What is Christmas like?

What is Amsterdam like over Christmas?

• I am thinking about spending my Christmas in Amsterdam this year and I was just wondering what it is like over the Christmas period. Are there any big events / parties on? Is anywhere open Christmas day to get a decent Christmas meal / go for a nice Christmas smoke? Any other info or tips you have on Christmas in Amsterdam would also be greatly appreciated.

• Answer:

  I'm native Dutch but live in Houston TX now. Like others answered, christmas in Holland is celebrated with the family, most restaurants are open but you probably need to make reservations. Wintertime is a fun time but also a cold time to visit, make sure you bring enough clothes, multiple layers will keep you warm. Enough places in Amsterdam to get your smoke on, follow the smell or enter where it says 'coffeeshop' because it's not coffe thats being served... Close to central station is The Grasshopper (pass the canaltour boats it's on the left side), drink some, smoke some, take a picture so you can tell your friends you've been there and done that. Ok now for the educational part ; ) Try to see more than just Amsterdam. If you stay in Amsterdam, transport yourself with the public transport system, it will take you anywhere and i you buy a day (or week)pass you can use all metro, busses and subways. Make sure you stop at the VVV (tourist information) to get info, brochures etc. If you arrive at Schiphol airport, the train can take you to Amsterdam Central Station (CS). You can visit many museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank house etc. Take a tour in the canal boat thats always fun. Visit The Heineken Experience (museum) and get 2 free beers : ), If you're interested in learning something about the city, go on a tour through one of the oldest neighborhoods 'de Jordaan' and see how the born and raised 'Amsterdammers' live. If you're willing to travel outside the city, visit the cheesemarket in Alkmaar (40 min. from A'dam) and the 'Zaanse Schans' in Zaandam (15 min from A'dam). You can also check out www.holland.com to get some ideas. Well have fun and just don't make it obvious that you're a tourist, pickpockets will spot you right away (especially in the pulic transport system). Just make sure you carry your important docs in a safe place and don't let pickpockets distract you. Have Fun : ) oh yeah, make sure you try some of our cheese's and buy some 'stroopwafels' (syrup cookies) and look on the streets for people selling 'oliebollen' thats something traditional we eat around christmas and newyears.