Eat, Celebrate, Repeat: Dutch Christmas & New Year’s Traditions Explained

Towards the end of each year, the Dutch embrace traditions that are all about indulging in seasonal foods and (to put it mildly) ‘chasing away the old year’s ghosts.’

Christmas Treats: The Dutch ‘Kerststol’

A holiday staple in Dutch homes, ‘kerststol’ (often just called ‘stol’) is a festive sweet bread that’s offered in stores during Christmas (and again at Easter). This delicious loaf is typically packed with raisins and candied fruits, such as citrus peel or cherries, and is filled with a rich layer of almond paste. After baking, it’s dusted with powdered sugar, creating a ‘snowy’ effect that feels perfect for the holiday season.

In the Netherlands, people usually slice, (cream) butter, and serve stol for breakfast or brunch. You’ll often see people savoring the almond paste first—using it as a spread instead of butter or combining it with butter for an extra treat. As you enjoy this soft, sweet bread, you’re tasting a part of Dutch holiday history.

New Year’s Eve Delights: Oliebollen and Appelflappen

Once Christmas is over, it’s time to prepare for New Year’s Eve with another Dutch classic: ‘oliebollen.’ These are deep-fried dough balls, often dotted with raisins or currants, and dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally, some families make oliebollen at home, frying them in outdoor sheds to avoid the lingering smell and grease. However, most people buy them from the ‘oliebollenkramen’ (special food trucks) that pop up in market squares. Trying fresh oliebollen from a local vendor is a must—it’s deliciously warm and slightly crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy center. ‘Appelflappen,’ or apple turnovers, are another New Year’s Eve treat. These are apple slices wrapped in dough and fried in hot oil, much like oliebollen, but with a fruity twist. The combination of warm apple and crisp dough makes for a comforting treat as you wait for the clock to strike midnight.

A Linguistic Twist: ‘Oud en Nieuw’ vs. New Year’s

One fun linguistic difference to note: the Dutch refer to New Year’s celebrations as ‘Oud en Nieuw’ (Old and New), putting the emphasis on bidding farewell to the old year rather than the arrival of the new one, as is common in English. On New Year’s Day, however, you’ll still hear ‘Gelukkig Nieuwjaar’ (Happy New Year) or simply ‘De Beste Wensen’ (Best Wishes) as people extend warm wishes for a wonderful year ahead.

Fireworks: A Caution

The transition from the old to the new year is a lively affair filled with fireworks and firecrackers—so don’t be surprised if your neighborhood fills with loud bangs and flashes well before midnight (in some areas even weeks before Dec 31st). Be prepared for some noise, as fireworks are a beloved way for the Dutch to ring in the new year with energy and excitement!

For New Year’s Eve, fireworks are everywhere, and it’s a custom for locals to light their own (safely, of course). However, for safety reasons, it’s recommended that you avoid buying heavy-duty firecrackers (like Cobra, Nitraat, Strijker) as they’re both illegal and potentially dangerous. Instead, find a good vantage point and enjoy the spectacle from a distance—it’s like a citywide light show that brightens the sky as everyone celebrates together.

Embracing Dutch Traditions

For expats in the Netherlands, enjoying a slice of kerststol over Christmas or savoring a warm oliebol on New Year’s Eve is a wonderful way to connect with Dutch culture. These treats are part of a cozy, festive season in the Netherlands, and they’re sure to make the holidays memorable. If you’re not sure what to buy for Christmas or New Year’s, don’t hesitate to ask a Dutch friend—or your Flowently private Dutch tutor! They can guide you through these unique ‘Oud en Nieuw’ traditions, from finding the best oliebollen stalls to navigating New Year’s customs.

Check out our website for more tips on Dutch holiday traditions, and let your tutor be your cultural guide this season.