Amsterdam Weekend Guide (12-14 December)

FAMILY & KIDS

ARTIS – Night at the Zoo

In collaboration with ARTIS

When evening falls, ARTIS-Park reveals a different side of itself. Across six special nights in December and January, visitors can experience the zoo after dark, when stars emerge, nocturnal animals become active and your senses sharpen. These evening openings highlight how animals and plants follow their natural day-and-night rhythms, with activities that show why darkness is essential for all living things.

ARTIS Donker Avonden | 13 December, time slots vary | ARTIS

Tiny Grooves

Parents going out clubbing is one thing, but taking your kids to a club is almost unheard of. Sissi’s in Amsterdam’s southwest quarter wants to change that as the club looks to lean into the idea that just because you have kids, it doesn’t mean you stop going out. Dubbed Tiny Grooves, this party encourages parents to bring their kids along for a change, where kids can dance alongside their parents to DJs in a safe and friendly environment. With balloons, bubbles, soft play, crafts and a glitter bar, for an afternoon at Sissi’s, parenthood and partying become one. 

Tiny Grooves | Sun 14 Dec, 13:00-16:00 | Sissi’s

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Walking with Pride

Head to Bar Bario for this special exhibition that celebrates queer identity through textiles. A running exhibition for the majority of December (3-22 Dec), this weekend Bario hosts a special weaving workshop that invites guests to braid something, either from materials provided or a textile of personal importance to you, into a piece of art that will travel the world with the exhibition. After the workshop ends, linger for drinks, cosiness and community feels. 

Walking with Pride | Sat 14 Dec, 16:00 onwards | Bar Bario

THEATRE & STAGE

The Nutcracker & the Mouse King

One of the season’s most celebrated shows returns to the National Opera & Ballet stage for a festive run. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – a tale of an inanimate Nutcracker coming to life to fend off the evil Mouse King – takes ballet form this time as snow-flecked dancers in frosted attire glide across the winter stage. Choreographed and designed by Toer van Schayk, he was inspired by the drawings of artist Christiaan Andriessen (1777-1854), which provided a window into an Amsterdam of old. Hurry though, tickets are selling fast for this Friday.

The Nutcracker & the Mouse King | 12 December, 20:15 starttime | National Opera & Ballet

SHOPPING & MARKETS

Queer Christmas Market

Christmas markets are everywhere in and around Amsterdam, but why not break with convention and tradition this year and head to the Queer Christmas Market? Meet over 35 queer entrepreneurs selling a range of vintage, art, food, and drinks, with drag performances on display too. This is a chance to support queer makers, sort out your seasonal gifting and indulge in the festive spirit – plus the market donates €0.50 per ticket to a queer charity, so there’s a good cause to support too.

Queer Christmas Market | Sat 13 Dec, 11:00-17:00 | Door Open Space

Even more markets…

There are almost too many markets to choose from this weekend. But ‘tis the season – so here are our picks: 

• Oost’s best vintage at Javaplein Vintage Market: Christmas Edition | Sat 13 Dec,10:00-17:00 
• Sustainable Christmas Market at De Ceuvel | Sat 13 Dec, 13:00-20:00
• Paradiso’s Christmas market | Sun 14 Dec, 12:00-17:00 
• The Creative Lab Christmas market at Het Sieraad | Sun 14 Dec, 13:00-23:00 
• People on Music Market | Sun 14 Dec, 10:00-18:00 | Centrale Markthal

RESTAURANTS & BARS

New in Town: Hagen Oost

This month, we’re spotlighting Oost, which means this espresso bar in Watergraafsmeer by way of Copenhagen takes centre stage – and not just because of its forest-green coloured exterior. The setting is pretty grand – all geometric-patterned flooring, bare brick walls and a long, floral-printed coffee counter – but don’t be discouraged, it’s just (good) coffee after all. Grab yourself an espresso, inspired by the serene coffee tasting Copenhagen does so well; a maximal experience dressed up in minimalism. 

Hagen Oost | open all week, 07:30-18:00 on weekdays, 08:30-18:00 on weekends | price range €-€€ | Mideenweg 59

Extra: Weekend Adjacent Plans…

De Sering Jazz evenings & Be Your Friend’s Cupid Night

In case you need a plan for Monday or Thursday, we have you covered too. Our pick of the month, as far as new restaurants and bars, it’s all happening at De Sering. This weekend they’ll be hosting their second jazz evening at their new central location for drinks, music and bites overlooking the water. And at their original location in Sloterdijk, turn up for a ‘Be Your Friend’s Cupid’ night, where you play matchmaker for a night. The ticket admits two, and who knows, you might find something or someone to love too. 

Testtafel Jazz Sesions | 15 Dec, 18:00 onwards | Dijksgracht 6 (De Sering Centraal)

Be Your Friend’s Cupid | 11 Dec, 20:00 | Rhoneweg 6 (De Sering)

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