Someone managed to hide the illegal goods (alongside illegal weapons) literally right under the police’s noses.

Based on an anonymous tip

According to a Facebook post (consisting of multiple emojis), the police explain that the illegal fireworks, as well as illegal weapons, were found in a storage unit and a home under the station.

More illegal fireworks were also found in an apartment complex on the Hoofdweg.

The police write that they discovered the hidden fireworks following an anonymous tip and describe the illegal goods as “a life-threatening combination.”

They assure us that “Fortunately, everything is secured and there is no longer a danger to the surroundings. 🛑 💪”

And now, they need to figure out how in Gouda’s name the illegal goods ended up right beneath their feet.

Got a tip? You can report a crime anonymously at 0800-7000.

Dutch Quirk #35: Put public urinals in the middle of busy streets

Picture this: you’re taking a delightful walk through a classic Dutch city, completely mesmerised by the canal houses, when all of a sudden: yep, that’s a man peeing.

In many countries, a man relieving himself in the middle of a busy city shopping street during the day would garner cries of outrage, disgust, and unspecified objects flung in his general direction.

In the Netherlands? It’s just a regular day!

In fact, these open urinals are placed and paid for by municipalities, and they’re seriously gross. If you don’t see them at first, don’t worry — you’ll smell them. 🤢

What is it?

Put simply, open urinals are placed in various busy areas in some Dutch cities.

They can have a curved design where you can see the feet of the person peeing and often their jet stream, too.

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What a picturesque view for a pee (and a less picturesque view for everyone else around). Image: Depositphotos

There’s also a common plastic design where the entire back of the pee-er is visible.

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See Anne Frank house? Check! Take a canal boat ride? Check! Pee with all of your mates? Check! Image: Depositphotos

Why do they do it?

Because when you gotta go, you gotta go.

No matter if it’s a confronting sight, it’s only for men, and it smells really gross.

Why is it quirky? 

Ahem, well, every urinal effectively caters to just half of the population.

Besides it being totally medieval-style to pee in the middle of a shopping street, there is, of course, one main problem: women can’t really pee standing up.

So why a urinal instead of a public toilet? Well, when the urinals were first implemented, the urinal committee (yes, it existed) decided that men typically have their work on the street, so they would need it most.

READ MORE | Why are there no public toilets in the Netherlands?

When some kind soul stepped in and said, “Hmm, why not have an option that caters to both men and women”, the idea was quashed.

Lockable toilets with four walls were deemed too expensive and could hide people committing lewd acts. (So now we get to see people pee instead, very much an improvement.)

The right to pee

Of course, women with bladders (a.k.a. an overwhelming majority of women) felt like this wasn’t entirely fair.

In 1970, one Dutch woman fought for the right to pee (plasrecht) by tying pink ribbons on Amsterdam urinals.

READ MORE | I had to pay €4 to use a toilet on King’s Day — and I’m pissed

Then, in 2017, another woman went all the way to court to protest against receiving a fine for public urination when she didn’t have another option. (The judge decided that she could have peed in a urinal [but how?!] and, to be honest, we’re still mad.)

Should you join in? 

Ugh, no thanks.

We’re done with seeing the butt cracks of men and the streams of wee when we’re going out for a coffee. This is one Dutch quirk that has gotta go.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Get a bird’s eye view of the Netherlands in 100 seconds (videos inside)!

What if we told you that you could see the Netherlands in 100 seconds? Would you believe us? As small as this country is, obviously, that’s not possible unless you’re literally standing on a map of the Netherlands. 

While it’s not possible in reality, it is possible virtually.

Join guerilla geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison as he takes us on a journey through the Netherlands in just 100 seconds.

In this drone footage, you can see the varying landscapes of this beautiful country. Let’s go! ✈️

He also has drone footage with amazing shots of North Brabant, a province in the south of the Netherlands. If you haven’t been there yet, at least these videos will give you a stellar introduction to it!

Did you enjoy that bird’s eye view of the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

What were the Elfstedentochten really like? Vintage 50s video in full colour inside!

There are some things we wish would make a comeback: flip phones, playing in the street, and of course, the Elfstedentocht.

Unfortunately, we can’t have everything. But, we can have one thing: a brand-new, fully colourised video of the 1954 and 1956 Elfstedentochten, and that’s pretty dang good.

