Free Christmas In The Netherlands Worksheet

The Christmas in the Netherlands worksheet set has been one of our favorite ways to add cultural learning to our December routine.

My son loved discovering that Dutch children leave their shoes out for Sinterklaas and that he arrives by steamboat from Spain, such a fun twist on the Santa story he already knew.

These worksheets blend reading, geography, and creativity through simple facts and coloring pages, making it easy to explore global holiday traditions at home or in the classroom.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Christmas in the Netherlands Coloring Pages

This set of six printable coloring pages gives kids a creative and approachable way to explore the unique Christmas traditions of the Netherlands.

From Sinterklaas to festive treats, each page highlights a different cultural detail, helping children connect with Dutch holiday customs through fun and simple activities.

Sinterklaas

One of the most beloved Dutch holiday figures, Sinterklaas arrives each year on December 5th.

Dressed as a kindly bishop, he brings gifts and joy to children across the Netherlands.

His arrival kicks off the holiday season and is celebrated with parades, music, and special traditions that feel both magical and deeply rooted in Dutch culture.

Dutch Christmas Traditions

The worksheet introduces four popular customs that give Dutch Christmas its unique flavor:

• Peppernoot – These small, spiced cookies are a favorite treat during Sinterklaas festivities. Kids often leave them out for Sinterklaas and his helpers, and they’re a delicious part of the celebration.
• Chocolate Letters – These molded chocolates are shaped like the first letter of a person’s name and make for a sweet, personalized gift.
• Kerststol – This festive holiday bread is filled with dried fruit, nuts, and often marzipan. Served sliced with butter, kerststol is a traditional favorite on Dutch Christmas tables.
• Midwinterhoorn – This long wooden horn is traditionally played in eastern parts of the Netherlands during Advent, echoing across the countryside to welcome the season.

Steamboat Arrival

One of the most exciting parts of the season is Sinterklaas’s arrival by steamboat from Spain.

This tradition typically takes place in mid-November and is broadcast on national TV.

Families gather to welcome him as he steps off the boat, signaling the beginning of the holiday season with excitement and joy.

Sinterklaasavond

Celebrated on December 5th, Sinterklaasavond (St. Nicholas’ Eve) is a time for exchanging small gifts, enjoying festive meals, and sharing poems or surprises.

Children leave out their shoes, hoping Sinterklaas will fill them with treats overnight, often while enjoying the fun of guessing who gave which gift.

As you learn about Christmas in the Netherlands, don’t forget to check out World of Cookies for Santa book. Grab your copy today for delicious recipes to delight your holiday season!

Amerigo

Sinterklaas doesn’t travel alone, he’s joined by Amerigo, his faithful white horse.

Kids love leaving carrots or hay in their shoes for Amerigo as a thank-you for helping deliver gifts. It’s a sweet part of the tradition that adds another layer of magic to the night.

How to Say Merry Christmas in Dutch

To wrap up your exploration, try saying “Merry Christmas” the Dutch way: Prettige Kerstdagen (pronounced pray-tee-guh kerst-dah-huhn).

It’s a fun phrase to practice with kids as they color the final page of the set.

Christmas in the Netherlands Books for Kids

To go along with our Christmas in the Netherlands coloring sheet, we like to include a few read-alouds that bring the culture to life. These two books have been especially fun to share during December:

The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving by Dandi Daley Mackall – This one gave us a great starting point to talk about who St. Nicholas really was. It focuses more on kindness and giving than presents, which fit in nicely with the spirit of Sinterklaasavond.

Sinterklaas by Kathy Dobson – A sweet and slightly whimsical story about a doll adrift at sea. It doesn’t retell the traditional legend but introduces Sinterklaas through a magical adventure that’s been fun to revisit year after year.

More Christmas Around the World Fun

Exploring how different countries celebrate Christmas has become one of our favorite December traditions. After finishing the Dutch Christmas worksheet, we like to continue learning with a few more:

• Christmas in Italy worksheet– Learn about La Befana, the kind-hearted witch who delivers gifts, and discover the unique foods and traditions that make Italian Christmas celebrations so special.
• Christmas in Germany worksheet – With Advent calendars, Saint Nicholas Day, and Christmas markets, Germany is full of festive traditions. My son especially enjoyed coloring the page with the Christkind.
• Christmas in Ireland worksheet – From lighting a candle in the window to celebrating St. Stephen’s Day, Irish holiday customs offer a warm and community-focused look at the season.
• Learn about different flags with our Christmas around the world worksheets.

Each printable set includes simple facts and coloring pages, making it easy to bring culture and geography into your holiday plans, without overwhelming your schedule.

We rotate through one or two a week leading up to Christmas, and it’s become a tradition we both look forward to.

Get Your Free Dutch Christmas Worksheets Here!

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free Netherlands worksheet.

Last Updated on 21 July 2025 by Clare Brown