kerstvakantie

Kerstvakantie, or Christmas vacation, is the winter school holiday in the Netherlands and in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium (Flanders). The name refers to the Christmas season, and the holiday typically lasts about two weeks, spanning the end of December into the first days of January. The exact dates are determined by local school calendars and can vary between municipalities, school networks, and years. In general, many schools close for the Christmas period, beginning in the final week of December and ending in the first week of January.

During kerstvakantie, families often travel or visit relatives, and many communities host Christmas markets, lights, and festive events. The break commonly coincides with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, though observances and travel plans differ. For some people, the vacation includes winter sports or short trips to nearby cities or mountain destinations.

The holiday is one of several school breaks used to divide the academic year. It is widely recognized by schools, parents, and students, and it influences tourism and retail during the winter season. While the term is specific to Dutch-speaking regions, other countries have similar winter breaks or “Christmas holidays” with comparable social and cultural implications.