You read that right. It’s the mighty verjaardagskalendar: a calendar that holds birthday reminders and party possibilities, and Dutchies casually keep it in the bathroom.
There are three important things to remember before we embark on this exploratory journey together.
The Dutch don’t mess, miss, or disappoint when it comes to planning and birthdays.
What is it?
If you walk into a Dutch person’s bathroom, chances are you’re going to notice some sort of a calendar on the back of their bathroom door or hanging from the cold, shivering tiles.
This Dutch quirk can be found in the form of an old 2007 calendar being reused in modern times.
Alternatively, it can be a monthly formatting which allows for penny-savers to (theoretically 👀) hold on to their dear calendars and use them forever. Very Dutch.
An invention that was brought to you before e-calendars and phone reminders, this mechanism is basically how many Dutch people keep track of whose birthday is coming up while doing toilet-related activities.
Practical and accessible, you’ll see it and remember it every time you go to the loo! Image: Freepik
One important rule about the calendar: it can only be altered by its owner.
As a guest, you get viewing privileges, but never add your own birthday to the calendar. It’s a social faux pas — you must earn your place on there.
Why do they like it?
It’s certainly a useful reminder of birthdays, that’s for starters.
The location (within arm’s reach of a comfortable and very popular seat) is convenient as well — entertainment or reading material is often needed to kill time.
It’s also a good way to elevate, rank, and take relationships to the next level.
After all, you know you’re truly accepted by the Dutch once your b-day is noted (in pen, not pencil) within that shabby, questionable thing.
Why is it quirky?
It’s a toilet birthday calendar. The quirky part is in the setting, not the sentiment.
Would it be quirky if it was a kitchen birthday calendar? No — and that’s my whole point.
You’ll casually have a birthday calendar behind you while you use the toilet! Image: Freepik
Back to the sentiment, however, it really reflects a soft side of the Dutch that I didn’t think existed.
Think about it: they care about you well enough to ask for your birthday, carry it in their mind, go to the bathroom, and notate it by hand on a tiny piece of paper that will exist forever!
Should you join in?
It’s a truly high item on the integration list, but we can help you decide.
Ask yourself this: are you willing to make a commitment to maintain and uphold a toilet calendar as efficiently and responsibly as the Dutch do?
Follow-up question: Is your phone broken, and you’re tired of reading the back of shampoo bottles?
If your answer was yes to the last two questions, then we highly recommend getting a verjaardagskalendar.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Dutch police are investigating a 17-year-old’s report of a serious crime that occurred on the evening of Sunday, December 1.
The boy alleges that he was kidnapped, abused, and threatened.
The kidnapping
The crime took place on the Rijnstraat in the Rivierenbuurt neighbourhood in the south of Amsterdam.
At around 8:30 PM, a 17-year-old boy called for help in vain before being pulled into a black car and driven to the Amsterdamse Bos.
There, the abductors allegedly forced him to strip down and filmed him undress.
They then abused him and poured liquid on him, threatening to set him on fire if he didn’t give them money.
The Amsterdamse Bos was the place of a serious crime. Image: Dreamstime
The victim has now filed a report, and the police have already arrested three suspects — two 19-year-olds and an 18-year-old from Amsterdam.
As the NOS writes, it seems like the four young men knew each other, and the victim owed the suspects a couple hundred euros.
Can you help the police?
To aid in their investigation, the police would now like to get in touch with witnesses.
Did you see or hear anything suspicious near Rijnstraat or the Amsterdamse Bos between 8 PM and 10 PM on Sunday? Or do you perhaps have footage from doorbell cameras or dashcams?
In either of these cases, the police ask you to contact them. This can also be done anonymously.
Got a tip for the police? Here’s how you can help:
If you have any knowledge or footage that could help the police out, you can call them at 0900-8844. Alternatively, you can file an anonymous report online or submit a photo or video tip.
Dig what you’re reading? Get more of it! Join our WhatsApp channel or Instagram broadcast to get the latest news straight to your pocket. ⚡️
The Netherlands is ending this week with the first two winter storms of the year. Today, strong winds have prompted a code yellow and affected traffic across most of the country — and there is more coming tomorrow.
Today’s storm has already caused Schiphol to cancel over 100 flights, and caused several disruptions to rail and road traffic across the country, reports the NOS.
Code yellow and disruptions… almost everywhere
Last night, expecting wind forces of 8 or 9 across the country, the Royal Dutch Weather Institute (KNMI) issued a code yellow for all Dutch provinces except Brabant and Limburg.
