Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 26 November this year. In the Netherlands it is a normal working day: no long weekend, no parade, and your Dutch colleagues may not know it is happening. So plenty of hosts move the dinner to the weekend, and a "Friendsgiving" with whoever is around becomes the tradition. Here is what to know, what to wear, and when to order if you want something new for it.
Thanksgiving has a Dutch chapter
Before the Pilgrims sailed to America, many of them lived in Leiden for about a decade. Their minister, John Robinson, stayed behind and is buried in the Pieterskerk, the big church in the old centre. Every year on Thanksgiving morning that church holds a non-denominational service, organised by Overseas Americans Remember, that people of every faith and nationality are welcome to join (DutchNews). In recent years it started at 11:00 and entry was free; check pieterskerk.com for this year's time before you go.
What the evening asks of your clothes
A normal November in the Netherlands averages 7.0 °C at De Bilt (KNMI), it is dark before five, and there is a good chance you arrive by bike or on foot from the tram. Inside, an apartment full of people and an oven that has been on all afternoon is warm. Three rules follow from that:
- Something you can cycle in. Trousers, or a dress with opaque tights. Not a hem you have to hold.
- One warm knit, not three layers. A good jumper is enough indoors; the coat does the outdoor work.
- Clean boots, good socks. Some homes here ask you to take your shoes off at the door. Wear boots that are easy to slip off and socks you don't mind showing.
Two looks for the evening
- Dinner at a friend's: a ribbed knit midi dress in mocha with wide batwing sleeves, and black Chelsea ankle boots with a zip. Soft and a little dressed up; add a long coat for the ride over.
- Hosting at home: a long-sleeve dress in chocolate brown with a square neckline and a flared skirt, opaque black tights and the same boots. Easy to move in for a day in the kitchen, smart enough when the doorbell goes.
Every piece in both looks ships from our European partner warehouse, usually in 3 to 10 working days. To have it by Wednesday 25 November, order by Wednesday 11 November. The delivery estimate is on each product page.
What to bring if you're a guest
- Ask what's missing. Many expat Thanksgivings are potlucks, and a host with three pies and no vegetables will be glad you asked.
- Bring something for the host. Flowers are the Dutch default and always welcome.
- Explain it to a Dutch friend. If you invite colleagues, tell them what to expect: a long meal, a lot of food, and the question of what everyone is thankful for. Most will love it.
Friendsgiving, made a little easier
Far from home, the people around the table are often new friends, colleagues and neighbours. Three small things help it come together:
- Put it in your Wow Kalender. Add the dinner and the people you are inviting. You can invite them to share a few wishes, like their size or the colours they love, and you get a reminder three weeks and one week before, with a look that fits your budget. Open your Wow Kalender.
- Ask Lucy what to wear. Tell Lucy, our AI stylist, "Friendsgiving at a friend's flat, I'm cycling there, size M", and she suggests pieces for the evening. Today's price and sizes are on each product page.
- Send a postcard. Thanksgiving is about who you are thankful for. If someone comes to mind, send them a free thank-you card. It costs nothing and it says more than a message in a group chat.
- Know the story. Thanksgiving starts in Leiden. Read it in five short chapters, and start one small tradition that is a habit by New Year.
Questions expats ask
Is Thanksgiving a holiday in the Netherlands?
No. It is a normal working day, which is why many dinners happen on the weekend after.
Where can I celebrate Thanksgiving in the Netherlands?
The best-known public event is the Thanksgiving morning service in the Pieterskerk in Leiden, where the Pilgrims lived before they sailed. Check the church's website for this year's time.
What should I wear to a Thanksgiving dinner here?
Something warm you can cycle in: trousers or a dress with opaque tights, one good knit, and boots. It is around 7 °C on a normal November day and dark before five.
Not sure about a size? Ask Lucy, our AI stylist, in the chat on any page. And if something does not fit, you have 14 days after delivery to send it back.
Sources: DutchNews, Hundreds gather at Leiden's Pieterskerk for Thanksgiving (2024) · Pieterskerk Leiden, pieterskerk.com · KNMI, monthly overview November 2023 (normal 1991–2020).
