Amsterdam Travel Expert. Culture, Events and Apartments

Christmas time is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam as you can explore the many different seasonal attractions and savour in the festive atmosphere. Below are just some of the things you can do in Amsterdam during this period.

Watch Christmas Concert

The Concertgebouw truly is one of the best concert buildings in the world, with superb architecture and acoustics which cannot be matched in the city. Each year there are Christmas concerts held here which really put the visitor in the festive spirit. The Christmas Eve showing is free of charge whilst the performance on Christmas day has an associated cost.

Christmas in Amsterdam

Enjoy the World Christmas Circus

Each year this superb circus comes to Amsterdam at Christmas time and it has become something of a festive tradition. The show is held in the 120 year old Theatre Carre and includes all of the usual circus acts and more. This is truly one for all the family.

Take in English Religious Service

English is widely spoken in Amsterdam and a number of the churches in the city hold English speaking services around Christmas time. It is extremely interesting to experience how the Dutch interpret Christmas.

Go to the Christmas market at the Westergasfabriek

There are two Christmas markets in the Westergasfabriek, one in early December and one closer to Christmas. Both of these events have a specific Christmas theme and represent the opportunity to wrap yourself up in the seasonal spirit and to purchase some traditional Dutch items.

There are a number of music festivals in Amsterdam each year, and below is a brief guide to some of them.

Amsterdam Dance Event ADE

This is (regarded as) the biggest electronic dance festival in the world. In total around 700 djs from around the world gather in the city to play at various venues in front of approximately 100,000 people. Over the week of the festival there can be up to 200 different events.

Jordaan Festival

This festival is somewhat unique to the city of Amsterdam and sees singers belting out cheesy Dutch ballads. It is certainly a festival for those of a certain taste, but even for those who expect not to like this event, it is certainly worth a visit just for the atmosphere and the chance to dance you socks off.

 Muziek 4-daagse

This event is held in a restored church and provides the platform for musical performers and singers to share their talent with the vast numbers who visit here. Whilst the overall mix of music is eclectic there is a significant emphasis on piano and classical music, with performances from amateurs as well as from established professionals.

Amsterdam Roots Festival

For those who enjoy music from around the world this is a really super festival to visit. Over many events, including some held outdoors in the Ooseterpark in the east of the city, there are performances from artists and groups originating from countries such as Africa and South America which highlights the diverse culture in the city as well as desire to explore and celebrate all different types of music. 

The initiative for the organization of Sail Amsterdam, for the first time in 1975, arose during the preparations for the celebration of the Amsterdam’s 700-year

Boating in Holland.

anniversary. During these preparations there was a proposal to organize an event in the port of Amsterdam. The focus would be on the port and the city of Amsterdam. For the “Sail Amsterdam” sailing ships from around the world were invited. The event was a great success.

After the great success of Sail Amsterdam 1975 there was decided to organize a second Sail in 1980. For this second SAIL Amsterdam a permanent organization “Stichting Sail Amsterdam” was established in 1977. Since then, Stichting Sail Amsterdam found a successful way to organize a Sail in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. With more than 600 ships and 2.5 million visitors in 2005, SAIL Amsterdam was a great success.

The many Tall Ships were welcomed in IJmuiden by a huge fleet of ships, of all types and models, from all over the world. Under guidance, the ‘Parade of Sail’ takes place. This is the traditional start of Sail Amsterdam.

After arrival at the IJ-haven of Amsterdam, the festivities start, which are closed every night with spectacular fireworks. In and around the IJ-haven, there are many activities and a pleasant activity with the coming and going of many ships. SAIL Amsterdam is visit by people from all over the world. The five-yearly event is visit by a wide audience. Next to the many boat lovers, many people visit the event because of the atmosphere and charm. Also the youth program at the Sea of Friend Ships is well attended.

The highlights in the program of SAIL Amsterdam are the “Parade of Sail ‘, the tours of the ‘Varend Erfgoed’, the ‘Pieremachocheltocht’ and the ‘Tall Ships’ in the IJhaven.

The Canal Parade in Amsterdam is a one of the highlights of the Pride festival. This is a vibrant and visual affair that manages to pull in over 350,000 people each year. The parade passes through Amsterdam’s main there are colourfully decorated flat-bottom boats, barges and ‘floating clogs’. Costumed dancers and flamboyant partygoers make this fantastic spectacle really hard to miss.

Starting off from the Westerdok, the parade floats along the Prinsengracht canal to the Amstel. It then drifts to the Stadhuis and Muziektheater and finally finishes at the Oosterdok via Oude Schans.

The best areas to watch it from are any of the bridges over the Prinsengracht and the Amstel, or from the quaysides by the Muziektheater. Amsterdam accommodation can be rented short-term through companies such as Holiday Velvet or the event. Find information on Amsterdam airport.

When: 2 Aug 2008 (annual)
Where: The City’s Canals
Cost: Free
Opening Hours: 2pm-6pm