The alert will be active until noon, when winds are projected to lose some strength. Until then, we’ll experience gusts of up to 90 km/h in the northwest of the country and up to 120 km/h on the Wadden Islands.
Chaos on land and in the air
On top of the many flight cancellations at Schiphol, road and rail traffic across the Netherlands are also experiencing disruptions.
On the railways, the most affected area is Almere, where fewer trains are running. This is impacting railway traffic in Duivendrecht, Hilversum, Weesp and Lelystad, reports the AD.
On the roads, the province of Flevoland is experiencing the biggest nuisance, with some areas closed off or limited for traffic.
While today’s storm is expected to lose strength in the afternoon, the country should brace for its twin brother tomorrow. 👀
That’s storm Darragh, which has already been raging over Ireland and the UK.
Luckily, by the time Darragh reaches the Netherlands tomorrow, it will likely no longer qualify as a storm — though it will still bring stormy weather.
What is stamppot‘s origin story, how did it become a traditional Dutch staple, and the big question: what the heck is it?
When you think of Dutch food, you probably think of cheese (Gouda, anyone?) and the giant pancakes you’ve had in those wonderful Dutch pannenkoeken restaurants.
However, when it comes to traditional meals in the Netherlands, one of the first things any Dutchie will reference is stamppot.
Stamppot is a combination of potatoes mashed with one or several vegetables (and sometimes fruits). These vegetable pairings traditionally include sauerkraut, endives, kale, spinach, and turnip greens. This is then usually paired with traditional Dutch sausage. 😋
Stamppot, through the years
The endurance and popularity of the stamppot are truly mind-boggling. The dish is said to be one of the oldest, and yet still one of the most popular Dutch dishes ever!
To really understand how the dish became such a favourite traditional Dutch food, one must look into the past and understand how it came to be in the first place.
It all started in the 1600s when stamppot first started out as a staple during the cold season and stayed as a winter dish for hundreds of years.
It’s called a “winter dish” because of the meal’s warmth and ability to immediately fill you up. It was a must-have food during the harvest months because, in this period, potatoes were available in abundance, and many hungry farmers could be filled up quickly and cheaply. 🥔
Variations of stamppot
There are lots of stamppot recipes in circulation, but here are some of the most popular ones in the Netherlands:
Boerenkoolstamppot (kale stamppot)
Zuurkoolstamppot (sauerkraut stamppot)
Hutspot (onion and carrot stamppot)
Rauwe Andijviestamppot (raw endive stamppot)
Preistamppot (leek stamppot)
Although the Dutch and their affinity for mashing their food is one that’s quite legendary, we have to admit that no one knows who invented the stamppot.
One thing is clear, though, the hutspot recipe was discovered when the Dutch resistance succeeded in driving the Spanish away from Leiden. It’s quite a legend in its own right.
This war was a revolt of the Seventeen Provinces of what are today the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as the French region of Hauts-de-France, against King Philip II of Spain.
Not the prettiest of foods, but definitely tasty. Image: M.Minderhoud/Wikkimedia Commons/CC3.0
For those of us who don’t know, the word hutspot is derived from the Dutch words hutsen (to mix) and pot (which is, well, pot).
During the Eighty Years’ War, the Spanish tried to capture Leiden in 1573, as the inhabitants stubbornly defended their city and withstood a one-year siege.
Bye bye, Spaniards
On October 3, 1574, the resistance finally succeeded in driving the Spanish away and liberating the city.
It is reported that the Spanish soldiers fleeing Leiden left cooked bits of an unfamiliar stew of carrots, meat, onions, and parsnips, which the starved inhabitants of Leiden ate up really quickly. 🥕
Not knowing what to call the unfamiliar dish, they named it hutspot, and it has remained a symbol of their victory to this day.
Stamppot and Leidens Ontzet
The anniversary of the liberation of Leiden, known as Leidens Ontzet in the Netherlands, is still celebrated every October 3 in Leiden.
Leidens Ontzet is a happy time full of eating hutspot and drinking booze. It’s definitely an event you shouldn’t miss! 🍻
While the origins of the Dutch stamppot may not be very clear, one thing everyone can agree on is that it is a much-loved dish in the Netherlands. Hutspot still remains a symbol of Dutch freedom and victory in the siege of Leiden. 🇳🇱
What do you think of stamppot? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Sex in the Netherlands is no taboo subject, as anyone who has taken a stroll through the De Wallen district of Amsterdam finds out.