Why is it so good? This vintage goodness is giving us unobstructed views of the Netherlands in wintertime (nostalgic sigh).

What is the Elfstedentocht?

Any mention of the Elfstedentocht to an older member of Dutch society is likely to be met by happy nods and glassy eyes. It was an annual event that brought the nation to a halt.

The Elfstedentocht was a Tour de France for ice skaters, following a route of frozen canals, rivers and lakes.

The 200-kilometre route took the skaters through 11 historical Frisian towns: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum.

Over 15,000 skaters, from the Association of the Eleven Frisian Towns, would take part each year. The rest of the Dutch population watched starry-eyed, canal-side or from the warmth of their living room.

What happened to the Elfstedentocht?

The last Elfstedentocht was held 28 years ago, in 1997. Since then, the ice hasn’t met the 15-centimetre-thick requirement for the whole course.

READ MORE: Why the Netherlands will never have an ‘Elfstedentocht’ (Eleven cities tour) again

Extra points if you manage to spot the Frisian flag waving in one of the shots!

Did you ever experience an Elfstedentocht? What was it like? Tell us your story in the comments below!

Featured Image: Rob C. Croes/Anefo/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0

Christmas in the Netherlands: the merriest bits

Coming from Australia, Christmas in the Netherlands is definitely… different. I’m used to a hot summer day, often spending most of Christmas trying every way possible to stay cool.

In my country, Santa is wearing board shorts, and everyone is outside. The beer is extra cold, the BBQ is working hard, and everyone is enjoying the “no worries” mentality. ☀️🎄

After moving to the Netherlands for love, I had to adapt to a new kind of Christmas.

A different season, food and traditions. After some adjusting, I have enjoyed several Christmases in the Netherlands. Here are the merriest bits for me:

Bringing home your Christmas tree by bike

Before my arrival, this would have made me laugh with disbelief.

But, it’s true! It is not uncommon to see people bringing home their Christmas tree by bike during the festive month of December. It has become a tradition in my household.

READ MORE | How Dutch people get rid of their Christmas trees

If I left the Netherlands, I would certainly miss this ritual, and the fact that anything can be done by bike here if you put your mind to it! 🚲

So many kisses

If you are visiting some Dutch Christmas parties, don’t forget about the three-kiss greeting. This means when I visit my husband’s family of approximately 35 people, I will receive over 100 kisses.

Now, that is merry! 💋

Indoor BBQs (gourmetten)

Obviously, I am used to a massive outdoor gas burner BBQ. So when I arrived at my first Dutch Christmas dinner, I was amazed.

A long table was set up in a cosy Dutch living room with around 6 mini-indoor BBQs — a tradition known as gourmetten.

Basically, you sit down and barbecue mini delights at your own pace. It is a delightful food experience, even with all that smokiness filling the room!

Sinterklaas vs. Santa Claus

The Dutch celebrate their own tradition of Sinterklaas early in December. Sinterklaas is a bit similar to Santa Claus, except actually quite different. The concept of receiving presents is the same, though.

READ MORE | What happens during Christmas in the Netherlands? A guide to the winter holidays

So, for my son, who is Dutch/Australian, he will get to enjoy both of these jolly and cheerful traditions. That’s so much celebrating in December and double the presents! 🎁

Deep-fried dough balls (oliebollen)

When December rolls around, you will notice little food stands popping up with bright lights, selling Dutch delights.

Called oliebollen, these are deep-fried dough balls that can be made with raisins or pieces of apples, and have powdered sugar sprinkled on top.

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Delicious, delectable olliebollen. Image: Pixabay

Definitely, a lovely way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. Make sure you aren’t stingy with the icing sugar! 😉

Drinking glühwein (mulled wine)

When I first heard about glühwein, I was not impressed. Coming from a warm country, warm wine does not sound appealing.

However, after walking around in the cold, all rugged up and trying my first mulled wine, I understood!

There is nothing like having frosty cheeks and warming your belly with some warm, spiced wine at a cosy Dutch Christmas market. 🍷

Wondering if it will be a white Christmas

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A white Dutch wonderland. ❄️ Image: Depositphotos

There is always the question of whether it will be a white Christmas. It’s always a gamble in the Netherlands. Usually, it would be more grey and rainy, but it’s still cosy and warm inside.

