5 families
Personal attention
We are deliberately starting small so that we can give every family the time, care, and attention they deserve during our first edition.
🎄 First edition · Christmas dinner 2026
One day. Together around the table.A moment to simply enjoy each other’s company.
In 2026, Heart of the Holidays will host its very first Christmas dinner in Amsterdam, bringing five families together for a warm and festive day filled with joy, connection, and memorable moments.
Together with volunteers, partners and people across Amsterdam, we are building our first edition.
Our story
Why Heart of the Holidays?
Heart of the Holidays grew out of my own experience as a single father raising three young children. Even during difficult times, we always tried to make Sinterklaas and Christmas special. Those moments of being together, enjoying each other’s company, and creating happy memories have always stayed with me.
That experience showed me how meaningful it can be for a family to put everyday worries aside for a while and simply enjoy being together during the holidays.
With our very first Heart of the Holidays Christmas dinner in Amsterdam in 2026, we want to give five families that kind of moment. A day when everyday worries can take a back seat and there is time to eat together, laugh, and create lasting memories.
One day. Together around the table.A moment to simply enjoy.
First edition 2026
Starting small, with time for every family
In 2026, Heart of the Holidays will host its very first Christmas dinner in Amsterdam. For this initial edition, we will welcome five families for a warm and festive day where they can relax, enjoy the day and spend meaningful time together.
2026
Our first edition
This year, we are taking our first step with a single Christmas dinner for five families in Amsterdam. A small beginning with a meaningful purpose.
Amsterdam
Starting in Amsterdam
We are starting close to home and building Heart of the Holidays together with local residents, volunteers, and organisations across Amsterdam.
Christmas dinner
Sharing a meal together
A warm and festive day where families can share a meal, enjoy each other's company, and create meaningful memories together.
What we do
Bringing our first edition to life
Our first edition in 2026 centres on one Christmas dinner for five families in Amsterdam. Together with volunteers, partners, and community organisations, we want to create a warm and festive day where families can share a meal, relax, and enjoy time together.
Our first Christmas dinner
In 2026, we will host the very first Heart of the Holidays Christmas dinner: a festive gathering for five families in Amsterdam.
Preparing the meal together
Chefs and volunteers will work together to prepare a festive Christmas dinner with care and attention to every detail.
Making the day special
Where possible, we hope to include small surprises and extra festive touches to make the day even more memorable for the families.
Practical support
Volunteers will help with a range of practical tasks, including setting up the venue, transport, welcoming families, and supporting the event throughout the day.
Working together
Together with community organisations, local businesses, and other committed partners, we are building our first edition step by step.
Personal attention
It is about more than just a meal. Above all, we want to offer five families a warm and joyful day where they feel welcome, enjoy spending time together, and create lasting memories.
How it works
From referral to sharing a meal
For our first edition, we guide five families step by step towards the Christmas dinner. With personal attention, clear communication and thoughtful preparation, we want every family to feel welcome.
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01
A family applies or is referred
A family can apply directly or be referred by a community organisation or another trusted contact for our first edition.
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02
We make personal contact
We discuss the application and coordinate the practical details to ensure everything is prepared for the Christmas dinner.
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03
We prepare the day together
Volunteers, chefs and partners work together on the dinner and the preparations. Together, we make sure everything is ready to welcome the families.
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04
Sharing a meal together
On the day itself, it is all about good food, a welcoming atmosphere and personal attention. A moment for families to feel welcome and simply enjoy being together.
Future editions
Would you like to get involved in a future edition?
We have enough volunteers for our first edition in 2026. Interested in helping at a future edition? Tell us about your skills, talents and interests, and we can explore together how you could contribute.
Chefs
Help prepare a festive Christmas dinner at a future edition and contribute to a special dining experience for the families.
Kitchen team
Support the preparations and help ensure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen during a future edition.
Drivers
Where needed, help with transporting supplies, equipment or other essentials for future Christmas dinners.
Coordination
Contribute to the planning, organisation and coordination of a future edition.
These are a few examples of roles that may be useful at future editions. Other skills, talents and ideas are very welcome too.