Though many amongst us long for sunnier seasons, the winter surely has its own charms as well. Think about Christmas markets, ice skating and the atmosphere created by the Christmas lights in the cities. Whether you are an international who just arrived here, or a Dutchie who has been here his whole life – this article touches upon some cool places and events during winter which you might not have heard about yet.

 

De Schaatsbaan (Ice Skating Rink) in Rotterdam 

This ice-skating rink in Rotterdam is one of the coolest in the Netherlands as the track is full of lights! There are events like (silent)disco-skating, curling events, track-races and more. The rink will open on the first of December and will close on the 27th of February.

 

Rotterdam Ice Skating Rink 1

 

The Amsterdam Light Festival 

From the 29th of November till the 20th of January, Amsterdam turns into an even more attractive city to visit due to the many special lights introduced during the Amsterdam Light Festival! Many artist contribute to the festival by creating spectacular light sculptures. The best way to experience the festival is by booking a boat tour on the canals. You could combine this visit with strolling by one of the many Christmas markets in Amsterdam.

 

Amsterdam Light Festival 2

 

Bredase Klûntocht

On the 10th of February, the Bredase Klûntocht takes place! This is a sort of pub-crawl inspired on the Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities tour); a long-distance tour skating event in Friesland. The crawl brings you to eleven café’s around/on the central market of Breda and it comes with a high carnival atmosphere. The centre of the city is decorated with Frisian flags and other Frisian sights. A very nice way to discover Breda if you have never been there before!

 

Magical Maastricht

Maastricht is always a very nice weekend get-away, but in December the city becomes even more attractive. The Christmas market in Maastricht is one of the most romantic and impressive markets with the big Ferris wheel and a nostalgic grand carousel as attractions. The city offers a Magical Culture Festival as well, with different theatre, dance and other performances to enlighten your experience!

 

Magical Maastricht 3

 

Dickens Festijn (Dickens Festival) in Deventer

During the 15th and 16th of December, the characters from the famous author Charles Dickens come to life! The festival is free and opens from 11am till 5pm. There are plenty of activities going on in the city on these days: there are Christmas Carol Singers, several markets and concerts. Restaurants serve up plenty of famous English holiday dishes, including roasted chestnuts. The whole atmosphere is very nostalgic – a very original ‘back in time’ Christmas experience!

 

1https://fem-fem.nl/regenboogschaatsbaan-rotterdam/

2https://www.anwb.nl/landvananwb/amsterdamlightfestival

3= https://www.iamexpat.nl/lifestyle/expat-events-festivals/magical-maastricht

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