Halloween in the Netherlands

Halloween, which falls on October 31st, has been gaining popularity in the Netherlands, thanks to global cultural influences. The Dutch have embraced this ghostly holiday with open arms, and you can find many spooky decorations, costume parties, and pumpkin carving events across the country. Here are some key aspects of Halloween in the Netherlands:

Costumes and Trick-or-Treating

Much like in other countries, Dutch children nowadays love to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating, knocking on doors in their neighborhoods to collect candy. It's an exciting night for young and old alike. You may need to do some research and ask around which neighborhood participates as these are not the norm in the whole country. 

Pumpkin carving has been gaining traction in the Netherlands. Families gather to carve intricate designs into pumpkins, turning them into eerie lanterns to decorate their homes. Supermarkets now carry whole pumpkins in store for this, and there are also a few farms that have adapted it as well. You can research some farms that transform into pumpkin patches to welcome autumn and the spooky season. You will spot some houses with pumpkins on their doorstep as part of the autumn decorations. 

The Dutch love parties and bigger Dutch cities often host Halloween parties, allowing people to enjoy spooky-themed events. Some Dutch households and businesses eagerly adorn their spaces with cobwebs, skeletons, witches, and jack-o'-lanterns to create a spooky atmosphere. Wallibi annually prepares for the Halloween Spooky Nights where they deck the whole park with Halloween decorations.

Special Halloween treats, like spooky-shaped cookies and cupcakes, are available and enjoyed during this time. Halloween-themed candies can be seen in supermarkets (maybe not too distinct like the kruidnoten and Sinterklaas treats that are rampant as early as September). 

Sint Maarten in the Netherlands

Sint Maarten, celebrated on November 11th, has its roots in Dutch culture and is a delightful holiday for children. Unlike Halloween, which has global origins, Sint Maarten is unique to the Netherlands. Here's what makes it special:

Lantern Processions 

Sint Maarten is also known as St. Martin's Day, and it's a celebration of light. Children create colorful paper lanterns and participate in lantern processions. In some regions, they sing traditional Sint Maarten songs while carrying their lanterns. Many Dutch children look forward to crafting their lanterns and learning the traditional Sint Maarten songs in school.



Sweet Treats

Similar to Halloween, children go door to door, but instead of saying "trick or treat," they sing Sint Maarten songs and receive small gifts or sweets. Typically, these sweets include gingerbread cookies, chocolates, mandarines and marzipan.

Sint Maarten has historical roots, dating back to the legend of Saint Martin, who shared his warm coat with a beggar. This act of kindness is celebrated through the sharing of sweets and gifts. It is also fitting as World Kindness Day is also celebrated around the same date. Let me share the video of our first Sint Maarten experience in our neighbourhood:

@carolranas Sint Maarten is a Dutch tradition that we gladly experienced, now that we live in a small village.. #teamperez #sintmaarten #fyp #becarol #zandvoort ♬ Sinte Sinte Maarten - Sint Maarten

In conclusion, both Halloween and Sint Maarten offer unique and enjoyable experiences in the Netherlands. Halloween introduces a touch of spookiness to Dutch culture, while Sint Maarten highlights the country's strong sense of community and tradition. Whether you're a fan of ghostly celebrations or sweet, heartwarming traditions, the Netherlands has something for everyone during these two festive occasions. So, whether you're carving pumpkins or singing Sint Maarten songs, have a delightful time celebrating in Dutch style!

Billund is the charming Danish town that's practically synonymous with Lego! If you're a Lego enthusiast or looking for a fun and family-friendly destination, Billund is the place to be. This post will guide you through our family trip to Billund, highlighting the town's connection to Lego and all the must-see attractions, including our day at Legoland Billund.


Billund is a small town located in the heart of Denmark, but it's known worldwide as the birthplace of Lego. The beloved toy company was founded here in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, and today, it's home to the Lego Group's headquarters and Legoland Billund – one of the world's first and most iconic Legoland parks.


We drove our way to Billund from the Netherlands, which is a whooping 9-hour drive one way! Our journey started at 5:30AM and had two stops along the way, yet nothing stopped our excitement of reaching Billund. We have been to Legoland Germany, so we are definitely pumped to check out Legoland Billund.

Legoland Billund has some similar themes to Legoland Germany like the Miniland, Pirateland, Ninjago, and Duplo Land, mainly because those are the must-see attractions in all Legoland parks. Legoland Billund is launching a new area in their park namely The Ferrari Build and Race, which was unfortunately still closed when we visited. 

