At the end of November Saint Nicholas arrives in the Netherlands, curiously from Spain, on a ship loaded with gifts. This is the most visible sign that Christmas is near. Numerous events are held throughout the country; this is a selection of some events that will take place in some cities:
Christmas in Amsterdam
From December 10 to January 1, 2011, the Christmas Canal Parade takes place in Amsterdam. For almost a month various events will be held alongside the channels. Under the bridge “Magere Brug” there will be a concentration of historical boats decorated with special lighting and whose lights will be turned on at the same time on December 10. On December 23 there will be a parade of boats decorated by Dutch designers that will travel along the beautiful Prinsesgracht canal.
A dip in The Hague
The most famous Christmas event in this city is surely the traditional New Year’s dip. And it is that not even the cold waters of the North Sea deter each year the more than 10,000 swimmers who gather on the Scheveningen beach. What some consider crazy and others an act of bravery, will be rewarded upon arrival at the finish line with a well-deserved liquor to warm up quickly. Afterwards, the traditional pea soup and hot chocolate are served among the participants and spectators. The event has been held since 1965.
A return to the past in Arnhem
Christmas is also a time to look back at tradition and the past. For those who want to discover how people lived during the harsh winters, they should visit the Arnhem Open Air Museum. From December 4 to January 16, the historic houses and farms reconstructed in this park-museum will recreate the life of the inhabitants of that time and how they survived the harsh winters of the country. All this combined with the tasting of traditional products and other activities aimed at children such as ice skating or Christmas concerts.
The magical Maastricht
From December 3, 2010 to January 1, 2011 the entire city of Maastricht will breathe a festive atmosphere. Under the name of Magical Maastricht, the city highlights its program of special activities for these dates. This year the city premieres Christmas lighting in its most representative corners, to which must be added the numerous Christmas markets, ice skating rinks or Christmas carol concerts by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra and the Netherlands Bach Society among others. There will also be theatrical shows that will take place within the festival that will be held at the Maastricht Drama Academy.
The most beautiful nativity scene in Den Bosch
Christmas nativity scenes also take center stage in the Netherlands. One of the most beautiful nativity scenes in the country is the one in the Sint Jan Cathedral in Den Bosch. This year will be more spectacular thanks to the construction of a walkway through which you can get a complete view.
Breda’s Christmas spirit
From December 8 to 6, you can admire the beautiful “hofjes” specially decorated for Christmas by landscaping students. The “hofjes” are very typical in Breda, as in many other cities in the Netherlands, and are interior gardens around a central courtyard, usually hidden from public view and with great historical value. In addition, in the Ginneken neighborhood, to the south of the city, a large Christmas market will be held on the weekend of December 10 where there will also be Christmas musical performances and stalls with gastronomic products.