Watching the bald trees dance in the wind is also charming at Christmas time. The feeling of hope that surrounds you is wonderful, so please — just let it snow! 🌨

Visiting Christmas markets

There are so many Christmas markets happening in December. If you are not impressed by the Dutch Christmas markets, you can always travel an hour or two to Germany.

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Is there any better way to enjoy Christmas than going to a Dutch Christmas market? Image: Depositphotos

They are known for some of the best Christmas markets in the world. Now, that’s handy!

Eating Cheese

It is always a good time to enjoy cheese, but Christmas is another chance to indulge! Visit a Dutch cheese shop and do some tastings.

READ MORE | Dutch cheese varieties: the comprehensive (and cheesy) guide

Pick your favourites and enjoy them together with a good bottle of wine, pure delight!

My Christmas table will consist of a cheese board — soft, firm, blue and sharp. Lekker! 🧀

Visiting typical Dutch bars (bruin café)

There is something about visiting a traditional Dutch bar (bruin café) in December. Maybe it is a combination of the darkness of the bar together with a few twinkle lights — but it certainly is magical.

The atmosphere is definitely festive, and you can feel the Christmas spirit in the air! ✨


So, there you are: The merriest bits of Christmas in the Netherlands! Merry Christmas — or fijne kerstdagen! As you Dutchies like to say 😉

What are your favourite parts about Christmas in the Netherlands? Share them in the comments!

Major train disruption in northern Netherlands thanks to attempted copper theft

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Of all the things you could steal, it was the copper in the train tracks near Zwolle that was targeted on Sunday night. 

While the attempt was not quite successful, it caused enough damage to ruin many people’s commutes. “Although nothing was removed, the damage is significant,” a spokesperson from ProRail tells RTL Nieuws.

This has majorly disrupted train traffic as repairs could last until 3:00 PM today.  

Train chaos up north

So, who will this affect? Well, no trains are running between ‘t Harde and Zwolle or Zwolle and Lelystad.

This is causing a big problem for essentially anyone who wants to travel in the north of the Netherlands. Zwolle is a hub to get anywhere in the north, and the rail manager calls the situation “quite complex”.

According to ProRail, there is also a regular disruption on the only alternative route between Amersfoort and Barneveld, in addition to some engineering work and signal failure on other routes.

A daring heist, a lot of disruption

At least we can take comfort in knowing that someone will answer for this major nuisance. According to ProRail, police responded quickly to the attempted theft and a man was arrested.

The NS charges you as if there are diamonds hidden in those rails, but the copper inside clearly has its own fan club. 

Between December 1 2023 and November 30 2025, copper theft resulted in around 24 train disruptions, according to Rijden de Treinen.

This is far from a rare occurrence in the Netherlands, and it takes a lot less to disrupt the NS’ daily schedule of 4,800 trains. 

Words from the wise: if you plan to travel the affected routes, postpone or cancel your journey today, if possible. 

What’s the worst train disruption you have faced in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments. 

Your Dutch water bill may be pricier in 2026: here’s what to know

Drinking water is about to get more expensive in 2026, as several Dutch water companies announce rate increases for the regions they serve.

Providers in the regions of North Holland, South Holland, and Drenthe will raise their prices in the coming year due to a range of environmental and operational factors. 

Water they talking about?

Thanks to increasingly polluted water sources, companies are forced to spend more time and resources cleaning and processing water. 

Climate change is another concern, as providers must prepare for potential droughts and unexpected rainfall while also accounting for rising demand. I suppose we can’t survive on Heineken alone…

Helaas, customers will be footing the bill for these extra expenses, with RTL Nieuws reporting rate increases for the following providers in 2026:

  • Oases: from €1.62 per cubic metreto €1.67 
  • Dunea: from €1.46 per cubic metre to €1.58 
  • PWN: from  €1.92 per cubic metre to €1.98 
  • WMD: from €1.06 per cubic metre to €1.14 

Blame it on unmet requirements

Back in 2000, the Netherlands had the dirtiest water in Europe — a source of shame for our environmentally conscious tall friends. 

All these years down the road, the Dutch have still not met the European requirements for 2027. 

The fact that we live in the ‘lowlands’ is partially to blame: other water sources from neighbouring countries are bound to end up here, pollution and all. 