But what are Dutch attitudes towards sex? How are they educated in schools? And what’s up with the red-light districts? How low do the lowlanders drop it (and is it hot)?
Time to find out in our (un)official, but still kind of scientific, guide to sex in the Netherlands.
Sex education in Dutch schools
Sex is, unfortunately, a taboo in many cultures. In tune with their direct, no-nonsense nature, the Dutch have arguably adopted a better method than most to educate their citizens about sex.
The Dutch believe that sex is a natural element of life, therefore avoiding the issues that many other cultures struggle with. Open conversations on the matter are encouraged in the Netherlands.
Don’t text in class, kids; you might miss out on important info. Image: Depositphotos
Dutch children are taught about sex in an arguably holistic manner. They learn about the need for respect towards their partner while also learning about the more technical aspects of sex life.
A wide range of topics are covered in Dutch sex ed. From gender identity to boys being encouraged to embrace their feelings.
Girls also learn how to make their own choices about sexuality and not give in to societal expectations or peer pressure.
Few topics are left unearthed. Lessons include topics such as oral sex and masturbation, which for many other cultures, are topics which can barely be discussed in public.
Teen pregnancy is low in the Netherlands
The success of Dutch sex education is reflected in their low teen pregnancy rates. While the United States, for example, has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the developed world, the Dutch rate of pregnancy is a staggering four times lower.
Another important aspect of their education is learning about consent. Dutch people learn that sex is something to be done in the context of a relationship based on trust and love.
And it works! Sexually transmitted diseases are much lower in the Netherlands than in the United Kingdom or the United States.
The Dutch model of sex education can, therefore, be considered a great example of how to deal with the topic. While it might not be applicable everywhere due to cultural barriers, it can still serve as an inspiring example for other nations.
Sex in the Netherlands: when do Dutch people have their first sexual experiences?
Given their open approach to sex education, a glimpse into the start of young Dutchies’ sex life should yield interesting results.
Eindhoven University of Technology reports that in the year 2012, the age range between 19-24, over 70% of Dutch men and 77% of Dutch women were sexually active.
Furthermore, the study notes that French kissing is the first type of sexual contact that people have, with 50% of young people around the age of 14 experiencing it.
By 16, half of teenagers have experienced manual stimulation of the genitals, and by 17, half of them have experienced oral sex.
Another study reveals that 64% of Dutch men and women feel confident in asserting their needs and desires and are open towards discussing sex. This is likely a result of the openness of their educational system with regard to sex.
A helpful graph for the visual learner. Image: DuchReview
Sex in the Netherlands: how do the Dutch score in bed? (according to themselves)
A Europe-wide survey on sex conducted by YouGov in 2013 looked at how different nationalities self-evaluate their love-making skills.
The Dutch appear to think highly of their bedroom etiquette, coming in second in Europe alongside Austrians. The first place was taken by the Swiss.
Getting frisky in the Netherlands also means keeping warm. Image: Depositphotos
Interestingly, the same survey has shown that the Dutch are the least likely to:
Be unfaithful (15%)
Photograph or film themselves during sex (7%)
Have a one-night stand (23%)
Send text messages with sexual content (15%)
They are similarly conservative when it comes to:
Taking Viagra (5%) — joint third-lowest ranking in Europe
Dressing up in a costume during sex (4%) — second-lowest ranking in Europe
Going to a strip club (7%) — second-lowest ranking in Europe (it also costs money 😉)
Watching pornography (43%) — second-lowest ranking in Europe
Prostitution and red-lights in the Netherlands
The Dutch attitude towards prostitution is famous internationally, and there are no better places to gain an insight into the phenomenon than the red-light districts in the Netherlands.
The legal structure of prostitution in the Netherlands is well-developed, with sex workers benefiting from legal protection and workers’ rights akin to other employees.
In the late 1990s, before the official legalisation of prostitution happened, a survey showed that 73% of those asked agreed with legalisation, and 78% believed that it was a job like any other.
The red light district is synonymous with sex in the Netherlands, right? Image: Depositphotos
Many people are surprised to find that most large cities in the Netherlands, such as Utrecht and the Hague, have their own “red light districts” for sex work.
In these places, there is strong police presence, dedicated and private car spots to do the deed and sexual health clinics provided for the workers. It’s all part of making sure sex work is not just legal but safe.
