eindejaarsvakantie

The term eindejaarsvakantie refers to the end‑of‑year vacation period observed in Dutch‑speaking countries. It literally means “end‑of‑year holiday” and is most commonly associated with the break that follows the regular school year. In the Netherlands, for example, the eindejaarsvakantie usually takes place during the last week of December and the first week of January, lasting about two to three weeks. The specific dates are set annually by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and are the same for all schools across the country. In Belgium, the break happens at roughly the same time, but the length and precise schedule can vary between the Dutch‑, French‑, and German‑speaking communities. In Suriname the period is similarly observed, though it is aligned with local calendars and customs.

The purpose of the break is to provide students and teachers a period of rest after the academic year, allowing time for school‑related projects to conclude and for families to spend time together. In the Netherlands the break is sometimes referred to simply as de feestvakantie, “the holiday.” It is an important part of national holiday traditions and is intertwined with Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve.

Outside of the educational context, the phrase is occasionally used more loosely to describe a holiday or break at the end of a busy period, such as a university or work year. The term is firmly rooted in Dutch culture, and its usage in public sources remains neutral and factual.