Ursids meteor shower to bring a spectacular Christmas show to the Netherlands

The countdown to Christmas is starting with a sparkle in the Netherlands with the Ursid meteor shower, which is set to peak on the night of December 21, 2025, right ahead of the Christmas holidays. 

Catch the Ursid meteor shower as it peaks on December 21

Adding a little more sparkle to Christmas, the Ursid meteor shower is set to be visible from the Netherlands this week and next, peaking in the skies on the night of December 21. The starry shower will be visible from December 17 to 26 and will reach its zenith next week. 

On December 21 and 22, the shower's current is set to be relatively strong and the conditions are made even riper by the fact that the moon is a thin waxing crescent, and will set early in the evening, darkening the night sky and making the shooting stars even brighter. 

The best views of the shower are expected to last around two hours and will offer up to 10 shooting stars per hour, at least if the weather goes along with the plans.

What are the Ursids and how can I spot them?

The Ursids meteor shower looks as though it radiates from the constellation Ursa Minor - hence the name - but the actual source is debris left behind by the comet 8P / Tuttle. Although often overshadowed by the more prolific Geminids, which peaked earlier this month, the Ursids can sometimes surge to a peak of 25 shooting stars per hour, adding a sprinkle of starlight to some of the longest nights of the year. 

For your best chance of getting a glimpse of a few shooting stars, head out of the city to an area with little to no artificial light, like a national park. Avoid looking at your mobile phone, as this can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the dark, and keep your fingers and toes crossed that the conditions stay clear!