Events for December 2008
Just like New York, the city of sin never sleeps so here with an unparalleled guide to al the activities in December, we have Johnny Lee.
Story Highlights
- Leidseplein Ice Rink
- The Roots @ Paradiso
- Ajax Amsterdam versus Nac Breda
- Gotan Project @ Melkweg
- Museumplein Ice Rink
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Eve
Leidseplein Ice Rink ‐ December 2008
The Leidseplein is a famous square situated in central Amsterdam. It is one of the busiest parts of the city and home to famous nightclubs such as The Melkweg, Paradiso and Zebra bar. The square and its adjoining streets, and alleyways are crammed with bars, restaurants, outdoor cafés, theatres, dance clubs and comedy clubs, all of which are extremely popular with travellers.
At the beginning of December a section of Leidseplein Square will be engulfed by an ice rink that will stay open throughout December, from 11am until midnight, every day. It’s free if you have your own skates, but if not you can hire a pair for the festive price of € 4.
The Roots @ Paradiso ‐ December 8 and 9, 2008
Originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Roots are a world renowned American Hip‐Hop band, famed for their jazz infused, laid back assault on their music genre. In December, for two nights only, The Roots will be bashing out hits like The Seed inside one of Amsterdam’s best live venues, Paradiso. The doors open at 10pm and tickets are available online.
Ajax Amsterdam versus Nac Breda ‐ December 12, 2008
On Friday December 12, 2008, Ajax play Breda in an evening fixture that kicks off at 8:45pm. Two time European Cup winners Ajax Amsterdam haven’t had the best of starts to the season and by the time December rolls around, the fans will expect Ajax to have climbed the Dutch league table significantly.
The 55,000 capacity Amsterdam Arena always buzzes with a fantastic atmosphere during evening matches ‐ so why not grab a ticket from the official club website, or alternatively grab a seat in one of the many bars on the Rembrandtplein and watch the match with the locals?
Gotan Project @ Melkweg ‐ December 14, 2008
Gotan Project are an alternative Electronica band from Paris. Their sound is a mix of classic tango tinged with electronic samples, beats and breaks. In mid‐December they will be rocking out inside Amsterdam’s famed Melkweg venue ‐ situated on the Leidesplein. The doors open at 10pm and tickets are available online.
Museumplein Ice Rink ‐ December 21, 2008 to March 4, 2009
In late December the reflecting pool on the Museumplein is frozen solid and morphed into a large ice‐skating rink ‐ just in time for Christmas Day! In fact the entire Museumplein turns into a Christmas wonderland during December with stalls selling hot chocolate, Dutch pancakes, stroopwafels and oliebollen (a sort of deep fried donut). The square is a great romantic spot to saunter along in the evening ‐ chomping on hot food under the festive lights and cold skies. Entry to the square and the rink is free and you can skate between 8am and 10pm.
Christmas Day
Amsterdam Centraal is always open for business and Christmas day is no exception. The Artis Zoo, Madame Tussauds, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank’s House, the Comedy Café, the Pathé cinema and the Torture Museum (to name just a few top attractions) are all open to the public on Christmas Day. If the majority of the large attractions are open then it’s guaranteed that a fair number of bars and restaurants will have their doors unbolted too!
New Year's Eve
If you’re lucky enough to spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam then brace yourself for a carnival of fun and excitement. Check out the huge fireworks display that hovers over the Amstel River or wander through Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt and Leidseplein with all the other revellers ‐ swigging beer and champagne as high spec fireworks explode in rapid bursts overhead!
Of course all the top nightclubs will be open for New Year specials ‐ so keep watching the official Winston, Paradiso, Melkweg, Sugar Factory, Club NL and Studio 80 websites for updated New Year’s Eve listings.
‐ Johnny Lee
