ONE HOLIDAY FIVE COUNTRIES
Destinations take on a special magic during Christmas time when lights twinkle, huge
Christmas trees astound, holiday music surrounds us, and traditional foods scent the air.
Although our recommended restaurants are open during Christmas, it’s a good idea to
check ahead for any eateries and sights.
AMSTERDAM
The legendary Santa Claus supposedly originated in Holland,
but the real Saint Nicholas was a
Christian bishop who lived from 280
A.D. to 343 A.D. in Turkey. Helping
children and the poor, he became
associated with gift-giving. The custom spread throughout Europe and
America’s Dutch colonies. Today, St.
Nicholas Day is celebrated Dec. 5th
and 6th, when Sinterklaas arrives by
boat; however, Christmas continues
through December.
History and legend retain vital
roles in this city where vivid decorations trim 17th-century houses
and churches, and lights line humpback canal bridges, for a magical
look. A 66-foot-tall Christmas tree
136 FOOD TRAVELER | WINTER 2013
dominates Dam Square in Centrum,
the city center. It twinkles with
40,000 energy-saving fairy lights.
A large Christmas Fair crops up on
Rembrandtplein in the Museum Quarter, near the Anne Frank House. Huts
are decorated with flashing lights and
Santa Clauses “Ho, ho, ho”-ing all over
the place. Sip from steaming mugs of
spiced hot chocolate, taste on-the-spot
HOLLAND TOURISM
1
A 66-foot-tall
Christmas tree
dominates Dam
Square in Centrum,
the city center.
It twinkles with
40,000 energysaving fairy lights.