Christmas Day or 'Eerste Kerstdag' as it's known in the Netherlands, is a public holiday. It usually falls on December 25th and is celebrated across the country with great pomp and show. This day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is traditionally characterized by the sharing of gifts, attending church services, and spending time with family. The Dutch also have 'Tweede Kerstdag', which is a second Christmas Day, observed on December 26th.
The Christmas season in the Netherlands is marked by astounding displays of light decorations, ice sculpture exhibitions and Christmas markets starting from late November or early December. Dutch Christmas celebrations often incorporate both modern and traditional elements, making them unique. Santa Claus or 'Sinterklaas', whose festival already occurs in early December, is distinct from the Christmas man 'Kerstman'. Sinterklaas and Christmas are two separate celebrations.
The Dutch enjoy traditional Christmas foods during the festive season too. On Christmas Day, it's customary to have a big family breakfast or brunch, often including 'kerststol', a fruit-filled, almond-paste-stuffed bread covered in powdered sugar. In the evening, people have 'gourmetten', where everyone sits together cooking their own small dishes on a table-top grill, a tradition similar to fondue. It truly is a harmonious blend of rich tradition and contemporary revelry that makes the holiday an unforgettable event.