Amsterdam Events

Beside skating on the canals (when the winter is cold enough), Amsterdam has a number of outside ice rinks.

A great location to practise your ice skating skills is the famous Leidse square or the Rembrandt square. During the whole of December and the beginning of January these lively Amsterdam squares will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Lights in the trees, christmas markets with typical Dutch specialities and decorative ornaments will create a romantic and fun atmosphere. And of course there is an ice skating rink, open daily from 10.00 till 0.00 am.

Another great location for ice skating in Amsterdam is the reflecting pool on Amsterdam's Museum square, which becomes an ice-skating rink later in December. The ice skating rink is surrounded by stalls selling hot chocolate and poffertjes (Dutch mini-pancakes).

 

From December through January several events will take place on the canals, with as its highlight a parade through the canals on Christmas Eve with wonderfully decorated and illuminated boats. The boats are decorated in special themes - with choirs that sing Christmas Carols - and will sail from the Prinsengracht to the River Amstel. The crowds on the bridges can enjoy warm wine and hot chocolate.

Unfortunately there will not be a canal parade in 2011.

Twice a year, in late January and again in July, Amsterdam Fashion Week forms the centre of the Dutch fashion industry. Leading Dutch brands, independent boutique labels and local designers impress the international fashion world, while international brands showcase their wares to local buyers.
Fashion Week DOWNTOWN is the world's first Fashion Week programme that is also open to the public: exhibitions, shows, launches and parties. All the Fashion Week DOWNTOWN events are organized in collaboration with local museums, galleries, designers, clubs and shops.

 

 

5 Days Off is an electronic music festival based in the city centre of Amsterdam in the beginning of March. The two most renowned music venues Paradiso and Melkweg host the annual festival which doesn't only focus on electronic music but also on a diversity of art disciplines which manifest in the ever evolving club culture. Therefore the festival also collaborates with the Dutch Institute of Media Art, NIMk.

 

5 Days Off brings a cutting edge music program where headliners co-aside with emerging talents and promising new gems. From dubstep, to UK funky, from minimal to disco, the festivals aims to show a wide spectrum of what is happening in electronic music today.