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10 Things to do in Amsterdam for Christmas

Amsterdam is the capital city of Netherlands and is the most populous city in the country. The metropolitan area has a population of 2, 480, 394. The city features a lot of canals and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Therefore, this means that there are a lot of tourists that frequent the city wanting to explore and experience this beautiful city.

Therefore, this article will delve into the ten things that both locals and visitors can do  during the Christmas season. The article will provide first-time travellers with insight on the best places to explore and thus get a wholesome experience.

1. The Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival by Alf van Beem-Wikimedia

The city is even more beautiful during the Christmas season giving a feel like one has stepped out into the past. The light festival is a popular one in the city as it is held annually from the middle of November to the middle of January.

This means that one gets a chance to choose the time that will be ideal fir them to visit the festival. Art pieces are displayed during the festival which means that the event is also ideal for art enthusiasts. The best way to experience the festival is through the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise boats or walks along the canals.

2. Have some Oliebollen

The moment the snow starts dropping, then the trucks with oliebollen arrive at the city. This is one of the earliest signs of the Christmas season in the city. The treats are similar to doughnuts but they are made into the shape of a ball.

Most of the treats are usually flavoured with apple filling or served with icing sugar. They have many calories and therefore a person who is watching their weight should be careful not to eat a lot if them.

3. Partake in the Sinterklaas Celebration

The holiday season is welcomed in the city with the Sinterklaas Celebration which usually occurs on the second or third Sunday of November. The festival features pepernoten which are small traditional Dutch cookies that are popular during this season.

The celebration is well liked by locals which means that there is a huge turnout and thus ensures that one gets in the Christmas mood. The celebration is also ideal for children and thus make it popular among families as it allows family bonding time.

4. Visit the Amsterdam Christmas tree

The Dam square which is considered to be the centre of history and culture in Amsterdam usually erects a 65-foot tree in December. The tree usually has around 2.5 miles of LED string lights adorning it.

The square is always filled with people who throng the place to get a chance to witness the majestic view. The lighting ceremony is done on December 6^th and it features carolers and musical performances.

5. The canal lights

The winter nights in Amsterdam are long and the city knows how to brighten them with the Amsterdam Light Festival which runs from end of November to Mid January. Both international and local artists project great light shows to the buildings and the bridges surrounding the iconic canals that Amsterdam is famed for.

6. Shop at the Christmas markets

Northern Europe is famed for having Christmas markets and Amsterdam is not an exception. Once the Christmas season arrives, markets start popping up and Amsterdam has several of them. The most popular one is the Sunday market which is located in the reformed historic gas building.

During December, the Funky Xmas Market us filled with all quirky and fun gifts that are made by the locals. There is also the Amsterdam Christmas Market which is larger and thus provide one with variety of things to do and buy.

7. Go to the winter parade

The winter parade is a hard one to classify in that in some instances its theater and in other ways it is also a sit down meal. The event gives the audience a sense of togetherness. The event appeals to people who want something light and silly.

The event allows one to relax and interact with dancers, acrobats, musicians and actors. The festival is one of the most liked activities during the Christmas season and thus attract a large number of people.

8. Catch a holiday concert

The city is famed for having holiday concerts. The Concertgebouw is an architecturally impressive building in the city that has a concert hall. The building was renowned fir hosting musical shows in 188 because of that it is well visited by both locals and tourists.

The annual festive concert is done by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and it features holiday music. The music theme is always changing in that this year it can be music from the United States and the next year from Hungary. Therefore, this allows the audience to experience a variety of music from different regions.

9. Go ice skating

During the Christmas season, the city is home to several ice skating rinks. The most spectacular one is at Museumplein. It is open to visitors from the end of November. There is also one at Jaap Eden that features a 400 metre ice rink which is ideal for getting in the holiday mood. Even though isoutside the city centre, it is definitely worth a visit.

The ice skating rink is ideal for a get-together with friends as it guarantees a relaxed environment that people can bond over.

10. Go to the Rijksmuseum

The museums are usually festive during the holiday season. The Rijksmuseum features some beautiful Christmas decorations and trees. This makes it one of the best places people visit as the ambience is great.

The museum put a person in a lovely holiday mood and the ideal dates to visit the place is during the 224^th and the 26^th December.