December in Amsterdam, Weather and Events

Right from the beginning of December Amsterdam is in a festive mood. Sinterklaas, aka Santa Claus, has arrived back from Spain. Together with his Zwarte Piet, his black helpers, he visits shops, shopping malls and tours the city. Shopping street and canals are festooned with twinkling lights. December is a great month for shopping. The cultural calender includes special holiday performances.

Airfares and hotel rates prices are at their highest during the second part of the month.

Brouwersgracht in Winter

December is the rainiest month and also the darkest. The average high temperature for December is 6ºC or 44 ºF. Average low is 2 ºC or 36 ºF. Average precipitation 84 mm (3.3 in). Don’t expect snow or ice in this month.

Sunrise / sunset:
1 December – 8.27 am / 4.32 pm
31 december – 8.51 am / 4.37 pm

Oliebollen

 But if you want to practise your skating skills, head for one of the public ice-skating rinks set up for holiday celebrations. Every year Museumplein turns into a skating rink. Skating is free if you have your own skates, otherwise rent a pair for €5. If you feel cold and hungry try the hot chocolate, oliebollen (doughnuts) or poffertjes (small puffy pancakes) from one of the stalls surrounding the rink.

Christmas Day is a very quiet day. Shops and museums are closed. Most Dutch spend the day at home with friends and family. If you want to dine out it is best to book a table long in advance.

Boxing Day is another quiet day although some shopping centres will open. Prebooking a table in a restaurant is highly recommended.

New Year’s Eve or Oudejaarsavond in Dutch is celebrated with fireworks. As soon as it is dark children start sparklers bangers and crackers. Gradually central Amsterdam fills with throngs of people especially Dam Square, Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein. Nieuwmarkt and surroundings have the best fireworks because it is the heart of the Chinese community

If you like to celebrate inside take your pick from the following:

Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234
for electronica, disco and animated film lovers

Supperclub, Jonge Roelensteeg 21
Wear your glitter and glamour, sip champagne, nibble fingerfood and enjoy the show.

Panama, Oostelijke handelskade 4
Join the We All Love ’80s and ’90s party, with a three-course meal before it.

Boom Chicago, Leiseplein 12
Pre-party comedy show, three-course dinner with unlimited wine and beer and party as long as you can stay awake.

December Events for children

WHAT: Wereldkerstcircus, World Christmas Circus
WHERE: Theater Carre, Amstel 115
WHEN: 18 December – 3 January 2010

WHAT: Miffy in concert, Children Concert
WHERE: Concertgebouw, Concertgebouwplein 2
WHEN: 26 December, 11.30 am

photo credits: personal collection