The twinkling lights have been strung up and festive decorations have started appearing across cities in the Netherlands, telling us that we have finally made it to December! As we prepare for the holiday season, here’s what expats living and working in the Netherlands need to know about for the last month of 2024.

1. Additional Dutch border controls come into effect

While you make your preparations to visit family abroad, remember to expect some delays when crossing over into other countries as the Netherlands will introduce extra border checks from December 9. While regular checks are in place, taking your passport and residence permit along is advisable if you are crossing the Dutch border.

2. Deadline to change Dutch health insurance for 2025

With the increasing costs of health insurance next year, you might want to adjust your current plan or change health insurance providers. It is important to note that if you plan to do this, you only have until December 31 to make the switch for 2025.

3. NS switches to 2025 transport timetable

From December 15, Dutch public transport provider NS will move over to its new timetable for 2025. As part of the changes, the company plans to run no less than 1.600 extra trains per week to make journeys faster, easier and more flexible. 

The most noteworthy improvements include extra trains running from Schiphol Airport and between Rotterdam and The Hague. The Intercity Direct will also follow a new route and stop at more stations.

4. High-speed train service between Amsterdam and Brussels to launch

Local public transport isn’t alone with its improvements, as NS is also launching a new train connection from Amsterdam to Brussels. The high-speed service embarking on December 15 will see travellers reach their destination 45 minutes sooner and will also have double the number of trains running with more flexible travel times.  

5. Discovery+ in the Netherlands comes to an end

In June 2024, Discovery+ was absorbed into HBO Max and now the time has come to say an official farewell to Discovery+ in the Netherlands. From December 9, subscriptions for the streaming service will come to an end and automatically be moved over to HBO Max. 

6. Final shipping dates for Christmas packages from the Netherlands

December is often a rush of shopping to get Christmas gifts for all your friends and family. If you’re living away from home or in a different country from your loved one, it’s also important to make sure you send off all your Christmas goodies in good time so that the lucky recipients get their gifts before the holiday. Check out the deadline for posting your Christmas packages from the Netherlands.

7. Dutch schools break for Christmas holidays

As the festive season gets into full swing, the kiddies will be at home for the holidays. Schools in the Netherlands will close their doors for Christmas vacation from December 21 until January 5. Luckily, there are lots of Christmas markets and other events to keep the little ones busy while they’re off school.  

8. Sinterklaas and Christmas in the Netherlands

Before you start your countdown to Christmas, there is another extremely important Dutch celebration to remember: Sinterklaas. As the Dutch equivalent of Christmas, children will be full of excitement to receive their presents during pakjesavond (present night), also known as St Nicholas’ Eve on December 5. 

While Sinterklaas may not be a public holiday in the Netherlands, Christmas certainly is! In fact, we can look forward to three public holidays over the holiday season: Christmas Day on December 25, Boxing Day (also known as Tweede Kerstdag) on December 26 and New Year’s Day on January 1. 

Happy holidays!

For those celebrating Christmas, the team at IamExpat wishes you a wonderful day and a Happy New Year to all! May 2025 make all our expat dreams come true!