8 things that expats in the Netherlands should know

With the arrival of autumn, leaf color and cooler weather are not the only changes affecting the Netherlands this month. From the change to daylight saving time to the long-awaited return of the Amsterdam Dance Event, here’s what expats living and working in the Netherlands can expect in October 2024.

1. Higher child benefit for Dutch families

The increase in the Dutch minimum wage in July means families entitled to child benefit (kinderbijslag) will receive a higher benefit. Although the higher rates technically took effect in July, recipients will only receive the new amount for the first time from October 1.

2. Second wave of strikes across the Netherlands

The week of strike action that took place in September was just the beginning, as the Dutch Trade Union Confederation (FNV) had already announced that a second wave of strikes lasting several days would take place from October 14. The association has not yet provided details on the sectors affected, but mentioned that it will be a coordinated effort covering all sectors such as industry, transport and metalworking.

3. Dutch schools closed for autumn holidays

It may seem like the summer holidays are over, but children in the Netherlands will be happy to hear that it’s time for schools to close for the fall holidays. Schools in the northern and central regions of the country will be closed from October 26 to November 3, while schools in the south will be closed from October 19 to 27.

4. Disney+ advertising subscription available in the Netherlands

A cheaper Disney+ subscription, which displays ads while streaming movies and TV shows, will be available in the Netherlands from October 17. Standard subscriptions will also be more expensive for existing customers, with prices increasing by approximately €3 to €13.99 per month, unless they choose the cheaper ad-supported subscription, which only costs €5.99 per month.

5. Amsterdam 750 Grand Opening Concert

In 2025, the Dutch capital will officially celebrate its 750th anniversary, and to celebrate the occasion, Amsterdam is organizing a huge, year-long event. The celebrations will begin with a grand opening concert on Amsterdam’s birthday, October 27, 2024. It will be an evening of music and dance performances paying tribute to Amsterdam.

6. Amsterdam Dance Event returns to the capital of the Netherlands

ADE is back for partygoers in the Dutch capital! The 2024 Amsterdam Dance Event will take place from October 16–20. The festival will feature performances by various music legends, from Timbaland to Martin Garrix and everyone in between.

7. End of summer time in the Netherlands

You may have noticed that the days are getting shorter and the evenings are falling earlier, and we all know what that means: it’s time to turn back the clocks! Daylight saving time ends on October 27, so be sure to turn back the clock one hour when the time comes.

8. Meteor showers will appear over the Netherlands

In October, the sky over the Netherlands is decorated with two meteor showers: the Draconids and the Orionids. If the weather remains clear, your best chance of seeing the passing stars will be at the peak of October 8-9 for the Draconids and October 20-21 for the Orionids.