5 Reasons to spend the festive season in Amsterdam

1. Amsterdam offers fun festive shopping

Why wrestle with the crowds in stuffy shopping malls when you can find unusual, quirky and thoughtful gifts in one of Amsterdam’s enchanting little boutiques or specialty stores? You’re guaranteed to have fun exploring characteristic shopping streets like the Haarlemmerstraat in the Jordaan, the Spiegelkwartier and Negen Straatjes. And with a range of goods from gourmet treats to priceless gems, you won’t go home empty handed. A little busier but always inspiring, de Bijenkorf department store is also a great hunting ground for festive shopping. Shopping is made easier with additional late night shopping hours leading up to Christmas. There are also plenty of Christmas markets to visit.

2. Eat, drink and be merry in Amsterdam

Home to nearly 1500 restaurants, bars and cafés, you won’t go hungry or thirsty in Amsterdam. Why not book a special dinner at one of the dinner shows or dinner cruises? Then enjoy drinks at one of the many lively watering holes or comedy venues near Leidseplein, before partying the night away at a world-class clubs like Jimmy Woo’s or Escape. A very merry Christmas indeed – but do book way in advance to avoid disappointment!

3. Amsterdam has oodles of Christmas cheer

Ranging from carillons on churches and towers to the bells being played by street musicians and in performances by orchestras and bands, plenty of real Jingle Bells will be ringing all over Amsterdam throughout the festive period. They will be complimented by carol singers, Christmas concerts, markets and fairy lights across the city. Many of the canal bridges are also decorated with lights making them particularly festive on winter evenings.

4. Festive entertainment in Amsterdam

Although we can’t predict whether it’s going to be a white Christmas this year in Amsterdam, you will definitely be able to skate in the centre of the city. Ice-skating rinks are set up at various locations and to warm up afterwards there are plenty of stalls offering restorative refreshments and traditional Dutch treats like Oliebollen (similar to doughnuts - but better). Other festive entertainment includes the Winterparade, World Circus, cabaret and concerts. And there’s always a variety of seasonal programming at cultural venues and attractions across the city.

5. Dutch Gezelligheid makes the festive season sparkle

Gezellig is a Dutch word that really can’t be translated into English. It means something like cosy-convivial-merry and warm-and-fuzzy all in one. The best way to find out what gezellig really means is to come to Amsterdam this festive season and find out for yourself! But as gezelligheid is a key ingredient to a very memorable Christmas and New Year, Amsterdam is certainly the place to be this festive season!

With loads of good cheer, Amsterdam has all the ingredients for a very merry Christmas and joyous New Year!

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