READ MORE | Can I drink tap water in Amsterdam?

Chemicals from other sources, such as an ageing population and industrial wastewater, are also quite expensive and difficult to remove. 

While this doesn’t directly affect our drinking water, it certainly makes it more difficult to keep it fresh, as other water sources in the Netherlands are impacted. 

Call it a splash of reality, but the costs are bound to go up. 

What are your thoughts on the cost increase? Let us know in the comments! 

A chocolate letter from Sinterklaas: A delicious Dutch gift

Rather than receiving letters from Santa, Dutch children tend to demand something much more delicious — a literal letter made of chocolate.  That’s right, Dutch kids want a chocolate letter from Sinterklaas.

You can imagine Sinterklaas like Santa Claus’ less-famous brother (and quite possibly the inspiration for the modern Coca-Cola version that we’ve come to know and love). However, he’s quite popular in the Netherlands.

The Sinterklaas celebrations begin when he shows up on his boat from Spain and then drops off little presents all the way up to December 5 (December 6, if you’re reading this in Belgium).

December 5 is officially Sinterklaas — a day that’s named in his honour, and that’s the time when he lets loose with all of the best presents.

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Sinterklaas is quite the celebrity in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

Sometimes, Sinterklaas and his friend Zwarte Piet hand the goodies to the kids directly, but they’re also known to sneak in through the chimney and leave them in clean little pairs of boots.

READ MORE | Sinterklaas for expats: all the Dutch you need to make it through this holiday season

But, one thing can always be counted on: each lucky youngster will get their first initial moulded out of chocolate.

Where did the Dutch chocolate letter tradition come from?

This delicious tradition has changed forms relatively recently, but it’s been going on for centuries.

One of the earliest versions was parents having a letter made out of bread when their child was born, and this inspired the schoolteachers of the Middle Ages.

Convents would teach the pupils to write, and their motivation was a letter formed from bread that could be eaten only after it was correctly formed in ink.

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In the Netherlands, chocolate letters are a staple snack during the Christmas period. Image: Freepik

Later on, parents would lay out piles of presents for the kids, but they threw a sheet on top to keep the prying little eyes from knowing what was there. However, siblings would go to war with each other when trying to find their stack, so the parents needed a good way to mark them.

Well, why not just stick a letter on top with the first initial?

It worked, and the only thing distinguishing it from today’s letters was the lack of ability to make chocolate bars. Instead, the letters were made from pastries or even sausages.

However, advances in the cocoa bean industry allowed for the chocolate versions to appear in the 20th century — woop woop!

Now, chocolate is the most common form of the letters, and they’re typically made in melk (milk), puur (dark), and wit (white) chocolate variations.

Fun fact: The letters are made with varying thicknesses, ensuring that everyone gets the same amount of chocolate, no matter how elaborate their initials are. Clever! (And very Dutch.)

I’m an adult, do I get a letter?

If you didn’t grow up as a little Hollander and think you’ve missed your chance, I might just have some good news for you.

I’m a little older than your average Sinterklaas fan, but I happened to find a little present on my work desk.

The Sint seemed to have had a little meeting with my boss, and he decided that everyone in the office had been good enough to receive a letter this year. 😍

My colleagues and I were pretty confused to see that “Z” was the most common letter, but just before we all changed our names (mine would’ve been Zalex which is pretty cool), it hit me that “Z” is the first initial of the company I worked at.

Very clever, Sinterklaas, I see what you did there.

photo-of-chocolate-letter-in-Netherlands-for-Sinterklaas-next-to-sinterklaas-hat-and-pepernoten
Will you be receiving a chocolate letter for Sinterklaas? It’s very likely! Image: Depositphotos

If you’re sceptical about the existence of an ancient saint who happily gives chocolate goodies to everyone, you can take your mistaken mindset to Albert Heijn and have your choice of all kinds of letters. But don’t go too late, or you’ll have to make do with whatever letters are left.

For everyone else, remember to clean your boots and leave them in front of the fireplace. You never know when the Sint might drop by with a chocolate letter.

Did you get a chocolate letter this Pakjesavond? Tell us in the comments below!

11 things to do in the Netherlands this December

The final month of 2025 has arrived, which means the Netherlands is bursting with festive markets, glowing lights, cosy traditions, and smart end-of-year tasks you’ll be glad you didn’t postpone.

