Congratulations, you’ve made it through the long days of January! As we head into the second month of the year, here’s what expats living and working in the Netherlands need to know for February 2025. 

1. Schools in the Netherlands close for spring holiday

While it may feel like the kids just returned to class, this month will see schools across the Netherlands close their doors for the spring holiday, also known as the voorjaarsvakantie (or the carnavalsvakantie or krokusvakantie). Schools in the North will be closed from February 15 to 23, while schools in the Central and South regions will shut from February 22 to March 2. 

2. Eurostar to run direct trains from Amsterdam to London again

Due to large-scale renovations at Amsterdam Centraal, Eurostar has been unable to run direct trains between Amsterdam and London since June 2024, with trains having to stop in Brussels for passport control. From February 10, the international train will once again run directly from the Netherlands to England. 

3. Viaplay to raise subscription prices in the Netherlands

Streaming service Viaplay will increase subscription prices in the Netherlands from February 3. Along with the higher cost, ads will also start being shown during streaming. A cheaper “Basis” subscription with ads will be available at 19,99 euros a month while anyone wanting to go without ads can choose the slightly more expensive “Standaard” plan at 21,99 euros - both plans cost more than the current 17,99 euros per month. 

4. KLM to start testing buy-on-board menu

Last year, KLM confirmed that they were considering an end to free sandwiches on European flights. Additionally, they started looking into alternative menu options that passengers could pay for. From mid-February, the Dutch airline will start testing out their buy-on-board menu for economy class on flights to Oslo, Porto and Lisbon, a KLM spokesperson told De Telegraaf. Passengers will still get their free snacks and drinks, while the new menu will be available for larger meals. 

5. Citizens of Vanuatu need a visa for the Netherlands 

For the 300.000 people who call the Pacific nation home, from February 4 citizens of Vanuatu will need a visa to visit the Netherlands and other members of the Schengen area. As of 2015, Vanuatu nationals have been exempted from short-stay visa requirements. 

However, due to the increased number of Vanuatu passports being issued to foreign investors, the EU determined that the visa-free system was now a security risk. As a result, all Vanuatu citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter the Netherlands.

6. WhatsApp to stop working for certain phones

If you are still holding on to your classic mobile phone, bear in mind that WhatsApp functionality will end on various older phones from February 2025. The change will affect all mobiles which use the KaiOS operating system - typically used by buttoned mobile phones like Nokias. 

Those affected by the change are advised to either switch to a newer phone or use an alternative messaging service.

7. Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands

February might still be a dreary month in terms of weather, but Valentine’s Day is one holiday that adds a bit of colour with major Dutch cities decked out in red and pink. Whether it’s a romantic dinner in Amsterdam with your significant other or a cosy night at home watching your favourite romcom with a friend - the day is fun for couples and single people alike. 

There are also bound to be some exciting events and discounts at several shopping malls around February 14, so be sure to keep an eye out!

8. Dutch carnaval season kicks off

While Ash Wednesday falls on March 5 this year, several Dutch cities will kick off their Carnaval celebrations at the end of February. From the Eindhoven Carnival to the Carnival Parade in Enchede, you can expect colourful costumes, traditional music and lots and lots of parade floats. Check out our guide to Carnaval in the Netherlands to find out more about the festivities. 

Thumb image credit: ColorMaker / Shutterstock.com