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Hello Reader, It looks like Amsterdam’s art scene is bustling this weekend and in the weeks ahead! Some major events are coming up, including a documentary film festival and several art events that are definitely worth checking out. Still on the topic of art, we’ve also spotted some interesting workshops, not just for kids but for parents too! And if you’re looking for baby- and toddler-friendly activities, don’t worry, we’ve got those covered as well. Call for Volunteers: Amsterdam Mamas Santa Tram Volunteer opportunity! Santa is coming! We are looking forward to hosting the Amsterdam Mamas Vintage Santa Tram this year on 13th December! To run this event we need volunteers before, during and after the event. Would you like to sign up to help us out and contribute to celebrating this incredible community? Please complete this form Santa Tram Volunteer registration If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@amsterdam-mamas.nl Little figures, big adventures: WE LOVE PLAYMOBIL is now open in Amsterdam! Rain outside? There’s a world of adventure indoors. If the forecast has you rethinking your weekend plans, here’s an indoor outing to keep on your list: WE LOVE PLAYMOBIL at Vincent Hall. Families can explore more than 20 detailed Playmobil worlds before heading to the interactive play areas, stop-motion studio and multimedia installations. Allow around 90 minutes for your visit—plenty of time for discovering, playing and choosing a favourite scene. The exhibition is especially suited to children aged 3–14, with children aged 3 and under admitted free. Pushchairs are welcome, and the ground floor is wheelchair accessible. Use AMSMAMAS10 for 10% off, valid until 25 April 2027. Tickets are booked online for a specific date and time. Plan your indoor family adventure → Events Happening This WeekendArrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam 2026 Has your kid already started tuning into Het Sinterklaasjournaal? Because if so, they know the countdown is officially on for Sinterklaas’s arrival in the Netherlands this weekend — and this Sunday, 15 November, it is Amsterdam’s turn to welcome him! Make sure to arrive early along the water near the Scheepvaartmuseum for the best view of the steamboat. At around 10:00, you can wave at Sinterklaas as he sails into the Oosterdok, before he sets off on a festive parade through the city centre ending at Leidseplein. Get a glimpse of the schedule of the boat route and the walking route here. International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam IDFA, the international documentary film festival, is back from 12 to 22 November! There’s plenty to watch, but tickets are selling fast. Check the website for screening schedules, participating cinemas, and recommended age groups before bringing the kids along. Some documentaries touch on sensitive topics that might not be suitable for younger audiences, so it’s worth checking the film descriptions first. Find something that catches your family’s interest and get your tickets before they run out! Music for Babies & Toddlers It is never too early to expose young children to music. What a beautiful way to bond for one or both parents with their kids aged 0-4. Music and violin teacher Hannah Matthijsse is holding 2 sessions at the OBA De Hallen on Sunday 15 November. Parents can join their little ones as they explore different sounds. Click here for more information. English Storytelling OBA Buitenveldert welcomes kids aged 0-4 every Friday from 10:00-10:30 for a thoughtful session of storytelling for young children. Music, movement, and crafts are just some of the highlights of this event that runs weekly, except during school holidays. Ongoing & Upcoming Events Ice-Skating at Museumplein, Rembrandtplein & Jaap Eden Baan The cold has started to really set upon us… Might as well embrace and enjoy the winter atmosphere. Dust off your skates; ice skating season in Amsterdam is here! The Museumplein and Jaap Eden Baan ice skating rinks are already open, soon to be followed by the one in Rembrandtplein (opens 13 November). Lessons are offered for beginners and more experienced skaters at Jaap Eden Baan. Make sure to check their website if that’s something you want to learn this year for you and your child. Play, Share, Toy Swap and Recycle Festival Old toys collecting in the corner? We all know how quickly our kids’ toys accumulate. On 21 & 22 November, spend the day at De Hallen in Amsterdam West with old toys and old clothes that are ready for a new owner. Make sure to bring them in good condition to make another kid happy. The event is free and runs from 11.00-15.00. 3-day Kids Clay Workshop During the Christmas Break, a limited number of kids can join and learn to make ceramics! A hands-on workshop hosted by Studio Keramiek for kids aged 7 to 12 that will teach them the techniques and process of making clay art. At the time of writing, slots are still available. If you think your kid would like this kind of activity, sign them up here. Our children always have plenty of stories to share. Their minds are rich with ideas and even imaginary worlds. This workshop by Offlab Studio uses their imaginative minds and transforms them into a small book made with folded paper and their stories. Happening on 29 November, there are 2 time slots you can choose from. One is available to be joined by parents or partner grown-ups to help the child. Parents’ CornerAmsterdam Art Week With multiple galleries, museums, collections, and spaces participating, make the most out of the many, many ways to enjoy Amsterdam Art Week on 18 to 22 November. Numerous venues participating around the city are running guided tours, workshops, special programmes, and events that are suitable for both seasoned collectors and curious enthusiasts. Highly recommend checking out their website for more information, including events happening per day or per category that you are interested in. Affordable Art Fair 2026 From 25 to 29 November, thousands of contemporary artworks will be displayed for the Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam’s 20th anniversary. Every artwork at the Affordable Art Fair is available to buy, and gallerists will be available to answer any questions. Opening times vary per day, so please check their website for more information and to purchase tickets. Shiny Things: A Foil Ornaments Workshop With the festive season just around the corner, it is time to start gathering special touches for the Christmas tree. Hosted by Odds & Fonds on Saturday 21 November 2026 (15:00 – 17:00), this hands-on workshop teaches participants how to hand-emboss shiny foil into decorative moons, stars, and celestial ornaments. It is a cozy, beginner-friendly afternoon out—complete with a glass of wine and nibbles to enjoy while creating personalized decorations or handmade gifts. Tickets are €35 per person (including all materials and drinks) and can be reserved online in advance. You can get a ticket for yourself for some me-time or make it a fun date with your friends. We endeavour to include everyone and are happy to mention events connected to all special holidays/festivities. Please email us with events/celebrations you want us to mention. AM will make the ultimate decision on what to publish. A team of volunteers compiles this newsletter, and we would welcome some new colleagues on the team. Are you interested, and do you have a few hours to spare every few weeks? Please contact Amsterdam Mamas for more information at info@amsterdam-mamas.nl This Weekend Roundup was compiled by Jackie C. Liban. The above information is given to the best of our knowledge and ability, but please check the event links to confirm details. These are often events that the Amsterdam Mamas cannot personally recommend from experience but are provided as a starting point to help you find activities that are a good fit for your family. If you have seen any upcoming events that we should know about, please let the newsletter team know by replying to this email. Thanks, and have a good weekend! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. |
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