Festive opening
Starting at 5:30 PM, there will be a performance by brass band Ritmo. The lights will come on at 6:00 PM. Afterward, there will be performances by The Gospel Queens, accordionist Jaap Somsen, and the Winter Wonderband, made up of students from the Amsterdam vocational college Pact+. Christmas wreaths and hot chocolate will be available for visitors while supplies last.
The tree will remain on Dam Square until early January, after which it will be moved from Dam Square to ARTIS Royal Zoo. The trunk and thick branches will go to the elephants, who will enjoy the scent and can play with and carry them. The finer branches will go to the ungulates.
Heart of the city lights up
The Christmas tree on Dam Square and the beautifully lit Bijenkorf department store together form the focal point of all the festive activities organized in Amsterdam during December. Along with the Christmas decorations on the lampposts, they envelop the square in a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
Stork pole
After its second life on Dam Square, the tree is getting a third. Last year, the trunk of the Christmas tree went to a special destination. The storks in Vondelpark needed a new pole to build their nest. The previous pole was affected by wood rot and needed replacing. The municipal tree crew cut the trunk to size for the storks. The new pole now stands in Vondelpark on the Schapenweide.
Please note: The end time stated is an indication.