Sex work in the Netherlands: legal yet still problematic
That being said, abuse cases do still exist. Also, prostitution isn’t completely decriminalised. Unregistered sex workers are illegal, and human trafficking is also of grave concern, as well as links with criminal organisations.
Women from foreign countries are enticed to come to the Netherlands on the promise of working in restaurants or other service jobs.
Many find themselves forced into sex work, usually threatened with violence. It is estimated that there are around 5,000 victims of human trafficking.
The legal age for prostitution in the Netherlands is 21. Image: Depositphotos
This has led to a loss of support from the public in regard to prostitution. There are stronger pushes on the Dutch government to tighten controls, create licensing for brothels, as well as reduce the size of red-light districts.
Louise and Martine Fokkens, two famous twins in their 70s who worked as window girls, claim that the legalisation in 2000 has made life worse for sex workers. They claim that the heavy taxation only ends up benefiting the brothel owners, as well as increasing criminality.
The Dutch are quite active beyond just the red-light districts, and their education makes them both well-informed about sex, as well as private about it.
What are your experiences with sex in the Netherlands? Are the Dutch as good as they claim to be? Let us know in the comments below!
Rich in history, Vesting Bourtange dates back to 1580, when Willem van Oranje ordered the construction of an entrenchment near the Dutch-German border. Now, this cute little village attracts visitors from across the Netherlands.
Built on a sandy ridge or tange in Dutch, Vesting Bourtange was completed in 1593. Since then, it has grown into an agricultural village teeming with history.
Perfect for a day trip
Bourtange is located southeast of Groningen, making it a fun day trip if you’re in the area. Its cobbled roads, historic cannons, and wooden drawbridges allow your imagination to wander.
A few weeks ago, while the kids had a day off from school, we decided to take a trip North and spent the day soaking up some history.
This gorgeous town is like stepping into history. Image: Depositphotos
I automatically assumed the kids would be complaining of boredom from the minute we got there until the minute we left, but surprisingly, they loved it!
We walked around the high ridges that line the town, the water canal on one side and the town in the centre. The stunning views and fields, as far as the eye could see, made us feel as if we were protected from the rest of the world.
Things to do in Vesting Bourtange
Along with museums, Bourtange also has an Inn where you can stay overnight to enjoy the fortress for a little bit longer. We enjoyed watching the residents having their breakfast in their gardens.
For those into handicrafts, make sure to visit the candle maker. We eventually made our way to the centre, where there were several restaurants. I suggest finding a table early, as by the time we had finished eating, the square was filled to the brim.
The perfect village for a day out! /Image: Dreamstime
The food was typical Dutch fare (not amazing, in my opinion), but it filled the tummies and gave us enough energy to start another round of exploring.
Our little tour continued with visiting historical sites such as the church and the windmill. We even managed to have some relaxation time watching the swans go by. By the afternoon, the crowds grew in number, and we were happy we had gotten to Bourtange early.
The video makes the village look larger than it felt, but it was quite a bit smaller than expected in all reality.
Regardless, it was a beautiful place to visit and an interactive way for the children to learn about history. No theme parks, no rides, just exploring and wandering the streets of this centuries-old fortress. I highly recommend Bourtange for your next family outing.
Have you heard of this beautiful village before? Let us know what you think of Bourtange in the comments below!
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 1954’s and 1956’s 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 stopped the nation.
The Elfstedentocht was a Tour de France for ice-skaters, going through 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, all 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.
The Dutch government agrees that population growth in the Netherlands needs to be slowed down. How they’re going to do that, though, is still a mystery. 👀
In particular, the cabinet wants “moderate population growth” in the Netherlands — and debated how to achieve this on Wednesday, reports the NOS.
Public enemy number one: labour migration
What exactly counts as moderate? Well, as a start, it would include halving the number of immigrants coming into the country — which currently stands at 140,000 newcomers each year.
The majority of the House of Representatives sees current demographic trends in the Netherlands as a threat to prosperity. As such, their focus is on limiting labour migration.
If you’re an international student, you may not want to relax too soon — this is the new Dutch government we’re talking about after all. 😬
Whilst not the focus of the discussion, international student numbers were also a cause for concern. Image: Freepik
Though not their highest priority, the cabinet would also like to see decreases in the number of foreign students and asylum seekers.
You can let out a small sigh of relief if you don’t work in a slaughterhouse or distribution centre, though. 👇
These are the sectors that are deemed most problematic, because both fields attract a lot of migrant workers that are vulnerable to exploitation.
