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

October 29-November 4, 2011 \| 1st edition International Water Week bringing together businesses, non-profit organisations, government agencies and scientists to explore practical solutions to various global water issues. website: www.internationalwaterweek.com

first Saturday in November (Nov 5, 2011) 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 1-6, 2011 \| 1st edition Amsterdam Film Week international award-winning films from all over the world in one place in one week. website: www.amsterdamfilmweek.com

Sunday in mid-November (Nov 13, 2011) 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.

November 10-14, 2011 \| 15th edition Black Magic Woman Festival Music, theatre, literature, spoken work, visual art and new media by talented black female artists. website: www.blackmagicwomanfestival.nl

October 28-November 26, 2011 Rocket Cinema Festival brings together cult films and new live soundtracks by DJs and musicians at intriguing locations in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Groningen. website: www.rocketcinema.nl

November 16-27, 2011 \| 24th edition 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

one week in mid-to-late November (Nov 20-27, 2011) 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.nl

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