This post may not seem very seasonal, but I was looking back through some old posts and realised I once planned a series on hidden corners of Holland. With a Dutch husband I visit a couple of times a year, but perhaps because it seems so familiar, I rarely write about it.

The small village of Liempde sits in the Dutch countryside near Boxtel and the city of Eindhoven. Every year between early December and twelfth night (6 January) dozens of villagers create nativity scenes from branches, stone and even Lego.

There are two ‘crib routes’ that you can follow to spot as many of the scenes as possible – the creativity on show is amazing. The tradition is in fact quite new, only running since 2012 and designed to brighten up the dark winter nights.

If you walk the route in the evening many of those taking part add lights to their nativity scenes, creating a festive and gezellig (cosy) atmosphere. Music and other entertainment also takes place on some weekends. It’s well worth a visit if you’re nearby at that time of year.

Have you ever visited the nativity scenes? I’d love to hear what you thought!