Our Amsterdam Ambassadors like to share their love and knowledge of the city with you. Offering you insights in things to do, places to visit and people to meet.
We take great pride in curating a list of events each month. When cultivating our list of “Amsterdam Favorites for the Month” we are always on the lookout for that off the beaten track, which in turn opens up a different and inspirational side of Amsterdam to you.
Therefore we connect you to the city and help shape your experience.
We all have once seen a Christmas movie with an ice-skating rink, now you can enact your favorite scenes, whilst visiting the Ice Village. Enjoy cozy winter chalets with food, drinks and entertainment. Or find the ultimate Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
All the while with the world renowned Rijksmuseum as the backdrop, so you can always, multi task and visit the Night Watch.
Date: 13 – 26 December
Venue: Museumplein
Location: Museumplein, amsterdam
Admission: Free
Sinterklaas is the epitome of a child’s fantasy or better a make believe world adults created. The classic tale of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is now set at Sinterklaas evening and takes you on a fantasy journey encountering mice, exotic visitors from far-off lands and a Prince under a magic spell.
A ballet for the ages dancing on the classical tunes of Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjaikovski.
Still not convinced just watch this clip
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Date: 14 December – 1 January
Venue: Theater National Opera & Ballet
Location: Amstel 3, Amsterdam
Admission: 30 – 107 euro
Gather hundreds of people, put on your most ‘ugly sweater’ and some running shoes, go for 5k and feel like a champion!
The annual 5k ‘Ugly Sweater Run’ brings people together for some warmth and fun during the cold weather. There are also a bunch of real life heroes who will run for charity.
So even if you don’t have running shoes just put on your most ‘ugly sweater’ and drink some hot choco and support the runners.
Date: 14 December
Venue: Groot Melkhuis, Vondelpark
Location: Vondelpark 2, 1071 AA Amsterdam
Admission: 19 euro
This special Funky Xmas Market in early December is one of the best Christmas market in all Amsterdam. Stroll around the various stands of handmade art and accessories and do some Christmas shopping. Or simply sit back and enjoy the Holiday Season with some live music, theatre, mulled wine and great food!
The Sunday Market at the Westergasfabriek is one of the coolest markets in Amsterdam where you can really feel the ‘couleur locale’
Date: 15 December
Venue: Westergasfabriek
Location: Pazzanistraat 33, 1014 DB Amsterdam
Admission: Free
Legendary Amsterdam underground DJ Joost Van Bellen didn’t leave any stone unturned on his exploration for unheard music. It’s been described as a deep Speedo wearing dive in the darkest abyss with a dark eclectic mix of sounds as a result.
It’s a guaranteed solid night out, not taken to0 seriously. Collect your friends or your travel companions and enjoy a fun night at one of the best music venues in Amsterdam.
Joost Van Bellen All Night Long
Date: 20 December
Venue: De Melkweg
Location: Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam
Admission: 12.50 euro
A Christmas market which is characterized by the special products that are offered. Of course they have the usual Christmas stands, but also some more ‘funky’ stands. From Santa Claus to Pikachu, they have something for everyone.
And mostly we love their ethos: always aiming to be sustainable. What also helps is that this market literally around the corner.
Date: 21 December
Venue: Dok Amsterdam
Location: Joan Muyskenweg 14, 1096 CJ Amsterdam
Admission: 5 euro
Juniper & Kin is where you meet at great heights. Probably the best spot in town to watch the fireworks. 78 metres above ground you’ll have a twenty twenty vision of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Surrounded by loved ones, better half’s and likeminded people you can countdown to 2020 and declare your New Year’s resolutions. At midnight precise the champagne will be on the house. And the DJ will provide the tunes to make this a night you’ll wish.
Date: 31 December
Venue: Juniper & Kin Bar
Location: Amstelvlietstraat 4, 1096 GG Amsterdam
Admission: Free
QO Magazine is our online magazine dedicating to living well and feeling good. From insiders’ guides to Amsterdam, to recipes features on Dutch Cuisine, new ways to stimulate body and mind and a changing column from our friends and partners on how to treat life well, it’s a hub filled with inspiration.