The growing popularity of Halloween in the Netherlands
Halloween in the Netherlands is a relatively new and growing phenomenon, though it doesn’t have the same deep-rooted traditions as in countries like the United States, Ireland or the UK. Historically, Halloween wasn’t widely celebrated in Dutch culture. Autumn in the Netherlands is more associated with other traditions, such as Sint Maarten on November 11, where children go door to door singing songs in exchange for candy. However, over the past decade or so, Halloween has gradually gained traction, particularly among younger generations and in urban areas.
Trick-or-Treating: a growing trend in the Netherland
Many Dutch children now enjoy dressing up in costumes and participating in activities like trick-or-treating, although it’s not as widespread as in countries where Halloween has long been a major celebration. Some neighborhoods, particularly in cities, organize Halloween parties or themed events where children can knock on doors for candy. But it’s still something that’s more likely to occur in areas where residents expect it, rather than a universal practice. Not every Dutch household participates, so the experience can vary depending on the neighborhood.
Global influence on Dutch Halloween
Halloween’s rising popularity in the Netherlands is largely due to global cultural influences, particularly from American movies, TV shows and social media, which showcase the fun and spooky aspects of the holiday. Costume parties and Halloween-themed events are becoming more common among adults too, with clubs and bars hosting special parties and young people dressing up as everything from classic monsters to pop culture characters. Schools, especially international ones, sometimes have Halloween-themed events or allow children to come to class in costumes.
Halloween in Dutch stores and theme parks
Commercially, retailers and supermarkets in the Netherlands have started to catch on to the trend as well. Starting in mid-October, you’ll find stores selling Halloween decorations, costumes and party supplies including pumpkins, which are less of a traditional staple in the Dutch autumn but are now being used more for carving jack-o’-lanterns. Walibi Holland has embraced Halloween fully with Halloween Fright Nights. This annual event draws thousands of visitors for haunted houses, horror mazes and scare zones filled with actors in elaborate costumes designed to give people a thrill.
Family-friendly Halloween activities
For those interested in more family-friendly Halloween experiences: zoos and other attractions also often host events featuring pumpkin carving, spooky storytimes and Halloween-themed crafts. Some towns and cities may organize Halloween parades or spooky tours through historic areas. However, the extent to which Halloween is celebrated still varies by region.
Halloween vs. Sint Maarten: which is more important?
Halloween remains more of a fun, imported novelty than a deeply significant holiday for most Dutch people. The majority of Dutch families still prioritize Sint Maarten, Sinterklaas, Kerstmis (Christmas) and Pasen (Easter) as the primary festive occasions of the year. Sinterklaas, which takes place in early December, involves gifts, candy and plenty of traditional Dutch sweets like kruidnoten and pepernoten. It has a much more entrenched place in the national culture. While Halloween might be gaining ground, it’s still far from reaching the cultural prominence that Sinterklaas or Kerstmis enjoys in the Netherlands.
