Christmas Traditions: Winter Tips

You are on vacation and want to get away for a while to a major event in your own country or across the border. There are many options, and it is lively and busy everywhere, because it is also the Christmas holidays. That makes the selection difficult, and everyone wants to escape the stress of the past Christmas for a bit. After Black Friday, Cyber ​​Monday, Sinterklaas, and Christmas celebrations, we really want to relax and be pampered now. Did you hire a private chef for your Christmas dinner who cooked a full 5-course menu for your guests and then also took care of all the washing up? No, neither did I, but it is about time to enjoy the last days of 2025!

Winter at the Open Air Museum (Arnhem)

Until January 18, 2026, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is entirely dedicated to celebration. For six weeks, the museum shows its most festive side: Christmas, New Year's, Chinese New Year, and winter traditions from the past and present come to life. The atmospheric squares form the vibrant heart, where you are surrounded by cozy lights, music, crafts, and delicious food.

Discover the Winter Fair. As soon as you walk onto the Entrance Square, cheerful laughter greets you. Step into the Grand Carrousel from 1890 and let the richly decorated horses and carriages transport you back a century. Feel the wind in your hair on the 1920 swing ride while the music of the barrel organ echoes across the square. Or experience the thrill of the 1930 caterpillar ride, with its distinctive curtain that suddenly closes. Strap on your roller skates and spin around on the atmospheric covered roller skating rink. With Amsterdam's Westerstraat as the backdrop and music that invites you to move along, this is winter fun for young and old!

Annual market on the Zaanse square. Experience the annual market as it used to be: lively and colorful, full of stories and delicacies. Meet the fortune teller who predicts your future and a quack who peddles miracle cures. At the 'rarekiek' (a peep show filled with colorful prints), the storyteller takes you to faraway lands. Further on, you hear the tapping of the clog maker, see the blacksmith shaping the iron, and watch the weaver weave threads to life. And of course, the oliebol (Dutch doughnut) and hot chocolate cannot be missing in such wintry temperatures. One of the successful December stamps of recent years is the 2022 design by designer Miriam Bos. Miriam Bos has also designed Christmas cards for this year. Miriam Bos on the hot chocolate mug: 'It is one of these first designs, and the design actually ended up on the final sheet. That makes it (in my opinion) the happiest in the series, thanks to the warm yellow background I combined with bright shades of red and pink. The design contains a number of personal elements, such as the hot chocolate, which I particularly love to drink on cold winter evenings, and the colored mug with the beautiful decoration. Every now and then I add a special teacup or mug to my mug collection, and this one would fit right in.'  

Winter in Antwerp

Until January 4, 2026, enjoy the atmosphere, coziness, and winter activities in the city. Browse the stalls at the Christmas market, sing and dance along to musical performances, get creative in Antwerp's museums, and feast on delicious food. Score unique gifts, savor the wonderful culinary offerings, and admire the beautifully illuminated city center. Have fun on the ice rink and in the Ferris wheel, pull up a chair at the winter bars, and discover the 7 enchanting locations. Gastronomic delight on Hendrik Conscience Square Would you like to escape the hustle and bustle for a while? Unwind completely at the enchanting Hendrik Conscienceplein. Kiss your loved one under the mistletoe and then pull up a chair at Your Divine Xmas. Hostess Sepideh Sedaghatnia and the team at Divin By Sepi provide a culinary offering to die for. Ideal for foodies!   Unique view of the Steenplein Steenplein shines again this year during Winter in Antwerp! Step into the Ferris wheel and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. Can you spot the new winter bar in collaboration with Duvel Moortgat and AB InBev from the Ferris wheel? Continue on after your last ride, sit down in Bar Brabo, and toast to a wonderful evening! Still have energy left? Finish off with the attractions of the winter fair.

  Feast your eyes on the Grote Markt The large Christmas tree shines brightly at the town hall, true to tradition. In the mood for a party? Let loose on the dance floor at the Joe Christmas House during the live radio and spectacular performances! Hungry or thirsty from all the singing? Order delicious grilled dishes from The Rebel Smoker's smoked barbecue or choose from the selection at the dozens of stalls around the Brabo statue. Rainy weather? The cozy canopy will keep you dry.

  Follow the lights of the Suikerrui The Suikerrui is the place to take photos this winter. Walk through the beautiful tunnel of lights and imagine yourself in a real winter wonderland. Still looking for a nice gift? Be sure to check out the selection at the chalets. After shopping, enjoy a smashed burger from Meatdistrict or a delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream. Feasting on the Opera Square Start your visit to Winter in Antwerp at the atmospheric Operaplein! At the chalets, you can choose from a wide selection of food and drinks. Rainy weather? The cozy canopy will keep you dry.   Skating on the Groenplaats De Groenplaats is the place for winter sports and fun with family and friends. Let loose on the ice rink and enjoy a drink at the winter bar. Be sure to stop by Orbit Fried Chicken for a delicious meal as well. There is no shortage of good times!

 

<strong> More info: </strong>

Winter at the Open Air Museum through January 18, 2026, free for Museum Card holders, VriendenLoterij VIP card holders, and children up to and including 3 years old: https://www.openluchtmuseum.nl/nl/winter Winter in Antwerp, through January 4, 2026: https://visit.antwerpen.be/winter-in-antwerpen-25 Previous Christmas traditions blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/kersttradities/