What happens on December 5th in the Netherlands?
For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! Nicholas lives in Madrid, Spain and every year he chooses a different harbour to arrive in The Netherlands, so as many children as possible get a chance to see him.
What is the Dutch holiday on December 5th?
In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas’ Eve, 5 December, became the chief occasion for gift-giving during the winter holiday season. The evening is called Sinterklaasavond (“Sinterklaas evening”) or Pakjesavond (“gifts evening”, or literally “packages evening”).
What do you do on Sinterklaas Day?
Families celebrate Sinterklaas’ Feast by singing songs and indulging in a feast of their own, which consists mainly of sweets like marzipan, chocolate initials, pepernoten (ginger biscuits) and hot chocolate with whipped cream. On Saint Nicholas Day on 6 December, Sint departs from the Netherlands.
What day do the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas?
5 December
The holiday itself is celebrated in 5 December, when gifts are exchanged. Children sing songs to Sinterklaas at the top of their lungs until they hear a knock on the door.
Who brings presents to children in the Netherlands on the 5th 6th December?
Sinterklaas
December 5 and 6 are Sinterklaas/St. Nicholas’ Eve and Day in the Netherlands, when Saint Nicholas, also known as Sinterklaas, visits children and brings them presents.
What are typical Christmas decorations in the Netherlands?
This means that Christmas in the Netherlands is really about the ambiance. People buy Christmas trees, and decorate them with kerstkransjes (Christmas wreath cookies), glass balls, gilded nuts, ribbons, glittery pine cones, frosted bells, and red and white candles.
What Saint celebrates December 5th?
St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, of a number of cities, and of sailors and children, among many other groups, and was noted for his generosity. Some countries celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 5.
What are the Christmas traditions in the Netherlands?
During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food. As a matter of fact, to some international students this might seem strange.