There's a challenge you can't avoid when living in the Netherlands: the bone-chilling, wind-slapping, and rain-drenched Dutch autumn and winter. Fear not! Let's get you ready to battle the colder, darker days.

Layer up

Surviving the colder days in the Netherlands part one: stay warm. Dutch winters can be deceptive. One minute it’s chilly, the next it’s pouring, and then suddenly the sun makes a guest appearance. Prepare yourself by layering up. By layering up, you can keep your home at a reasonable temperature − without excessive energy use. Wear a thick sweater, grab some thick socks, and cozy up with a blanket. Are you braving the cold weather outside? Invest in a solid rain jacket, pants, boots, and maybe even a waterproof backpack − your laptop will thank you.

Stay social

When it's too miserable to go outside, you're easily tended to stay inside. Winter blues are real and can affect your well-being. Everyone needs social connections to keep thriving! Some tips to help you stay social through the colder months:

• Take care of yourself first 
  Exercise, eat nutritious meals, and make sure you get a good night's sleep. Your body needs it more in these colder months. If you take care of yourself, it will not only boost your mood but also give you enough energy to enjoy the winter months. 
  
  
• Join a club or group
  Find a club that interests you, like a book club or gaming group. Shared hobbies are a great way to meet like-minded people! Ask around in your friend group or search online for interesting groups nearby. 
  
  
• Visit shared spaces in your building 
  If you live in an apartment building with a common area, take advantage of it! Whether there's a meeting point, gym, or laundry room, these spaces are perfect for casual encounters with neighbors. Or just knock on someone's door to exchange a holiday treat or simply introduce yourself. You might discover a new friend just a few steps away. Need more tips on how to connect with your neighbors? Check this blog post.
  
  
• Host a cozy get-together 
  Gear up, stock your fridge with your favorite comfort food, and let the winter do its thing. Invite friends over for a low-key evening. Organize an evening with board games or do a movie marathon. This can feel just as rewarding as a night out. 
  
  
• Volunteer
  Have you ever considered volunteering? It not only helps your community but it also provides a fulfilling social outlet. It boosts your sense of purpose! Do you have no clue where to look for a place to volunteer? On the website of NLvoorelkaar, you can browse through an extensive offer throughout the Netherlands.
  
  
• Get outside with a companion 
  Not in the mood for human interaction? That's okay − head outside for a walk and consider bringing a furry friend along. Websites like hondjeuitlaten.nl can connect you with dog owners who need someone to take their pup for a stroll. It's a win-win-win: you get fresh air, a companionship without committing to a long social interaction, and you do volunteer work. You can create an account for free and it's non-committal.
  
  

Visit Dutch winter events 

If you want to get the most out of the Dutch winter months, you should fully embrace the winter events. The Netherlands is full of festive traditions and events that can help you make the most out of the season. Some of the highlights in the Netherlands:

• Winter Efteling in Kaatsheuvel
  One of the most magical places in the Netherlands is without a doubt the Winter Efteling in Kaatsheuvel. Known for its fairytale forest and theme attractions, it's one of the most popular theme parks in the Netherlands. Decorated with twinkling lights, snow-covered trees − even if it hasn't snowed yet, and bonfires, it transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. There's extra entertainment, an ice rink, and lots of winter treats. In 2024, it's Winter Efteling from November 14, 2024, until February 2, 2025.
  
  

• Magisch Maastricht
  Every winter, the charming city of Maastricht lights up with holiday cheer during Magisch Maastricht. From November 28 until December 30, the historic city center is filled with festive markets, sparkling lights, and a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city. Stroll through Vrijthof square, where there are wooden stalls selling seasonal treats and handcrafted goods, or go ice skating. 
  
  
• Dickens Festival
  Step back into Dutch history at the Dickens Festival in Deventer on December 14 and 15. For this weekend, the streets come alive with characters straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. Meet chimney sweeps, orphans, Victorian ladies, and Christmas Carol singers. You can visit the city for free, but keep in mind that it can be busy. 
  
  
• Amsterdam Light Festival
  The Amsterdam Light Festival brings the city's canals to life with stunning light installations by artists from November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Each year features a unique theme, this year it's 'Rituals'. The best way to experience the festival is by boat, but the walking routes allow you to admire the artwork from a different perspective. It's a highlight for locals and tourists!

• Go ice skating 
  Ice skating is deeply integrated into Dutch culture. There are plenty of opportunities to lace up your skates. Iconic locations are the ice rink at Amsterdam's Museumplein or Schaatsbaan Rotterdam. However, when temperatures dip low enough, you must take the opportunity to skate on frozen canals and lakes. Don't worry about missing out, it will be over the news when it's possible to ice skate on natural ice. 
  
  

The ice rink at Museumplein in Amsterdam is open from November 15, 2024, until February 2, 2025.  

Embrace Dutch winter comfort food 

Keep your spirits warm during the cold weather with typical Dutch comfort food. Some Dutch comfort foods are part of Dutch culture and winter is not complete without any of these: 

• Erwtensoep (split pea soup)
  A steaming bowl of soup, that's always a treat in winter. Erwtensoep (split pea soup) is made of split peas, pork, and smoked sausage (rookworst), accompanied by chunks of carrots, celery, and leeks. The consistency is so thick that the spoon should be able to stand upright in it. Served with a slice of rye bread and bacon, this dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up after a frosty day! 
  
  
• Stamppot
  Stamppot is mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables, such as kale (boerenkool), sauerkraut (zuurkool), or carrots and onions (hutspot). Traditionally, stamppot is served as dinner and includes a juicy sausage and a generous drizzle of gravy. 
  
  
• Oliebollen
  As New Year's Eve approaches, the Dutch indulge in oliebollen. Oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls that are often filled with raisins and dusted with powdered sugar. They're typically sold at food stands throughout December, filling the air with its typical sweet smell. They should be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  
  
• Kaasfondue (cheese fondue) 
  Although fondue might be more commonly associated with Switzerland, cheese fondue has found a special place in Dutch winter cuisine − maybe because of the cheese part. Using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Goudse, this dish turns simple bread and vegetables into a warming feast. You can make it as crazy as you'd like. Perfect for sharing!