Forget the springtime tulip frenzy and the crowded summer canals. If you want to discover the true heart of the Netherlands, the moment the Dutch reclaim their cities for themselves, you need to visit in November. When the days shorten and a crisp chill sharpens the air, a unique kind of magic happens. The Dutch call it gezelligheid—a word that loosely translates to coziness, conviviality, and warmth, and you’ll find it everywhere you turn.
Lean into the moody skies and you’ll be rewarded with glowing canal houses, empty museums, and heartwarming traditions you won’t find any other time of year. Here are six reasons to embrace the Netherlands in November.
Read more: 6 Reasons Why November is the Secretly Best Time to Visit the Netherlands1. Dive into Gezelligheid at a Traditional Brown Cafe
Best for cozy, candlelit afternoons
This is your chance to experience gezelligheid in its natural habitat: the bruin café (brown cafe). Named for their dark wood interiors and walls stained by decades of smoke, these historic pubs are the living rooms of Dutch cities. As the autumn rain taps on the windows, you’ll find no better refuge. Squeeze into a candlelit corner, order a rich, dark bockbier or a steaming cup of chocomel (hot chocolate) with whipped cream, and let the hum of friendly conversation wash over you. It’s the ultimate Dutch hug in a mug.
2. Have World-Class Museums All to Yourself
Best for art lovers who hate crowds
Imagine standing in front of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” without a sea of selfie sticks blocking your view. In November, this dream becomes a reality. The hordes of tourists have vanished, leaving Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House blissfully quiet. You can linger, reflect, and truly connect with the masterpieces. Head to The Hague to gaze at Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” at the Mauritshuis in splendid peace. This is your VIP pass to Dutch culture.
3. Witness the Magical Arrival of Sinterklaas
Best for a dose of unique Dutch folklore
Forget Santa Claus—in the Netherlands, the main event is the intocht van Sinterklaas (the arrival of Saint Nicholas). Around the middle of November, the beloved bishop sails in from Spain on a steamship, docking in a different city each year for a nationally televised event, with smaller parades in nearly every town and city. You’ll see him riding his white horse, Amerigo, through the streets, joined by his cheerful helpers who toss handfuls of pepernoten (tiny gingerbread-like cookies) to excited children. It’s a joyous, utterly unique cultural spectacle.
4. See the Cities Glow at Dazzling Light Festivals
Best for enchanting evenings
The early sunset isn’t a drawback; it’s a canvas. November marks the beginning of light festival season, where Dutch cities transform into open-air art galleries after dark. The most famous is the Amsterdam Light Festival, which often kicks off at the very end of the month, but don’t miss GLOW in Eindhoven. This massive, week-long festival in mid-November sees breathtaking light installations projected onto the city’s most iconic buildings, turning a dark night into a mind-bending creative wonderland.
5. Brave a Windswept Walk on the North Sea Coast
Best for dramatic, soul-stirring nature
Lace up your boots, zip up your warmest jacket, and head for the coast. A walk along a Dutch beach in November is a powerful, multi-sensory experience. Feel the sting of the sea spray on your cheeks as you watch dramatic gray waves crash onto the sand. The wind will whip away the cobwebs and leave you feeling utterly invigorated. The best part? Many strandpaviljoens (beach pavilions) stay open, offering a warm sanctuary where you can thaw out with a bowl of hearty erwtensoep (thick split pea soup) while gazing out at the wild water.
6. Tuck into Hearty, Soul-Warming Winter Food
Best for foodies seeking comfort
Dutch cuisine was made for cold weather. This is the season for stamppot, the ultimate comfort food. It’s a simple, delicious mash of potatoes with vegetables like kale (boerenkool) or carrots and onions (hutspot), traditionally served with a smoked sausage (rookworst). You’ll find it on the menu in traditional restaurants and cafes across the country. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and gives you a true taste of Dutch home cooking.
Planning Tip Pack for all four seasons in one day. The Dutch weather is famously fickle, so layers are your best friend. A waterproof and windproof jacket is non-negotiable. Also, book museum tickets online in advance. Even though the crowds are smaller, securing your time slot for popular spots like the Anne Frank House is still essential.