This month is the perfect mix of seasonal outings and practical life admin for internationals.

From Sinterklaas treats to getting your pension sorted, here’s your all-in-one guide to enjoying and surviving a cold Dutch December.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.


1. Visit a Dutch Christmas market 🌲

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Glühwein, anyone? Image: Depositphotos

There’s nothing more wintry than wandering through a Dutch Christmas market — wooden stalls, warm drinks, twinkling lights, and more cheese than is medically advisable. 

These markets pop up across the country, from tiny neighbourhood squares to the big classics. It’s a great way to soak up some gezelligheid.

👉 16 best Christmas markets in and near the Netherlands 2026


2. Celebrate Sinterklaas like a local 🧑‍🎄

Early December brings Sinterklaas, a cultural moment packed with sweets, songs, and chaotic gift-giving traditions. 

Learn why Dutch kids adore this time of year, and why adults mysteriously lose all self-control around chocolate letters.

👉 Sinterklaas for expats: all the Dutch you need to make it through the holiday season


3. Set up your savings account before the new year 💰

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Your future self will thank you. Image: Depositphotos

Now is the perfect moment to compare interest rates and finally organise your savings. Banks update rates at the end of the year, and a well-picked account can make a surprising difference next year. 

(Pro-tip: Check out a bank like Trade Republic; they’ve got high interest rates AND they’ve just launched their Dutch accounts.)

👉 Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands in 2026


4. Explore Leiden’s Winter Wonder Weken ❄️

The historic centre of Leiden is Christmas galore during the Winter Wonder Weken, offering markets, performances, and illuminated trails along its canals. 

It’s one of the most charming winter experiences in South Holland.

👉 Leiden’s Winter Wonder Weeks will turn the city into a festive wonderland (yes, even more charming than usual) 


5. Sign up for a Dutch course 🇳🇱

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Let 2026 be the year you learn Nederlands. Image: Depositphotos

The upcoming new year is the perfect time to commit to improving your Nederlands.

Whether you prefer private coaching or group classes, there are excellent options to boost your confidence for 2026.

👉 Supercharge your Dutch in just one week with Talencoach’s immersion course, or find a Dutch language school


6. Go ice-skating at a Dutch winter rink ⛸️

Nothing says winter in the Netherlands like sliding around on the ice.

Try the rink at Museumplein, Rotterdam’s rainbow tunnel rink, or your nearest city centre pop-up. Even if your skating skills are questionable, the hot chocolate alone makes it worthwhile. 

👉 Ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and beyond


7. See a show at DeLaMar Theatre 🎭

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Släpstick is coming to Amsterdam! Image: ADD/DeLaMar Supplied

If you’re looking for something special on Christmas Day, the DeLaMar Theatre in Amsterdam is hosting a one-night-only performance by a South African theatre company. 

It’s a warm, cultural way to spend the evening, especially if you’re skipping the traditional Dutch gourmetten. The show offers an intimate atmosphere and a unique holiday experience right in the heart of Amsterdam.

👉 Celebrate South African culture this Christmas with a lively group of singers, dancers, and musicians 


8. Finally start investing in the Netherlands 📈

If investing has been on your to-do list, December is your chance.

Platforms are easier than ever to use, and a little preparation now sets you up for success in the coming year. We signed up with Scalable, and it’s been smooth sailing!

👉 Investing in the Netherlands: 7 great apps for getting into stocks in 2026


9. Wander through a Dutch light festival 🕯️

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Amsterdam always goes all out. Image: Depositphotos

The Netherlands glows throughout winter thanks to spectacular light festivals in cities such as Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and more. 

These colourful light installations brighten the dark evenings and make for a perfect seasonal walk or canal cruise. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience a bit of winter magic (and learn that the Dutch are surprisingly artistic with LEDs).

👉 6 awesome light festivals in the Netherlands: what’s lit, where, and when?


10. Take a wintery day trip 🚂

Dutch cities have their own winter magic: misty canals, candlelit cafés, and quiet historic streets. 

Haarlem, Utrecht, Maastricht, and Leiden are top picks for scenic walks and calm December vibes. Alternatively, you can hop over to Germany or Belgium.