More left-leaning parties want a harsher stance on employment in these fields, with GL-PVDA (Green Left-Labour) leader Frans Timmermans posing the question of whether these industries are even vital to the Netherlands.
Als we de problemen rond arbeidsmigratie aanpakken en misstanden door malafide werkgevers bestrijden, vermindert de druk op onze samenleving. Dat schept letterlijk meer ruimte, maar ook ruimte in ons hoofd en hart voor de opvang van mensen die vluchten voor oorlog en vervolging. pic.twitter.com/xQfChizgvH
Translation: If we tackle the problems surrounding labor migration and combat abuses by rogue employers, the pressure on our society will decrease. This literally creates more space, but also makes space in our heads and hearts to care for the people fleeing war and persecution.
The right side of the political spectrum still wants to limit migration in these sectors, but is not as critical of the industries as a whole.
“We say: don’t put a line through all kinds of sectors tomorrow,” states VVD (People’s Party of Freedom and Democracy) MP Bente Becker.
Instead, she encourages including employers in the talks on how to limit immigration. (Convincing bosses to give up cheap labour apparently sounds more doable than limiting frikandel consumption. 🙄)
The government debates setting immigration targets
An idea that unites several left and right parties is the introduction of bandwidths that would serve as “guiding target numbers” for each migrant category.
Following the House of Representatives’ well-established pattern, however, the details of this proposal have yet to be fleshed out.
The key issues? Well, immigration is unpredictable and depends on factors outside the Netherlands.
Furthermore, the Netherlands is bound by international asylum agreements, which means the Dutch government can’t be too creative when coming up with how high (or low!) the guiding numbers would be.
The Minister of Social Affairs, Eddy van Hijum, also states that setting target numbers “only makes sense if you can link it to a policy with which you can then steer on those numbers.”
However, migration also has its merits
Issues related to migration weren’t the only points brought up in the debate, though.
Denk MP Doğukan Ergin emphasises how the Netherlands actually needs more workers and how immigrants can combat an ageing population.
PVV (Freedom Party) MP Maikel Boon vehemently disagrees: he claims that using immigration to combat ageing only postpones the issues an older population brings with it, not solves it.
Various Christian parties also stepped in, to remind the cabinet that (Dutch) people aren’t having enough children.
Dutch women, on average, have 1.43 children — a figure well below “the replacement value of 2.1”.
Dig what you’re reading? Get more of it! Join our WhatsApp channel or Instagram broadcast to get the latest news straight to your pocket. ⚡️
Munching on delicious oliebollen, warming yourself with a steaming mug of glühwein (mulled wine) after a round on the ice rink, and dancing to Christmas music under twinkling fairy lights: Christmas markets in the Netherlands are amazing.
But the Netherlands has spectacular Christmas markets in almost all of their cities — and that’s not counting the amazing fairs in nearby Belgium, Germany, and France! Choosing the best one to visit can be as difficult as only eating one stroopwafel.
So here’s our cadeautje (present) to you: the ultimate list of the best Christmas markets happening in and around the Netherlands!
Looking for the perfect Christmas market? Just jump to it! 👇
1. Christmas Town Valkenburg: an enchanting market in a cave
The entirety of this quaint Dutch town in Limburg comes alive during the Christmas season with Christmas Town Valkenburg.
Boasting the largest underground Christmas market in Europe, the Gemeentegrot (Municipal Cave), these centuries-old tunnels wind under the ruins of the castle of Valkenburg and are filled with over 50 festive market stalls for you to explore.
If exploring the stalls has tired you out, be sure to stop off at Santa’s Village for some delicious oliebollen, waffles, crêpes, and churros — washed down with hot chocolate or mulled wine.
📅 Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 💰Entry price: prices vary from €8.50 to €9 depending on attractions 📍Location:Valkenburg
2. Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs: part market, part seasonal paradise
Grab yourself a mug of mulled wine and clear your agenda because the sixth edition of Amsterdam Winter Paradise begins this December!
At this Dutch Christmas market, you can stroll down festive booths selling seasonal products and delicious goodies under garlands of twinkling fairy lights or even check out exclusive live musical performances by several Dutch artists.
And activity-hungry shoppers needn’t fret! Whether you’d rather visit the skating rink, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or try your hand at skiing, this Christmas market features a winter wonderland unlike any other.
