A Sneak Peek Next Door: CEBO Christmas Dinner at Forteiland IJmuiden

You don’t always have to go far to experience something special. Just across the water from CEBO’s own bunker lies Forteiland IJmuiden, where colleagues gathered for the annual CEBO Christmas dinner. 

An evening at a unique location, marking the end of the year and recognising the efforts of the team.

Forteiland IJmuiden is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a late 19th-century ring of 42 forts that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort at IJmuiden is the largest and most distinctive of the series, providing an impressive historical setting for the evening.

The event began with a boat crossing, departing right outside the CEBO premises. On board, guests were welcomed with a local IJmuiden liqueur, setting a relaxed tone from the start. Upon arrival at the island, a warm reception followed, featuring hot chocolate, mulled wine and freshly baked treats.

Before dinner, colleagues could choose from several activities, including an interactive pub quiz or a guided tour of the fort. During the tour, a number of rooms had been arranged to reflect how the fort looked during the Second World War, adding historical context and depth to the experience. After the activities, guests enjoyed an extensive and well-prepared buffet. In a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, there was plenty of opportunity to connect and reflect together.

The event was organised by CEBO's Maarten Huijer and Stefan de Doodt from the social committee. Thanks to their efforts and the PBN team, the evening ran smoothly and was very well received.