Skating on Amsterdam's ponds and canals
Around Christmas and New Year the Museumplein, Leidseplein, Thorbeckeplein (close to Rembrandtplein), Beursplein (close to Dam Square) and Westergasfabriek will have an ice rink, skate hire and surrounding poffertjes (mini pancakes) stalls to complete a winter wonderland feeling.
Entrance is free on all ice-skating rinks (except for the 400m Jaap Edenbaan rink) if you bring your own skates with you. A pair of skates can also be hired for €4.
Skating on the canals
When the temperature drops low enough for long enough, the canals become sparkling highways through the city. Skating on the canals of Amsterdam to the strains of classical music is a memorable experience. Little kiosks are set up on the ice to dispense heart-warming liqueurs. Go cautiously when skating under bridges, where the ice is usually thinner, and in general don't go anywhere the Dutch themselves don't.
Ice-skating Rink -- Museumplein 18 DEC 2009 - 28 FEB 2010
In front of the Rijksmuseum on the Museum Square (Museumplein) is a man-made pond. This is transformed in winter time into a real skating rink. Bring your own skates or hire some there. The artificial ice rink behind the Rijksmuseum is free. In the evenings it will be festively illuminated. At the Cobra Café next to the skating rink you can have a break and enjoy refreshments. There will also be a stall selling poffertjes (miniature pancakes with powdered sugar).
Open: 10:00-20:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat)
Ice-skating Rink -- Leidseplein 6 NOV 2009-10 JAN 2010
Leidseplein will boast a real skating rink this year. The ice rink will be created 
in the same place as in former years, at the centre of the many cafés and restaurants between Leidsestraat and the Stadsschouwburg theatre. At the rink you will be able to hire skates if you don't have any yourself. The rink is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00 and is free of charge. Skates are available to rent for €4.50. Oliebollen (doughnut ball), poffertjes (small Dutch pancakes), waffles and braadworst are served up in little stalls around the rink.
Open: 10:00-23:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat). IJsbaan Leidseplein
Ice-skating Rink -- Beursplein 11 NOV 2009-04 JAN 2010
Open: 10:00-23:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu); 10:00-24:00 (Fri Sat)
Ice-skating Rink -- Westergasfabriek (Westerpark) 11 DEC 2009-3 JAN 2010
A covered ice-skating rink, next to Pacific Parc 
, including a winter restaurant.
Open: 12:00-20:00 (Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun)
Ice-skating Rink -- Wittenburgerplein (IJ Waterfront) 7-20 DEC 2009
Open: 11:00-21:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat)
Jaap Edenbaan October-March
The Jaap Eden Baan's marvelous outdoor rink, named after the legendary multiple Dutch world champion ice skating and cycle racing, is popular in wintertime, but unless you're highly competent, watch out for the long lines of speed skaters.
Address: Radioweg 64 (Oost/Watergraafsmeer)
Fun on the ice
Weather in Amsterdam
recommended website
Jaap Edenbaan
ice-skating rink (out- and indoor)
Amsterdam in numbers
a short list of interesting facts and figures