A guide to holidays and festivities in the Netherlands
30 September 2025
Events for internationals in Amsterdam this month
Updated 11 November 2025 at 11:14
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 November and December, don’t miss the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Stedelijk’s Erwin Olaf exhibition, a musical celebration of the independence of Suriname, and a triple bill of markets: a Christmas market, a farmers’ market with fresh produce as well as plenty of food stalls, and a yard sale for plants.
THUIS. The feeling of home in contemporary art
At this exhibition in Rembrandt’s former residence, contemporary artists reflect on the theme of home. Including works by Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Arjan van Helmond, Maria Roosen, Tian Teng, Pink de Thierry and others, alongside art by Rembrandt.
IDFA
Each November, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) transforms Amsterdam into a paradise for documentary film fans. Held since 1988, IDFA is the world’s largest documentary festival. It features lectures, workshops and over 300 films that tell stories about life around the world.
Arrival of Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas’ arrival in Amsterdam in mid-November traditionally marks the official start of the city’s festive season. This year, he’s coming in by steamboat!
Jazz concerts at the Conservatory
Meet the jazz stars of tomorrow, as students from the Conservatory of Amsterdam play regular gigs at the Conservatory’s Blue Stage.
Internationals Get-Together
Meet other internationals as well as locals at this welcoming and relaxed drinks event organised by AIC. And get ready for the Sinterklaas edition, where you can delve into festive traditions by joining the Secret Santa game.
KleuterSinfonietta children’s concert – Speelgoedfabriek Tokkel en Strijk
Image from Caroline-Ellerbeck
This joint production by Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the Concertgebouw transforms the Concertgebouw main hall into a toy factory, where everyone is welcome to string, strum, hum and sing… and turn the place upside down in the process. For ages 4 & 5; in Dutch.
A Firi Fu Fri – 50 Years of Independent Suriname
The Muziekgebouw celebrates the 50th anniversary of Surinamese independence with a special evening featuring the brass ensemble Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, singer Denise Jannah and the close harmony group Black Harmony. A Firi Fu Fri translates as ‘the feeling of freedom’ – expect a celebratory and inspiring evening.
Pure Markt
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.
De Tuinen Van
Plant lovers and owners of green fingers, watch out: there’s a warehouse plant sale every first weekend of the month in Amsterdam. Get houseplants and garden plants of all sizes at significant discounts.
Christmas Market Haarlem
Image from Koen Smilde
One of the biggest – and most fun – Christmas markets in the country, Haarlem’s offering has more than 350 stalls spread out across 12 locations in Haarlem’s city centre.
Händel’s Messiah
Naarden’s wonderful Grote Kerk is well worth a journey – and it’s a fitting location for the traditional advent production of Händel’s Messiah by the Nederlandse Händelvereniging. Make it a daytrip and explore the spectacular fortifications of the medieval city before heading to the performance of Händel’s glorious choral work, a setting of English texts from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter.
Erwin Olaf – Freedom
Image from John Lewis Marshall
The Stedelijk presents the first museum retrospective of Erwin Olaf, one of the most prominent Dutch photographers and artists, since his unexpected death two years ago. Paying tribute to the versatility of Olaf’s work, the retrospective aims to illuminate his entire creative process by featuring iconic artworks alongside lesser-known work, including videos and sculptures, commercial photography and personal archive material.
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.
See also:
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