November in Amsterdam

November facts

Big tourist crowds are gone.
The cultural arts season (September-June) is now, so theater, dance, opera and concert performances are plentiful.
Airfare and hotel rates should be significantly lower by now.
Olieballen & Poffertjes Stands -- Stalls selling these traditional fried doughnuts (olieballen) and small, puffy pancakes (poffertjes) are everywhere this time of year (the sweet smells are their best advertising). Wash them down with rich, Dutch hot chocolate.
Ice-skating Rink at Leidseplein -- Glide on ice under the glow of fairy lights and café signs.

November Festivals & Events

first Saturday in November (Nov 7, 2009) Museum Night (n8) Over 40 museums and institutions open their doors and organize special events from 7pm until 2am. Besides the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the museums themselves, the programme includes DJs, bands, dance performances, food & drinks. website: www.n8.nl

November 7-22, 2009 Chocoladefestival CHOCA The largest chocolate festival of the Netherlands, a culinary feast inspired by Amsterdam's rich history of cacao. website: www.choca.nu

two weeks in late November and early December IDFA The International Documentary Festival Amsterdam is the best chance to see some of the best national and international documentaries. During two weeks real docu freaks can see dozens of documentaries! website: www.idfa.nl

November 12-15, 2009 Black Magic Woman Festival Music, theatre, literature, spoken work, visual art and new media by talented black female artists. website: www.blackmagicwomanfestival.nl

one week in mid-to-late November (Nov 22-29, 2009) pAn Amsterdam The pAn (Pictura Antiquairs Nationaal) Amsterdam event is the country's national art and antiques fair, focusing on pieces from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany from more than 100 exhibitors. website: www.pan-amsterdam.nl

Sunday in mid-November (Nov 15, 2009) Sinterklaas Arrival & Parade Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, arrives from Spain on his boat at the Scheepvaart Museum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam's harbor. From there, he rides his white horse through town as his helpers throw holiday cookies and candies to the hundreds of children and onlookers along the route. This is one of the most anticipated events of the calendar for kids especially.

whole year 2009 NY400: Amsterdam - New York This year, exactly 400 years after Henry Hudson set sail for New York, the city of Amsterdam celebrates NY400 by hosting many activities and events. website: www.ny400.org

end August-end April Ajax Amsterdam Football Club Spend a Sunday amongst frenzied fans of the famous Ajax Amsterdam football team. Ajax plays in the impressive, modern ArenA south of the city. website: www.ajax.nl


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