Summer may be the best time to visit Legoland because the weather is warm, but keep in mind that most people visit during the summer holidays so it will be crowded. We planned our trip during the May vacation when the weather is a bit forgivable given that it is springtime. Here's a glimpse of our Legoland trip:

Aside from the Legoland Billund Park, there are also places you can check out in Billund. The Lego House is an immersive museum that celebrates the creativity and innovation behind these iconic plastic bricks. Here you dive into the history of Lego and you can even build your Lego creations here! There is also an interesting restaurant called, Mini Chef, which we happily indulged in. Let me share with you how it went:

Aside from the Lego House and Legoland, there are still other places you can include in your itinerary for Billund. We sure did explore Billund during the spring break vacation. There is a Sculpture Park that you'll encounter if you choose to walk your way from Legoland Village to the Lego House. We strolled through this beautiful park filled with different Danish sculptures and art installations, which are sure to make the walk to Lego House very interesting.

Lalandia is also another place you can visit in Billund. This indoor waterpark and holiday center is perfect for a rainy day. It features thrilling water slides, wave pools, and relaxing spa facilities. It also includes an indoor playground for kids, restaurants, and cafes for parents, it is indeed a perfect spot for a holiday break. Here's a glimpse of our experience at Lalandia:

If you think we already explored everything in Billund, yes we did! Yet there are also nice places to check out that is a few minutes away from Billund like the Givskud Zoo and nice Danish town around Billund like Vejle, Kolding, and Jelling.


Overall, Billund is a Lego lover's paradise and an ideal destination for a family adventure. Whether you're exploring the town's Lego history or enjoying the excitement of Legoland Billund, this Danish gem promises unforgettable memories for both kids and grown-ups. So include Billund in your next school holiday plans!

Growing up, I was always fascinated with theme parks. Our family is quite big, so it is not often that we can go to a theme park because it can get quite expensive. When I have a chance to go on an adventure, I usually go to theme parks. My husband and I have our fair share of experiences in theme parks back in our home country. Now that we have a family, we try to let our son experience the thrill of theme parks even at a young age.

In the Netherlands, there is also a wide selection of theme parks for every kid at any age. We have visited the famous Efteling. And we also have brought our kid to Disneyland Paris. Now that our kid is getting bigger, we try to get him comfortable around theme parks as well. For his birthday (and meivakantie), we decided to bring him to Walibi.

Walibi Holland, formerly known as Walibi Flevo, is an awesome theme park located in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. It's a place where thrill-seekers and fun-lovers unite for a day of adrenaline-pumping adventures It was originally called "Flevohof" when it opened in 1971, then "Walibi Flevo" in the late '90s, and finally "Walibi Holland" in 2005.



Walibi is home to a bunch of exhilarating roller coasters and attractions. From "Lost Gravity" with its crazy inversions to "Untamed," which is the only hybrid coaster in the Netherlands, there's no shortage of heart-pounding experiences. One of the park's standout rides is "Goliath." It's a monstrous roller coaster that ranks as one of the tallest and fastest in Europe. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the drop is a real scream-fest!

We decided to visit Walibi mainly because of Walibi Play! This event is relatively new and it's all about gaming and e-sports, It's like a paradise for gamers. My son recently has been into Minecraft, and they are launching the new Minecraft Legends at Walibi Play. Let me share with you our video at Walibi.

If you're a fan of competitive gaming, you'll love Walibi Play. They have different areas where you can play e-sports like Minecraft, Call of Duty, FIFA and Fortnite. The event featured a massive gaming zone where you can play all kinds of video games. From retro classics like Pac-man and Mortal Combat to the latest releases like Mario Kart and Just Dance, there is no shortage of game experience. They also had VR headsets, arcade machines, and simulators. It's a gamer's dream come true.

You also get a chance to meet some of your favorite gaming personalities and YouTubers. It's a great opportunity to get autographs and take selfies with your gaming idols like Paraduze and the like. Aside from Walibi Play, we were able to try some of the rides in Walibi. I can say that most of the rides in Walibi are geared towards the older children for it has lots of adrenaline-pumping rides. 

Spring has sprung and so have our spirits!

The warmth of sunshine and the scent of flowers that start to bloom have filled our hearts with joy and renewed our zest for life.

In the Netherlands, every year we welcome Springtime with a festival of flowers, tulips in particular.
The Netherlands is world-famous for its tulips, and this fame can be traced back to the 17th century when "Tulip Mania" swept the country. During this time, tulip bulbs were so highly prized that they were considered a form of currency. Now, The Netherlands is one of the world's leading exporters of tulips, with millions of bulbs being shipped globally each year.


Let me share with you some places to check out to admire the beauty of spring through the tulip fields all across the Netherlands. These are fields across the country where farmers grow tulips for export and for local retail, some of them are open for visitors too. We decided to drive around some of these fields.1. Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens, often referred to as the "Garden of Europe," is a must-visit destination during the tulip season. The garden showcases an incredible display of tulips and other spring flowers. You can find a wide variety of tulip species and colors found in the Netherlands, from the classic vibrant red tulips to unique and rare tulip hybrids. 

