How Nelia Makes the Most of the Cold Months

By Nelia Solohub

When I first moved to the Netherlands, I didn’t think I’d ever get used to the dark, rainy winters. But somewhere between my first cup of gluhwein and my first attempt at skating on the Museumplein ice rink, something changed. I stopped fighting the weather and started enjoying the small things that make this season special.

These days, winter is one of my favorite times of the year. There’s something cozy about grabbing a hot chocolate after work, watching the lights reflect on the canals, and just slowing down a bit. And when it gets too grey, that’s my cue to pack a small bag and go exploring.

If you’re in the Netherlands during winter, my first piece of advice is simple: don’t hide indoors! Go to one of the ice rinks that pop up all over, grab a cup of gluhwein, and have some fun. You’ll probably slip at least once, but that’s part of the experience.

When it’s too wet for skating, I still find comfort in small things: an “oliebollen” from a food truck, a pumpkin-spiced latte, and walking around Amsterdam when the city lights are glowing. Even on the worst weather day, it still feels pretty great.

And if you ever need to really warm up, the thermal baths and spas here in the Netherlands are perfect for soaking the chill right out of your bones. There’s nothing better after getting caught in a cold rain shower on your cycle home or a long week.

I’m someone who always needs a bit of adventure, and travel is my favorite way to make winter, and my whole life if I’m honest, more exciting. Europe really comes alive at this time of year, and I love getting to see the Christmas magic in different cities.

Cologne in Germany, for example, is famous for it’s Christmas markets all over the world for a reason. It goes .All. Out. The markets are huge, full of lights, and you can just feel the holiday spirit everywhere. Vienna and Paris are also filled with so much magic in wintertime. And as a bonus, if you go to Vienna, you might get lucky and see some snow, which is a rare treat if you live in the Netherlands.

Hungary and Poland are two of my favorite hidden gems. They’re affordable, full of charm, and somehow still under the radar. Your euros go further, the food is amazing, and there’s always something new to see. Budapest, especially around Christmas, has such a great energy. And the Czech Republic keeps calling me back, maybe this year I’ll finally go.

Flights, especially last-minute ones, can get very expensive in winter. But that never really stopped us. My husband and I often take a FlixBus instead. Once, we went to Paris for just 100 euros return for both of us. Sure, it takes longer, but we just bring a book, a coffee for the road, and make it part of the adventure.

Bus tickets usually stay affordable, even when flight prices go up, so it’s a great way to travel if you’re spontaneous like us.

If the weather turns bad in the Netherlands, sometimes all you need is that one small change of scenery. Get on a bus, visit a new city, and warm up with some good food and mulled wine.

For me, winter isn’t about avoiding the cold; it’s about finding little moments that make it special. Drinking gluhwein on an ice rink in Amsterdam or getting lost in the Christmas markets in Budapest, are some of my favourite memories.

Even when it rains, I remind myself that I live in one of the coziest corners of Europe, with so many amazing places just a few hours away. And that’s something I never want to take for granted.