New Year's Day Description
New Year's Day is a national public holiday marking the first day of the Gregorian calendar. The Dutch celebrate with fireworks displays on New Year's Eve, a tradition particularly intense in cities like Rotterdam and The Hague. On the day itself, many participate in the "Nieuwjaarsduik" (New Year's dive), plunging into the icy North Sea at Scheveningen and other beaches. Public offices, banks, and most businesses close. The traditional treat is "oliebollen," deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar.