@carolranas A visit to Keukenhof shouldn’t be missed this spring! You’ll see why Holland is world-known for its flowers. #teamperez #visitholland #keukenhof #tulpen #springvibes ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco

It's a huge park with millions of tulips and other flowers in all colors and shapes. The best time to visit the tulip fields is typically from mid-April to mid-May, highly recommended to book in advance as Keukenhoff is mostly packed with people, especially on the week when the flowers are in full bloom.

It seems like Procrastination has paid you a visit, my friend.

For my son's spring break vacation, we decided to have a quick getaway to a nearby city. We decided to check the city of Antwerpen. Antwerp (or Antwerpen) is a city of old-world charm, artistic treasures, and culinary delights. It is also a city that beautifully blends its rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Most Dutch people spend their weekends in this city being it is just a few hours away from the south of the Netherlands by public transport. 

We began our adventure by train from the Netherlands. From Amsterdam Central to Antwerpen Central, it was a quick 3-4 hours train ride. We arrived at the magnificent Antwerp Central Station, a true gateway to this Belgian gem.


As we disembarked from the train, the opulent Antwerp Central Station immediately stole our hearts. It's often touted as one of the world's most beautiful railway stations, and I wholeheartedly agree. The stunning architecture and intricate design set the stage for my adventure. We opted for accommodation nearby so we could take our time admiring the Central train station. 

From there,  we ventured into the interesting Belgian cobbled streets leading to the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). The Gothic grandeur of the cathedral was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It was still quite cold yet the atmosphere was welcoming. We had a quick snack at the Frites Atelier, a fries shop to experience Belgium's fries. Did you know that French fries originated in Belgium and not in France?

The afternoon was devoted to wandering the cobblestone streets around the Grote Markt (Grand Place). The historic guild houses, each with its unique charm, provided a picturesque backdrop picture. As the night enveloped the city, we decided to have a warm bowl of Ramen at Takumi for a comforting Asian food.

Day 2: Shop 'Til You Drop and More Grandeur

The second day was all about retail therapy. Antwerp's shopping district beckoned, offering a mix of trendy boutiques and high-end stores. As we strolled along Meir Street, I couldn't help but indulge in some retail therapy. It was a shopping paradise!

Lunch was a delightful affair in the heart of the city's Chinatown. Being a lifelong lover of Asian cuisine, I was craving flavors from home, and Antwerp's Chinatown did not disappoint. The aromatic dishes, bustling atmosphere, and warm hospitality made me feel right at home. We tried a Chinese store and had some hand-pulled noodles. 

We encountered some difficulty with most stores in Chinatown because they only accept Belgian bank cards. We asked around three restaurants and settled for the one that accepted our Dutch bank card. We went to a money changer and exchanged some cash using a money changer store at a competitive rate. If you plan on eating in Chinatown, it's best to carry some cash.

For dinner, We found a Beer Garden nearby and indulged in some of the finest beers Belgium has to offer. Belgium has one of the best beers in the world namely, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Chimay, etc..

Day 3: Wild Encounters and Family Fun

Our last day in Antwerp was spent at the Antwerpen Zoo. Antwerp Zoo is a place teeming with fascinating wildlife. It was a day of exploration and discovery, making it perfect for families (like us!)and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo's rich history and its commitment to conservation were truly admirable.

We spent half of our day at the zoo, mainly because the temperature was low and it was getting chilly walking around the zoo. There were not many animals out to see because they were still hibernating. We did see some apes and a few birds.

In the afternoon, we ventured to Plopsa, an indoor theme park where my kid had loads of fun. It was a family-friendly attraction that brought smiles and laughter to both young and young-at-heart visitors. It was a three-story park, with rides, games, and a food court, perfect for moms and dads to it for a cup of hot drink while the kids play. 

Our trip to Antwerp was short and sweet, yet we were still able to enjoy the city. All the places we visited were within walking distance of the central train station and our accommodation. It was tiring to wander the city in the cold, yet Antwerp had a lot of food choices that warmed up our bodies like Luikse waffles, coffee, fries, beer, and Asian comfort food. Here's a quick video of all the yummy things we devoured in Antwerpen.

@carolranas Weekend away in #Antwerp involved a lot of FOOD!! Ate a lot of food and left no crumbs.. #teamperez #travelmemories #foodie @imsosh ♬ Candy (edit) - Robbie Williams

So, whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a food lover, a shopaholic, or simply seeking family-friendly adventures, Antwerp is a city with something for everyone. It's a journey filled with architectural grandeur, culinary delights, and the zest for life. Until next time, Antwerp! 🚆🏛🍜🛍🎢🌍