Note: all events taking place after 9 PM are 18+. The venue also enforces a strict “no sweatpants” dress code for late-night events.
📅 Dates: December 18, 2024 – January 4, 2025 💰Entry price: prices vary from €22 to €29 depending on the day 📍Location:Amsterdam RAI
3. Christmas Market Haarlem: the Spaarnestad puts on its winter finery
The centre of Haarlem will be transformed into an enchanting Christmas market this December that’ll have you feeling merry long before the glühwein hits!
The market also offers the best selection of seasonal gifts, mouthwatering delicacies, and warm beverages for the absolute gezelligste experience.
Meanwhile, if you fancy some carols, you’ll have your pick of several choirs and a moody “Dickens Orchestra”.
📅 Dates: December 13 – 15, from 10:30 AM to 8 PM 💰Entry price: free 📍Location: Throughout Haarlem’s city centre
4. Magical Maastricht: a true Limburgian Christmas market
We can almost smell the glühwein from here! 😋 Image: Depositphotos
Stalls will be filled with special regional products, delicious seasonal goodies, and cheery decorations.
And when you’ve skated your heart out at the ice rink and picked out some awesome gifts for your loved ones, you can pop into the toasty Almhütte chalet for some glühwein (mulled wine).
Visitors will also be treated to festive light routes, with Maastricht’s walking paths illuminated by thousands of shining lights. Gezellig!
📅 Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2024 💰Entry price: free 📍Location:Vrijthof, Maastricht
5. WinterWonderWeken Leiden: floating festivities in the City of Discoveries
Stroll down the stunning Hooglandse Kerkgracht with a warm mug of glühwein (mulled wine) in hand and explore Leiden’sWinterWonderWeken!
This nostalgic Christmas market boasts stalls packed full of seasonal cheer — and, best of all, a floating ice rink! Twirl, pirouette, and dance over one of the most picturesque canals in the heart of the city.
Even better, if you plan on shopping in Leiden, you’ll be pleased to know that shops are also extending their opening hours during the Christmas season.
📅 Dates: December 7, 2024 – January 5, 2025 💰Entry price: free 📍Location: the Christmas market will be at the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden
6. Country & Christmas Fair: Utrecht’s royally festive market in a castle
Tour stalls loaded with festive goods as you’re serenaded with Christmas music, then marvel at a dazzling light display with a flagon of glühwein in hand as the sun slowly begins to dip below the horizon.
Hungry? Don’t miss trying some of the delicious poffertjes or waffles that will be available onsite!
Tip: Buying your tickets online instead of at the castle will nab you a fabulous korting (discount).
📅 Dates: November 21 – 26, from 10 AM to 10 PM Tuesday to Saturday, and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday 💰Entry price: ticket prices vary depending on whether you’re touring the castle or not 📍Location:Kasteel de Haar, Utrecht
7. Winter Market Molen de Ster: Utrecht’s cosiest winter market
Dutch Christmas markets are a masterclass in gezelligheid! Image: Depositphotos
Fancy a Christmas market in the courtyard of a gorgeous windmill? Then you need to check out the Winter Market at Molen de Ster!
You can stroll through stalls full of unique handmade goods from Utrecht’s artists and designers, let your children frolic in the mill playground — and perhaps pat an adorable goat or two.
Visitors are also offered a free tour of the windmill, and there will be hot chocolate and warm snert (pea soup) for sale. Lekker hé?
📅 Dates: December 14 – 15, from 11 AM to 5 PM 💰Entry price: free 📍Location:Molen de Ster, Utrecht
8. Royal Christmas Fair: a festive market in The Hague’s historic centre
With over 100 stalls and a diverse cultural programme to celebrate the season, the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague is a definite must-see!
Still got time on your hands after picking out some truly amazing gifts from the market’s stallholders? Be sure to stick around for the spectacular light shows, and take a magical walk amongst the ice sculptures.
Those with kids will also have a chance to meet Santa Claus (in his sleigh!) and visit the special Children’s Christmas Fair.
📅 Dates: December 5 – 23, from 12 PM to 9 PM and open its doors at 5 PM on December 7 💰Entry price: free 📍Location:Lange Voorhout, Den Haag
9. Gouda by Candlelight: a Christmas market with old world charm
Gouda’s stunning Christmas market, Gouda by Candlelight, is here once again, with a dash of history amidst the seasonal cheer.
