Top 12 holiday season events
This holiday season there's no shortage of festive events going on in Amsterdam. Christmas shows, markets, winter festivals, ice skating, even the circus has come to town. Get amongst the wintry fun.
Festive cheer
Amsterdammer's love for the word 'gezellig' (meaning: similar to 'cosy' but used in a broader sense) is seen no more fittingly than over the holiday period, when the city's 'village' charm shines in fairy lights, snugs up in warm cafes and bars and brims with silly season spirit.
We've made a list (and checked it twice) of the top twelve things to do (one - for each day and in no particular order) in Amsterdam over the festive period.
Top 12 holiday events in 2011/2012
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The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at Amsterdam's Muziektheater, 15 December to 1 January 2012 - The Dutch National Ballet perform the modern Dutch twist to the classic fairytale ballet, perfect for Christmas time.
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Christmas shopping - Soak up the Christmas atmosphere while on the hunt for gifts in the charming '9 Streets' neighbourhood of Amsterdam or get into the hustle and bustle of it all at the city's high street stores and shopping centres. To give you more shopping time, most stores have extended opening hours on certain days during the holiday season.
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World Christmas Circus 2011 at the Royal Theatre Carré, 22 December to 8 January 2012 - A modern circus featuring international artists brings all the fun of the fair to the festive season.
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WinterParade at the Oude Kerk, 21 - 26 December - The winter version of the classic festival full of live acts and performances. This year, the Winterparade again allows you to join 500 other guests on a 120 metre long table for a festive menu and stacks of entertainment.
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Ice Skating, throughout the city. Get your skates on and glide around the Jaap Edenbaan or head to the smaller rinks at Museumplein (open 21 December to 27 February 2012), Leidseplein or Winterland at Rembrandtplein. And then warm up with a hot meal and a drink at one of the nearby cafes!
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Pink Christmas - citywide - 'Don we now, our gay apparel.' Commonly known as the Winter Gay Pride, Pink Christmas comes to town from 14 to 27 December featuring theatre, shows, ice skating events, club nights and a whole lot more. Check the Pink Christmas website for the latest programme.
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Palazzo, throughout the festive season - Celebrate Christmas in style at the world famous Palazzo. Set in a traditional 19th-century 'mirror tent', tuck into a mouth-watering four-course dinner and be dazzled by the show featuring theatre, acrobatics, comedy, magic and illusion.
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Paradiso's Christmas Matinee, 26 December - The all-star Paradiso Orchestra and guests pump a dose of musical life into Boxing Day to help blow way the turkey and wine induced hangover.
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Classical music performances - Christmas comes alive in Amsterdam in a fantastic collection of classical and choral concerts at venues throughout the city.
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Tangomagia 2011, 26 - 30 December - Amsterdam becomes the capital of Argentine tango for five fiery days and nights during the festive season. Keep out the winter chill with performances, workshops and dancing events throughout the city!
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Christmas markets are a great place to lap up the yuletide atmosphere and pick up out-of-the-ordinary presents not to be found on the high street.
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New Cool Collective at the Melkweg, 29 December. This 19-member big band are back for a magical December performance. Over the years, the New Cool Collective has amassed a huge following thanks to its unique blend of jazz, dance, Latin, salsa, afrobeat and boogaloo. It’s time for a Christmas dance!
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