👉 The perfect weekend trip from Amsterdam: How to spend two days in the Zaan region


11. Do a quick pension check 👵🏻

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Set yourself up for retirement! Image: Freepik

It’s not glamorous, but checking your Dutch pension before January is extremely smart — especially if you recently switched jobs, moved house, or want to plan ahead. 

A five-minute check can save a future headache and, more importantly, you can also get a huge tax advantage for contributing money to your pension in the Netherlands. (We recommend Brand New Day!)

👉 You should be supplementing your Dutch pension: here’s why (and how to do it) 


With so many festive outings and practical tasks to pick from, this month is all about balancing cosy moments with getting ahead of your 2026 goals — and making the Dutch winter feel a little warmer.

Still looking for plans? Our event listings page is filled with exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal outings for every kind of international. It’s the easiest way to keep your month full of fun.

What are you most looking forward to this month in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!

9 Dutch birthday traditions that’ll confuse the heck out of internationals

First time celebrating a birthday in the Netherlands? Gefeliciteerd! Birthdays are a special event in every culture and have their own little quirks. The Netherlands is no exception. 

So here are some of the most common, and delightfully strange, Dutch birthday traditions that make celebrations here truly… different.

1. Congratulate everyone in sight

In most cultures, you just wish the birthday boy or girl a happy birthday.

In the Netherlands, regardless of whose birthday it is, everyone is congratulated for celebrating a birthday with one simple word: gefeliciteerd (congratulations).

photo-of-Dutch-people-gathering-to-celebrate-their-friends-birthday-with-a-cake
You can bet every single one of these guests said “gefeliciteerd” to each other when they arrived at the party. Image: Depositphotos

The birthday celebrant’s parents? Gefeliciteerd! Their siblings? Gefeliciteerd! Their grandparents, their aunts and uncles, cousins, and even their pet guinea pig? Gefeliciteerd! 

Why? Who knows?! Perhaps it was invented by the same people who invented the three-kisses greeting. Prepare for incoming slobbery lips and wet cheeks. 😗

TIP: Learning how to say “gefeliciteerd” is a MUST. Otherwise, you risk embarrassment and stares of judgment as you try to say this guttural word. 

2. Text someone’s parents instead of the birthday person

This is a bit cute, but mostly goes to show how impressively organised the Dutch are. Alright, so there’s a lot of congratulations in person. But did you know that many parents of children having a birthday will receive a flood of texts?

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Yeah — Dutchies are the kind of people to text you for the most random birthdays they remember. Image: DutchReview

Let’s say your dad’s colleague at work may know it’s your birthday today. They’ll message your dad to congratulate him, but (since they probably don’t know you directly), you’ll get — you guessed it — nothing.

But nice for your Dad. 🤷 

3. Sit in the circle of death during birthday parties

Usually, at a party, you would expect people to walk around, form little groups, and mingle with other guests. Instead, the Dutch LOVE to sit in one massive circle. 

No matter how many people are at a birthday party, you wouldn’t catch a single one standing up. Why? Who knows.

However, we’ll give them this: sitting in a circle is essential for gezelligheid. This Dutch concept embodies all things comfy, warm, and happy.

You can’t have a Dutch birthday party without feeling cosy. And how do you do this? A circle layout!

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Sometimes these parties feel a little staged with the awkward circle. Image: Depositphotos

A little circle (or maybe a large circle) is a great way to get a good look at everyone who’s at this party, and it makes sure that no one gets left out. Gezellig, indeed

But Dutch people do have their pet peeves with this tradition. The circle is known for being unbearably boring.

After all, there’s not much to sitting in a circle apart from talking to whoever is sitting next to you. 🤷

4. Serve birthday tart instead of cake

If you’re wondering why anyone would bother serving something that isn’t a rich chocolate cake or a flawlessly decorated vanilla cake, your guess is better than ours. But, such is Dutch life. 🎂

Although they’re equally common, Dutchies like to serve pies or local tarts, called vlaai, instead of cake. Vlaai is a traditional dessert to have on your birthday, so it’s only natural to serve something so unequivocally Dutch. 

READ MORE | The Dutch food dream: 13 unmissable dishes in the Netherlands

These delightful treats are made of pastry and all kinds of fillings, from fruits like cherries and strawberries to a crumbled butter and sugar mix. 