Shop for delightful seasonal products illuminated under the romantic glow of over a thousand candles, then watch the lighting of a Christmas tree that represents a long tradition of friendship between Gouda and the Norwegian city of Kongsberg.
But wait — the celebrations don’t stop there!
The city centre also plays host to a dazzling light festival, complete with singing, theatre productions, and more.
📅 Dates: December 13, with the opening concert starting at 2:30 PM 💰Entry price: free 📍Location:Gouda
10. Dickens’ Festival: Deventer’s festive trip back in time
Please, Sir, can I have some more…of these fabulous Christmas festivities? ✨ Image: Aisha Brown/Supplied
Deventer’s gorgeous Lebuinuskerk will once again play host to the city’s cheery Christmas market, featuring around 75 stalls full of exquisitely artistic and handmade goods.
Not enough? We gotcha. Fans of Charles Dickens can’t miss the Dickens’ Festival, where 950 of his beloved characters come to life and take to the streets!
There will also be a special performance of the play Alles is Dickens and a Dickens Walk around Deventer featuring an accompanying radio play.
📅 Dates: December 12 – 15 (Christmas market at the Lebuinuskerk), December 14 – 15 (Dickens’ Festival) 💰Entry price: free 📍Location:Deventer
11. Archeon Midwinter Fair: the ultimate winter market for Renaissance fans
Want a less typical Dutch Christmas market? The 20th edition of Archeon Museum’s Midwinter Fair in Alphen aan den Rijn celebrates the Yule tradition, an ancient winter celebration observed by Germanic people.
Between a various live music events, a fantasy market with a seemingly endless array of stalls, and several tents full of food and drinks, there’s an abundance of things to see and do (and eat)!
Tip: Museum Card holders are offered discounted rates, so be sure to bring your card along if you have one.
Visitors can also try several activities at Archeon’s spellbinding theme park, such as archery, swordfighting, and a cosplay workshop.
12. Winter Heerlijckheid: Christmas magic set in a castle
Heading outside to “chill”? Grab some mulled wine! Image: Depositphotos
Set in the gorgeous estate and castle of Warmelo in Twente, this outdoor Christmas market features over 100 booths selling a range of seasonal products that’ll have you buzzing with festive cheer!
Whether you’re dying to pick up the perfect winter scarf or a fancy bottle of wine, you’re sure to find something to get you into a festive mood.
📅 Dates: November 8 – 10 💰Entry price: €13.50 for adults, €5 for children aged 7 to 14, and free for children under 7 📍Location:Kasteel Warmelo, Diepenheim
Christmas markets beyond the Netherlands
If you’re looking for choices further afield or want to make a weekend getaway of it — great idea!
Here are some fabulous Christmas markets in Belgium, Germany, and France for an extra helping of festive cheer. 🎄
13. Winterland Hasselt: an alpine winter experience in the heart of Belgium
Winterland Hasselt will soon be here to treat you to a uniquely alpine experience with over 50 market stalls and drinks in a traditional Austrian mountain chalet!
Are you looking for fun activities whilst you shop? This Christmas market’s got it all, whether you’re more into taking up Hasselt dancing, indoor skating, or exploring unique attractions like Arthuro Cardini’s Mini-circus.
And if you’re also interested in entering the new year in style, be sure to book your ticket for Winterland Hasselt’s New Year’s Eve party.
14. Winter Wonders: Brussels celebrates Christmas in style
It’s fun for the whole family, so you don’t want to give this one a miss! Image: Press Photos
The 24th edition of Brussels’ Winter Wonders offers visitors a spectacular sound and light show at the Grand Place.
Dubbed one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, it features many fun cultural activities in the heart of this stunning city.
Between going ice skating, exploring 250 stalls full of Christmas goodies, and checking out entertaining shows for both adults and children, there’s loads to see and do!
15. Köln Cathedral Christmas Market: traditional winter cheer
Christmas festivities in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Image: Depositphotos
A Christmas market on the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — what could be merrier?!
This Christmas market has over 130 stalls selling handicrafts, gifts, and seasonal food. You can pick up glassblown items, festive ceramics, children’s toys, or even personalised embroidered items.
As for entertainment, there are over 100 (free!) events on the central stage.
This quaint German town’s underground wine and Chrismas market is set in a 16th-century wine cellar, where twinkling fairy lights and cheery music are sure to get you into a festive mood.
There’s much to discover, including artisan food products, jewellery, antiques — and, of course, wine. 🍷
Tip: We suggest driving there and making an overnight stay. If you don’t have a car of your own, why not try car-sharing or renting a car?
