A guide to holidays and festivities in the Netherlands
30 September 2025
Image from Jan de Ridder
Events for internationals in Amsterdam this month
Updated 16 December 2025 at 10:23
Each month, the Amsterdam area plays host to an incredible range of things to do. Lots are accessible to non-Dutch speakers while still letting you get involved with your local community and explore aspects of Dutch culture. This winter, don’t miss ice skating, circus shows and a new exhibition about the history of Jewish life in the city.
Stadshart on Ice
Image from Winter Village Amstelveen
Throughout the winter months, Amstelveen’s Stadshart in the city centre is home to an ice rink with a varied programme for visitors of all ages. Toddler skating sessions make sure the little ones can take their first steps on the ice, there are skating lessons from professional instructors for the older children and disco skating sessions for the grown-ups.
THUIS. The feeling of home in contemporary art
At this exhibition in Rembrandt’s former residence, contemporary artists reflect on the theme of home. With works by Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Arash Fakhim, Foundland Collective, Arjan van Helmond, Gvantsa Jgushia, Polina Medvedeva, Neda Mirhosseini, Olphaert den Otter, Satijn Panyigay, Pris Roos, Maria Roosen, Tian Teng and Pink de Thierry alongside art by Rembrandt.
tick, tick… BOOM!
Image from Theater De Landing
This off-Broadway musical is an autobiographical work by Jonathan Larson, best known for his hit RENT. Set in the New York of the early 1990s, tick, tick… BOOM! tells the story of ambitious composer Jon, who is struggling to find work. As his 30th approaches, he begins to wonder if he’ll ever hit the big time.
Mokum – The biography of Jewish Amsterdam
The Nieuwe Kerk concludes Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary year with an exhibition dedicated to the multifaceted and turbulent history of Jewish life in the city – from the 16th century when Jewish refugees first arrived in the city to today’s diverse community.
Amsterdam in Motion
Curated by the Amsterdam Museum on occasion of the city’s 750th anniversary, this multimedia experience features a gigantic 200 m2 model of Amsterdam, where the city’s past, present and future come to life with projections, animations and a powerful sound system.
Realist to the grave – Aat Veldhoen
Museum Tot Zover, which is dedicated to death, funerary rites and related themes, showcases works by Amsterdam artist Aat Veldhoen (1934–2018), known for his colourful, vibrant paintings.
Circus Zanzara
The new show by Circus Zanzara, ‘The Art of Making Art’, is a poetic, musical and humorous journey taking the form of an imaginary look behind the scenes of a circus, shedding light on the chaos, beauty and vulnerability of the creative process.
Pub Quiz
Test your general knowledge (and your competitive streak) at this pub quiz taking place regularly in Amsterdam Oost. Questions are kept at an achievable level and are in English, though Dutch is available on request. The maximum group size is 5, and you can find co-competitors in a dedicated WhatsApp group. The winners get €50 off their bar tab – as well as eternal fame and glory, of course.
Amsterdam Gala Orchestra
Nestled in a serene courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages, the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof provides a perfect setting for a winter concert by the Amsterdam Gala Concert. The catchy (if not particularly Christmassy) programme includes Bach’s Air, the Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem and Spring and Summer from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Those that like it more seasonal should note that the church also offers a family service on Christmas Eve.
World Christmas Circus
The World Christmas Circus is a stalwart of Amsterdam’s festive cultural programming, and it returns this season for its 39th year at the Royal Theatre Carré. The show features countless stars of the ring set to transform Carré back into what it was originally designed to be: a circus ring. A particular highlight this year: Golden Clown winners The Flying Caballeros, who are set to take their Grand Flying Trapeze act to breath-taking new heights.
Internationals Get-Together
It’s Hawaiian vibes for the Internationals Get-Together this December. Meet other internationals as well as locals at this welcoming and relaxed drinks event organised by AIC.
Funky Xmas Market
Image from Funky Xmas Market
The days may be short and the nights dark, but you can brighten up any day with a visit to a Christmas market. And the Funky Xmas Market is one of Amsterdam’s best. At this festive edition of the much-loved Sunday Market, designers, artists and other creatives sell interior accessories, art, fashion and design items directly to the public. Plus, there’s live music and plenty of food and drink.
Pure Markt
Image from Pure Markt Wintereditie
This market has more than 90 food and drink stalls, farmers, knowledgeable producers and artisans, delis and selected non-food vendors, plus music, outdoor seating and generally good vibes – beats the supermarket any day.
Tulip Day
Each third Saturday in January, Amsterdam marks the start of the tulip season by creating a tulip-picking garden. Up to 200,000 tulips are on display at Museumplein, and everyone is welcome to pick a bunch for free.
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Whether you’re new to the Amsterdam Area or have been living here for years, our newsletter is designed to help internationals make the most of life in this vibrant region.
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