This winter, it’s time to get cosy at one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, Hortus Botanicus, as the doors remain open until late for Hortus by Night (21 December - 7 January). Venture through the beautifully lit greenhouses as you discover ancient palms, tropical plants and a spectacular exhibition by London-based CGI artist Markos Kay. Using computer-generated images, Kay takes viewers on an enchanting journey through evolutionary biology and plant-animal relationships. Cuddle up by the campfire with a hot chocolate on the winter terrace and experience exclusive exhibitions featuring night-blooming flowers and much more.
For decades, the World Christmas Circus (20 December - 7 January) at Royal Theater Carré has been one of the most popular family outings during the festive period. Marvel at the flying trapeze artists, star clowns, enchanting costumes, horse whisperers and daredevils as awarding-winning acts from the most prominent circus festivals worldwide join forces into one spectacular show.
With its lively character dances, stylish sets, many ballerina variations and beautiful dream sequences, this reinvigoration of Marius Petipa’s 19th-century ballet classic, Raymonda (9 December - 1 January), promises a magical outing at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet this winter. Acclaimed choreographer Rachel Beaujean re-adapts a somewhat outdated storyline for contemporary audiences as the young Hungarian grand duchess ‘Raymonda’ eschews tradition and makes her own decisions on the path of love.
Four hands are better than two at the Piano Duo Festival (6-9 December), covering everything from classical and jazz to film and tango with performances at locations across Amsterdam. Under the festival theme, Where opposites meet, the festival brings its musicians, audience and different music styles together in unique concerts - from very grand to intimate. Special attention is paid to two anniversary years: 150 years of Sergei Rachmaninoff and 100 years of Simeon ten Holt.
During Amsterdam Light Festival (30 November - 21 January), the city becomes a real-life fairy tale, sparkling with glowing artworks illuminating the city’s historic bridges and waterfronts. Installations adorn the canal ring, the River Amstel and the Eastern Docklands, taking the city’s already stunning night-time sights to an entirely new level. During the 12th edition, 20 artworks will consider the implication of Artificial Intelligence in everyday life, questioning the impact of technology on the human condition. The artworks can be admired by organised boat tours or on foot.
The RAI transforms into a winter wonderland during Winterparadijs (14-31 December) with indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, parties in the Après-Ski Village, dining options galore and fairground rides overlooking the city. Tube across real (fake) snow, cross-country ski between the fir trees, roast marshmallows over a crackling fire, practice your curling skills or goof off with a classic snowball fight. When it's all too much fun, head into the Winter Cinema for nostalgic festive classics.
To kick off the tulip season, Dutch growers invite everyone to pick a bunch of tulips for free in a specially constructed picking garden at Museumplein for National Tulip Day (20 January). In 2024, National Tulip Day will return to the city for its 11th edition with a new theme. Together with tens of thousands of visitors, the Dutch tulip growers ensure a colourful start to the new season.
As the name suggests, you’ll find some of the city’s most famous museums on this green square in Oud-Zuid:
Amsterdam packs the punches when it comes to photography. With several museums dedicated to the medium, along with major festivals and commercial galleries, there’s always something to see:
