If you decide to spend Christmas memorable and interesting, then you should meet Christmas in Amsterdam. During the holidays you can admire the ancient buildings of the XVII century, facades illuminated with festive lights, as well as a ride on modern rinks and try festive goodies and mulled wine.
The beginning of the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam dates back to 5 December, when the city comes the local Santa Claus - Sinterklaas. He arrives at the dock in the ship together with his assistants (black Peter) and, of course, gifts for children. His arrival - this is a very important event, which is broadcast by almost all local TV channels. On the night 5 on 6 December children receive Christmas gifts.
One of the Christmas traditions in the Netherlands is, that the house is set festive fir, which is to decorate with colorful toys. But it is worth it in the house for long, and in just a few days, she is thrown out. The holiday itself is for the Dutch family. They depart in the morning to serve in the church, and then sit down together for a festive table. Main dishes on the holiday table are made from a different game - rabbit, venison and the meat of other animals. Tourists also can spend Christmas Eve in one of the restaurants in the city. Virtually all restaurants delight visitors a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, as well as great music and delicious cuisine.
One of the most interesting features of Amsterdam during the Christmas season is, that in fact the whole town is lit with colored lights. In winter it gets dark very early, so shops, houses, trees and other objects, decorated using colored lights and garlands, It looks simply amazing. In addition, during the period from late November until the end of January, the city hosts the world festival, in which the center of the city is decorated with a variety of luminous installations, created by contemporary artists. They perfectly complement the already very bright and colorful Christmas Amsterdam.
It will be busy during the celebration of Christmas and the tourists, who prefer active holidays. If you just want to skate, then you need to go to the rink Leidseplein. And if in addition you want to play a game of curling or hockey, or take part in gymnastics lesson curly (they are held for all comers), then you need to go to another rink - Museumplein. You can also go on a disco on ice, which takes place at the skating rink Jaad Eden.
During Christmas be sure to visit the local markets and fairs in Amsterdam. The most massive of them deployed in the streets of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, as well as in the park Frankendael. At the fairs you can purchase a variety of handmade products, and eat Dutch food and drink. Another popular trade fair called Winter Market Amsterdam, on which, besides various souvenirs, You can also try the famous Dutch donuts oleibol. It is important to note, that you can buy them only to 12 January. Another interesting place - it's Christmas Palace, where you can buy a variety of gifts and souvenirs (including - and a wide variety of Christmas decorations). party atmosphere perfectly complemented by Santa Claus, which is located at the entrance to this place and reminds all visitors, that prior to Christmas has very little time left.
