Amsterdam, the picturesque capital city of the Netherlands, is known for its stunning canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. But did you know that Amsterdam is also home to some unique holiday traditions that are celebrated by locals and tourists alike? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and quirky holiday customs that you can experience in Amsterdam.
One of the most beloved holiday traditions in Amsterdam is the Sinterklaas celebration, which takes place on December 5th. Sinterklaas is a legendary figure who is said to bring gifts to children on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and is still celebrated with great enthusiasm in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands.
On the evening of December 5th, children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, who is said to arrive in the country by steamboat from Spain. Accompanied by his helpers, known as “Zwarte Piet” or Black Pete, Sinterklaas parades through the streets of Amsterdam, handing out sweets and gifts to children who have been good throughout the year.
Another unique holiday tradition in Amsterdam is the lighting of the city’s famous Christmas tree in Dam Square. The tree, which is usually a towering fir tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and colorful decorations, is a focal point of the city’s holiday celebrations. Locals and tourists alike gather in the square to watch the tree being lit for the first time, marking the official start of the holiday season in Amsterdam.
In addition to the traditional holiday customs, Amsterdam also has some unique and quirky traditions that are celebrated during the festive season. One such tradition is the annual “Christmas jumper day,” where locals don their most outrageous and festive sweaters to mark the occasion. From bright colors and flashing lights to cheesy slogans and cartoon characters, the Christmas jumper day is a fun and playful way to celebrate the holidays in Amsterdam.
Another quirky holiday tradition in Amsterdam is the annual “Santa run,” where hundreds of people dress up as Santa Claus and take part in a fun run through the city streets. Participants don their red and white Santa suits, complete with beards and hats, and race through the streets of Amsterdam, spreading holiday cheer and raising money for charity in the process.
One of the most unique holiday traditions in Amsterdam is the “New Year’s Eve dive” in the icy waters of the city’s canals. Brave souls don their swimsuits and plunge into the frigid canals at the stroke of midnight, ushering in the New Year with a refreshing splash. The New Year’s Eve dive is a fun and exhilarating way to start the year on a high note and is a must-see event for anyone visiting Amsterdam during the holiday season.
As you can see, Amsterdam is a city that is steeped in holiday traditions, both traditional and quirky. From the festive Sinterklaas celebrations to the quirky Christmas jumper day and the exhilarating New Year’s Eve dive, there is no shortage of unique and memorable customs to experience in Amsterdam during the holiday season.
Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist visiting the city for the first time, be sure to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s rich holiday traditions and join in the festive celebrations that make this city so special during the most wonderful time of the year. Who knows, you might just find yourself starting a new holiday tradition of your own in this charming and vibrant city.
