Snow Globes
Give it a shake, set it down and watch the snow drift gently over a windmill, a canal or a little Dutch village: that is the charm of our Dutch snow globes. Here you will find water globes with traditional windmills, the mills of Kinderdijk, Amsterdam canal houses, kissing couples and cycling couples, from small to large. Many of our snow globes cost less than ten euros, making them a classic souvenir to take home or a thoughtful gift for someone who misses Holland.
Buy Dutch snow globes: Holland under glass
Few souvenirs are as instantly recognisable as the snow globe. Ever since the world fairs in Paris in the late nineteenth century, travellers have been taking home a tiny world under glass. Around 1900 the first dedicated snow globe workshop opened in Vienna, and since then the snow globe has become a fixture of souvenir shops all over the world. In the Netherlands they are just as often called a waterbol (water globe), but it is exactly the same thing: a globe filled with liquid and white flakes that slowly settle after every shake.
De Holland Winkel has been selling Dutch souvenirs since 2002. In this category we have brought together all our snow globes with a typically Dutch scene, from the Amsterdam canal ring to a polder landscape with cows and a windmill.
Which Dutch snow globes can you choose from?
Windmills and polder landscapes
The windmill is our most popular theme. Choose a tall Dutch gallery mill, the famous mills of Kinderdijk or a sweeping Dutch landscape with cows, tulips and a windmill by the water. Some snow globes even sit on a windmill-shaped base.
Amsterdam in the snow
Canal houses with stepped gables, little bridges over the water and Amsterdam towers. There are colourful city scenes, as well as versions with a gold-coloured base for a more elegant look.
Kissing and cycling couples
The kissing couple in traditional costume is a much-loved Dutch motif, as is a couple on a bicycle or sitting together on a bench. A romantic keepsake for couples, anniversaries or weddings.
Villages, the Zuiderzee and silver finishes
Prefer something nostalgic? Choose a Dutch village, a Zuiderzee scene or a snow globe with a silver-coloured or metal base bearing the word "Holland".
Small, medium or large
Our snow globes come in several sizes. A small water globe of around six to seven centimetres is perfect as a little giveaway or to tuck into your suitcase. Medium snow globes of eight to nine centimetres are the true classics. Looking for something that stands out on a windowsill or bookshelf? A large snow globe of ten centimetres or more, with a detailed scene, is a lovely choice.
Did you know that many Dutch windmills have a gallery, or stelling, around their middle? Because these mills often stood between houses or trees, they were built extra tall to catch enough wind, and the miller worked the sails from the gallery. Kinderdijk, with its nineteen windmills, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
A snow globe as a gift
- ✓For visitors: a typically Dutch souvenir that reminds you of your trip for years to come.
- ✓For Dutch expats: a familiar piece of home on the mantelpiece, wherever you live.
- ✓For the festive season: a snow globe is perfect for Christmas or Sinterklaas, as a gift or as wintry decoration.
- ✓For children: shaking a globe and watching it snow stays magical at any age.
- ✓For collectors: many people collect a snow globe from every country they visit. Holland belongs on that shelf.
Frequently asked questions about snow globes
What is the difference between a snow globe and a water globe? +
There is no difference: they are two names for the same thing. "Water globe" refers to the liquid inside, "snow globe" to the white flakes that drift down. You may also come across the names snowdome or snowstorm. In Dutch it is called a sneeuwbol or waterbol.
How do I keep my snow globe looking its best? +
Ideally, keep your snow globe out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, so the colours stay bright and the liquid stays clear. Avoid storing it anywhere it might freeze, such as a cold shed or loft.
Can you ship snow globes abroad? +
Yes. We ship our souvenirs within the Netherlands and worldwide, so you can easily send a Dutch snow globe to family or friends abroad. See our shipping costs page for all destinations.
Can I order snow globes in larger quantities? +
Certainly. Looking for snow globes as corporate gifts, for an event or for your own shop? Visit our B2B page or email info@hollandwinkel.nl.
Can I add a personal message? +
Yes, we include a free card with your personal message. Would you like the gift beautifully wrapped? Choose from our gift wrapping options.
Discover more Dutch souvenirs
Found your favourite snow globe? Our online shop has thousands of Dutch souvenirs and gifts. Why not pair your snow globe with a music box, a Delft Blue windmill or a Christmas ornament for the tree?