9 things that expats in the Netherlands should be aware of by December 2022

You have one month left to decide if you're going to continue with your existing plan, move to a new one, or change insurers entirely now that all Dutch health insurance firms have revealed their premiums for 2023. The deadline is December 31, 2022, so you don't have a lot of time.

2. An additional 190 euros in energy bill reimbursement

Despite the fact that the autumn may have begun with gorgeous sunshine, the weather has changed, and winter is on its way (more on that later, though). You'll probably be relieved to hear that you'll be receiving an additional 190 euros in compensation to make up for the high cost of energy if you're concerned about how you'll make ends meet this month after paying for all the holiday expenses on top of the rising cost of living.

Similar to last month, you won't need to take any action to get this reduction; the majority of energy providers will automatically apply it to your monthly bill, while some will deposit the savings directly into your bank account.

3. Beginning on December 1, Dutch banks will increase interest rates.

Another bit of good news is that, starting on December 1, 2022, clients will start to get higher interest rates on their savings accounts after years of banks offering interest rates of 0%. Wish to learn more? Visit our guidance or the website of your bank.

4. NS will formally adopt the 2023 timeline.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) has been steadily reducing service as it transitioned to its new timetable for the following year, although the rail company's 2023 timetable won't be in force until December 11. Many of the changes have already been implemented, so be sure to visit the NS website or app for more information on what to anticipate and how it might effect your travel arrangements.

5. The Netherlands bids fall farewell and welcomes winter.

Winter does, in fact, begin in December, despite what you might have believed given that the Netherlands has already experienced its first snowfall of the year. You still have a few weeks left to enjoy the last few weeks of autumn before the 2022 winter season starts on December 21, 2022.

6. On Pakjesavond, Sinterklaas will visit well-behaved children.

Sinterklaas, another hugely significant Dutch holiday, occurs before Christmas. The Pieten will accompany good old Sinterklaas as he mounts his white horse on December 5 in order to deliver sacks of gifts and sweets to youngsters throughout the Netherlands before boarding his steamboat and sailing back to his home in sunny Spain.

7. In the Netherlands, schools are dismissed for the Christmas break

In case you forgot, the Christmas season is almost upon us. In addition to all the decorating and gift-giving that this time of year offers, it also means that Dutch schools will be closed for the winter vacations. The day of Sinterklaas, December 5, will see schools open, but they will be closed for two weeks between Christmas and New Year's. No matter where you reside, the holidays this year begin on December 23 and last on January 9. Children go back to school on January 9.

8. Finally, some working-day holidays!

Yes, it has taken a while, but come December, those who work in the Netherlands can finally look forward to taking advantage of a few public holidays. As previously noted, Sinterklaas will regretfully not grant you a free day; however, Tweede Kerstdag, or Boxing Day, on December 26 will.

The bad news is the Netherlands does not have a system where you receive back holidays that fall over weekends, and this year, both Christmas Day and New Year's Day fell on Sundays. This implies that December 27 and January 2 will not be public holidays, and if you don't schedule the time off with your company, you will probably be expected to work.

9. There are many meteor showers in December, ranging from Geminids to Ursids.

Last but not least, December 2022 will include not one but two meteor showers, with the Geminds peaking on December 14 and the Ursids peaking on December 22 and 23. The Geminds have the capacity to produce up to 120 meteors per hour. How joyful!

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