17. Metz Christmas Market: seasonal cheer in one of France’s most beautiful cities
Pick up a trinket or two — and a large helping of Christmas cheer! Image: Depositphotos
Step aside, Paris, there’s another French city brimming with seasonal cheer!
The Metz Christmas Market promises a shopping experience full of festive gifts, fabulous festivities, and wine tastings.
And if you need to chill after you’ve shopped yourself giddy, pop on a pair of skates and have a twirl at the city square’s giant ice rink.
Tip: For a truly breathtaking view of the city, you need to check out the Place d’Armes, where a giant Ferris wheel will lift you high above all the festivities.
Visiting a Christmas market is the best bucket list item if you’re staying in the Netherlands over the winter!
City centres up and down this cheese-obsessed country blossom with cheery market stalls selling homemade goods, festive decorations, and — best of all — delicious seasonal food.
Eating delicious food, having fun on the ice, AND shopping? Sign us up! 🙋🏻♀️ Image: Depositphotos
As you wander through these stalls, you’ll also be treated to the scent of glühwein and oliebollen (a scrumptious deep-fried ball of dough). Lean into temptation and give these a try!
More activity-hungry visitors are also in for a treat, as Dutch Christmas markets generally offer a range of fun activities. Whether you’re a lover of ice skating, going on fairground rides, or just swaying to some live music, you’re guaranteed to have a fabulous time.
What to eat and drink at a Dutch Christmas market
In addition to fan favourites oliebollen and glühwein, there are many other delicious things to try!
Appelbeignets and appelflappen are deep-fried apple pastries which go very nicely with hot chocolate 🍎
If you’re in the mood for something more savoury, then try some bitterballen (deep-fried and breaded meatballs) or their longer cousins kroketten (a deep-fried and breaded cylinder of ragout)
Every Dutch Christmas market will serve glühwein, a type of spiced wine that is served hot and will warm your belly🍷
You can also pick up bags of kruidnoten — hard round cookies made of speculaas 🍪
Ready to experience the Dutch winter wonderland at these incredible Christmas markets in the Netherlands and beyond? Pop on your gloves, grab your warmest winter coat and hit the streets — the glühwein is calling your name!
Which Dutch Christmas markets are you going to visit this winter? Tell us all about them in the comments below!
A’dam, Dam City, Venice of the North: these are all nicknames for the beloved Dutch capital. But as you stroll the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, you may come across another sign calling Amsterdam ‘Mokum’.
You can get your hair cut at Mokum Barbers, join a canal cruise on a Mokumboot, grab a pint at Mokum Bar, or encounter some Ajax fans proudly sporting scarves that state “Pride of Mokum”.
But what does Mokum even mean? What’s the history behind it? Let’s check it out. 👇
The place Amsterdam
As Historiek.net writes, the name Mokum is a bit of a meaningless nickname for Amsterdam. Why? Well, because the Yiddish word Mokum (מקום) simply means “place” or “city”.
In the 18th century, Jewish people in the Netherlands and Germany called every city Mokum. To distinguish between the different Mokums, they added the first letter of the city in question behind it (in the Hebrew alphabet).
And so, Amsterdam became Mokum Allef (city A) or Groot Mokum (big city), while Rotterdam was known as Mokum Reisj (city R) or Klein Mokum (small city).
Cities outside of the Netherlands were also dubbed Mokums, with Berlin as Mokum Beisz, Hamburg as Mokum Godel Haj, Cologne as Mokum Baddik and Basel (Switzerland) as Glockmokum.
The last remaining Mokum
Nowadays, the nickname only sticks with Amsterdam, and over time, Mokum Allef simply became Mokum.
The reason why Mokum only stuck with Amsterdam is that Jewish people were more accepted there than in other (European) cities.
But even in Amsterdam, the nickname was first viewed somewhat negatively, and it wasn’t until the 20th century that it lost its negative connotation. Now, Mokum is widely used by Amsterdammers as a loving nickname for their city.
Besides Mokum, Amsterdam’s lower social classes took over a variety of Yiddish expressions and words — and many of them are still used in colloquial Dutch today.
Some examples would be tof (cool/good, from Yiddish ‘tov’), mesjogge (crazy, from Yiddish ‘mesjuge’), and gabber (friend, from Yiddish ‘chaver’).
Did you know about this Amsterdam nickname? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
