Tis the season to be jolly, and Amsterdam has no shortage of events sure to please friends, families, couples or solo roamers. Arts, culture, foodie heaven, gluhweiin and ice skating. Take your pick, or take them all. Here's our top places to check out this festive season...
Amsterdam Lights Festival 1st December - 22 January
Amsterdam lights up this festive season with over 35 instalments by international artists, designers and architects illuminating the canals and streets. Take a scenic boat trip through the waterways, or stroll down at the city streets at your leisure. Boat trips start at €12, and you can get deals with mulled wine, snacks and drinks
Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival 10th December - 5th February 2017
Be inspired by not only art, but intricately sculpted ice. Leading artists from around the world turn a whopping 550,000 km of ice into a winter wonderland that will enthrall people of all ages. For the first time the Dutch Ice Sculpture festival is making it to Amsterdam. Sculptures are as big as 6 metres high and all fall within the theme of Music Inspires €16.50
Ice Skating
Each year the question on everyone's minds is will the canals freeze over. Can we go ice skating? Luckily the city is set up regardless, with skating rinks to encourage winter swoonery. Musuemplein offers a picturesque venue against historic buildings, complete with tunes, mulled wine and poffertjes. Or head to epic sized Jaap Eden which hosts a 400m outdoor rink you can woosh around amongst fairy lights. They even have a Saturday night skating disco
Coppelia put on by the Dutch National Opera & Ballet is a romantic comedy ballet set in a juice bar. Yes, thats right a juice bar. Wonderful things can happen in a juicery. Modern twists on the original story bring this beautiful story to life with world class dancers and choreography
Christmas Market December 2016
Aanmelden conscious Christmas fair 18th December - organic markets for the stylish & sustainable do-gooders
Organic & sustainable Christmas market 11 & 18th December - the creators often sell you the products themselves, so can tell you about them first hand. They also boast healthy food and drinks
Haarlem 10-11th December - shop, eat and sing your heart out at this festive weekend market in quaint Haarlem
Museumplein 13-31st December - the square is transformed into an enchanting Christmas village full of Dutch food and drinks, fashion, markets and more
Natuurpark 17 December - a market in a park complete with warming fire pits, hearty food, drinks and fun for the whole family
Disney on Ice 28th - 31st December 2017
This is one for families (or die hard Disney fans) watch all your favourite Disney characters figure skate on ice and sing along to your favourite tunes. Tickets range from €20-55
Xmas Eve in the Artis 24 December 2016
Celebrate Christmas Eve frolicking with animals in enclosures surrounded by fairy lights, and see the lit up planetarium do a special show €14.95-24.95
Whatever you're into, there's something to entertain, thrill and inspire this season. It's a good reminder of all there is to be grateful for in this beautiful and charming city we're lucky enough to call home.