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Cake is the iconic birthday treat. But who could resist this delicious-looking Limburgse vlaai? Image: Depositphotos

The Netherlands isn’t known for being a culinary innovator or for having an inventory of delicious recipes, but we have to say they nailed it when they invented vlaai. 

You’re also likely to find appeltaart at birthdays, the Netherlands’ iconic rendition of apple pie — and once you have a taste, you’ll never want to go back. 

5. Open birthday gifts in front of all their guests

Buying someone a birthday present is always appreciated!

But if you expect the celebrant to thank you for the gift and stash it away for later, think again. 

In the Netherlands, people will open your gifts in front of EVERYONE, and there is no stopping them. 😬

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Opening birthday presents is an affair for the whole party. Image: Depositphotos

So maybe take that as a warning not to buy any gifts that could be embarrassing or inflammatory in front of their parents and oma en opa (grandma and grandpa). 

Not to mention, it feels extremely awkward having everyone watch one person open their presents one by one — often in silence to achieve peak awkwardness.

6. Let all their friends roast them on their 21st birthday

The legal age in the Netherlands is 18, but for some reason, doing a big celebration for your 21st birthday has become a big thing for Dutchies. But if it’s an excuse for another party, how can we refuse? 👀

Celebrating your 21st birthday is a pretty big event. Some people go all out with caterers and seating arrangements, and guests come over for a huge celebration.

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These birthday roasts aren’t the nicest, but they’re meant in the best way possible. Image: Depositphotos

But it all boils down to a big birthday roast for the celebrant. And no, we don’t mean the dinner kind. Birthday celebrants must be prepared to have all their embarrassing night-out stories and middle school blunders revealed to friends and family. 

This is on the newer side of Dutch birthday traditions, so don’t be surprised if you’re met with blank stares when asking an older person about the 21st birthday dinner. 

7. Call you Abraham or Sarah when you turn 50 years old

Are you turning 50? Well, hello, Abraham! It’s nice to meet you, Sarah! 

You might be wondering, “Who the heck are Abraham and Sarah?”

These oddly specific nicknames are a biblical reference that honours gaining wisdom from experience.

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Today, this man has become an Abraham! Image: Depositphotos

You are old enough to be “visited” by Abraham or Sarah by the time you’ve reached the age of 50. They then leave you with some of their wisdom, because they’re very old themselves. 

Along with turning 50, it’s very common that friends and family of the celebrant will set up funky inflatable Abrahams and Sarahs around their home or workplace, as well as funny posters, so people can congratulate them. 

8. Bring your own celebratory birthday treats to the workplace

Sorry to break it to you, but if you expect to be the one getting treated for your birthday, you might be in for some disappointment and culture shock.

In many cultures, your workplace will buy you a cake and maybe even a present for your birthday. In the Netherlands, birthday celebrants have to bring their own treats to share with their colleagues. 

People-gathered-to-celebrate-a-womans-birthday-as-she-blows-out-the-candles
Sorry to break it to you, but you’re probably not getting this kind of treatment at work for your birthday. Image: Depositphotos

Of course, it is your special day, but you’re expected to be generous towards other people. 

Generosity applies to other parts of celebrating your birthday, like serving everyone beer and cake at your birthday party (no, no one else is allowed to help you), and sometimes even paying for everyone’s meals if you invited them out for dinner. 

READ MORE | These places in the Netherlands will give you free stuff on your birthday

It seems a little counterintuitive, but a Dutch person’s birthday is the only day you will not find them being overwhelmingly stingy — as many stereotypes say. 

9. Keep birthday calendars in the toilet 

Okay, normally, a birthday calendar wouldn’t be so strange to keep. It’s just the fact that it’s in Dutchies’ toilets specifically that makes it just plain weird. 🤨

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We guess Dutchies just like to keep busy. 🤷🏻 Image: DutchReview

Do Dutchies expect to memorise birthdays when Mother Nature calls? Well, it seems like a pretty decent place to do so.

If you like to keep busy while doing your thing, browsing the birthday calendar is a convenient and casual read.

While it is very strange to internationals, we can’t help but feel like it’s kind of sentimental that they’re doing their business and thinking about all the birthdays that are coming up. How sweet!


And there you have it! Gefeliciteerd, now you know more about Dutch birthday celebrations. Best of luck with your next circle of death!

Is there a Dutch birthday tradition we missed? What’s your favourite tradition listed here? Tell us what you think!