- Tree goes up
- Typically after Sinterklaas (5-6 December), since Sinterklaas and Christmas are treated as distinct, sequential celebrations
- Tree comes down
- 6 January (Epiphany), broadly in line with the rest of continental Europe
- Local superstition
- No strong distinctive superstition documented; general “don’t linger past Epiphany” norm applies.
Why that date
The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) as the primary early-December gift-giving occasion; Christmas trees are generally not put up until after this has passed, to avoid the two festivities overlapping.
What actually happens
The clear sequencing of Sinterklaas (5/6 Dec) before Christmas tree decorating is the most distinctive Dutch nuance — many households deliberately delay the tree so as not to compete with Sinterklaas.
Taking it down again
6 January (Epiphany), broadly in line with the rest of continental Europe. No strong distinctive superstition documented; general “don’t linger past Epiphany” norm applies.
If you would rather not have this argument again next year, the calendar reminder on the home page will put both dates straight into your phone.
Sources
Other countries
When the answer is finally yes
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