Dutch Holidays and Traditions Kids Will Love
Dutch celebrations are filled with color, music, and delicious treats—making them especially fun for children.
Sinterklaas – A Magical Holiday
Sinterklaas is one of the most beloved holidays in the Netherlands. This cheerful bishop, originally from Spain, arrives in the Netherlands with his helper, Colorful Peter. Riding a white horse named Schimmel, Sinterklaas travels from rooftop to rooftop delivering gifts. Peter climbs down chimneys to leave presents in children’s shoes, which are placed by the fireplace. Sinterklaas is celebrated in early December and is the main occasion for gift-giving in Dutch culture.
Koninginnedag – The Queen’s Birthday Celebration
Koninginnedag, or Queen’s Day, is celebrated on April 30th. People of all ages dress in orange and gather in the streets to enjoy music, games, and street food. It’s also the perfect time to join a massive city-wide garage sale, where families sell old toys and items they no longer need. This day is all about joy, community, and fun.
Christmas and Easter – With a Dutch Twist
In the Netherlands, both Christmas and Easter are celebrated with unique traditions. Unlike in many countries, there are two Christmas Days and two Easter Days. These holidays are centered around family meals and quality time, rather than gifts. Presents are usually reserved for Sinterklaas, making Christmas a more peaceful and reflective time.
Make Language Learning Fun with Dutch Playtime
To help kids get used to the different ways Dutch is spoken, you can listen to regional music, stories, and cartoons. Watching how people greet each other or how characters in a video use formal vs. informal speech is both fun and educational.
Dinolingo’s Dutch program makes this even easier. With animated lessons, children can hear proper pronunciation and learn new words in context. Whether your child is just beginning or already understands some Dutch, Dinolingo offers tools that encourage natural language use and cultural discovery.
Let your child explore the sounds of Dutch—and maybe even pick up a regional phrase or two!