The Netherlands

Amsterdam

There are plenty of options in Amsterdam throughout December. The hands-down favourite with the mamas is the ever-popular Westergasfabriek Funky Xmas Market (doesn’t the name say it all?) on 21 December 2025, showcasing lots of local foodies and homemade crafts in full Amsterdam-style.

For additional information on holiday offerings in the city, check this full list of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and festivals.

And make sure you don’t miss out on any of this month’s festive happenings for families in Amsterdam by signing up to the Amsterdam Mamas’ newsletter.

Haarlem

One of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, the Kerstmarkt Haarlem has a guaranteed spot in the seasonal top 5. As a backdrop to the hundreds of stalls in the picturesque square, there are live choirs singing Christmas carols.

If you are available in the weekend of 12 till 14 December and need no further arguments, then just visit the official website to get all the infomation on how to get there: approximately 20 minutes by train or by car from Amsterdam.

The Hague

The tenth edition of The Royal Christmas Fair will once again be hosted at Lange Voorhout from 4 till 23 December. With more than 80 Christmas stalls, a genuine and dedicated children’s fair, thousands of lights and an abundance of heated wine served in pfandbechers this is a Christmas fair that will appeal to the imaginations of both young and old alike.

The Hague is approximately one hour from Amsterdam by car. Regular trains leave from Amsterdam Central station or Schiphol Airport. Check the NS website for details.

Maastricht

Located on the Vrijthof, Maastricht’s charming Christmas market is open from 28 November – 29 December and features plenty of stalls, an ice rink and carousel. With gluhwein and oliebollen galore, you’ll have a great time.

Reaching Maastricht by car takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Travelling by train takes around 2 hours 30 minutes on ICE. Check the NS website for details.

Valkenburg

This charming town in South Limburg offers a unique Christmas experience – markets in caves! Visit the Velvet Cave and Municipal Cave from 14 November till 30 December for all the festive happenings whilst the Wilhelmina Caves are home to the sand sculpture nativity scene.

Valkenburg is a 2.5 hour drive from Amsterdam. It can also be reached by NS train via Maastricht. Valkenburg station is around 15 minutes’ walk from the centre. See the NS website for more details. 

Germany​

Köln (Cologne)

Perhaps the most popular of Germany’s Christmas markets, Cologne offers several different markets spread throughout the city from the beautiful Old Market in front of the Town Hall to the Market of Fairytales on the Rudolfplatz. Cologne attracts thousands of visitors to its markets, so The Mamas advise to visit during the week when it is less busy. The Christmas markets are open from 17 November till 23 December.

Cologne is around a 3 hour drive from Amsterdam. You can also take the ICE train straight through, which takes the same amount of time.

Düsseldorf

From late November until the end of December, Düsseldorf offers a number of charming and atmospheric Christmas markets throughout the city from 20 November till 30 December.

Düsseldorf is around a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Amsterdam. You can also get there in a little over 2 hours by travelling by ICE train.

Aachen

Aachen offers a more intimate affair around the Market Place and Katschhof. Enjoy mulled wine, ginger bread and spekulatius (spiced biscuits) as you peruse the many craft and food stalls from 21 November till 23 December.

Aachen is a 3 hour drive from Amsterdam. Alternatively, it can be reached by train in 3.5 hours, with 2 changes. Check the NS website for more details.

Osnabrück

Considered one of the prettiest Christmas markets, the Osnabrück Christmas Market offers kids the thrill of meeting St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) every afternoon. Try the local Käsegriller sausage as you wander around the market. It is set around the town hall, Marienkirche and the Cathedral from 24 November till 22 December.

You can reach Osnabrück in 2 hours and 45 minutes by car or in 3.5 hours by ICE train.

Münster

The picturesque town of Münster offers delightful Christmas markets with jewellery, high-quality craftsmanship, toys, lights, delights, and of course, warm, aromatic mulled wine from 24 November till 23 December.

You can reach Münster by car in approximately 3 hours or by train with NS International.

This list has been compiled by our editors from the recommendations of our members on the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group and has been updated for 2025.

photo credit: Pixabay

The post Our Favourite Christmas Markets 2025 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Top Trees

Every year, the conversation around the most sustainable Christmas tree reignites. While artificial trees might seem environmentally friendly due to their reusability, the reality is more complex.

• A real tree, if disposed of responsibly (e.g., chipped for mulch or used as firewood), has a carbon footprint of about 3.5 kg of CO₂ over its lifecycle. If left to decompose in a landfill, this footprint jumps to 16 kg of CO₂ due to methane emissions.
• By contrast, an artificial tree’s production and disposal create a much higher footprint—around 40 kg of CO₂—requiring many years of use to rival the environmental impact of a real tree. Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China and are made with plastic which is toxic and often ends up in landfills.

When sustainably grown (without pesticides) and recycled properly, real trees are the eco-friendlier option. Beyond their low environmental impact, tree plantations also provide habitats for various species.

In Amsterdam, the municipality makes it easy to dispose of Christmas trees sustainably. With 2,000 collection points across the city, residents can drop off their trees between December 27 and January 19. These are then turned into compost, closing the loop on tree waste. Find your nearest collection point on the municipality’s official website.

There are also even more sustainable ways to enjoy a Christmas tree:

1. Potted Trees: Purchase a living tree in a pot and reuse it every year. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but the tree continues to absorb CO₂ throughout its life.
2. Rent a Tree: Services like Kerstboom.nu allow you to rent a tree that is replanted after the holidays.
3. Adopt a Tree: Programs like Adopteer Een Kerstboom provide an option to “adopt” a tree for reuse, combining the joy of a real tree with sustainable practices.
4. Skip the Tree: Create a festive atmosphere using natural, reusable materials—garlands of greenery, handmade wreaths, or even a creative wall display.
5. Use a home plant you already have and decorate it!
6. Forage for an already fallen branch, bring it home and use it as tree. Post Christmas you can return it to the woods and use it again for Easter as an Easter tak.

(Don’t) Shop till you drop

The Holiday season (most often) comes with a frenzy of shopping, but a circular approach can bring meaning and sustainability to your celebrations. If you’re new to these ideas, check out our recent article on The Circular Path to Sustainability, which offers practical tips on adopting circular principles in everyday life. Applying these ideas during Christmas can make your celebrations more meaningful and eco-conscious:

• Second-Hand Items: Surveys show that nearly half of the respondents believe the stigma around second-hand gifting is fading, and that platforms like Marktplaats and thrift stores (kringloop winkels) in Amsterdam offer pre-loved treasures. This approach is also certainly budget friendlier..
• Experience Gifts: If second-hand gifting isn’t your style, consider tickets to a museum like the NEMO Science Museum or an ice-skating pass for the festive rink in Museumplein. An ‘experience gift’, can be shared together and create lasting memories without producing waste.
• Mindful Consumption: Avoid the “buy-now” trap. (Try the documentary The True Cost, to see how overconsumption has hidden environmental and social costs.)
• DIY Décor: Get creative with the kids! Use natural elements like pinecones, dried oranges, and paper chains to craft unique decorations.
• Recycled Lights: Use LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing the need for replacements next year.
• Second-Hand Ornaments: Hunt for unique, vintage ornaments in Amsterdam’s thrift stores or markets for make a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree this year!

By rethinking your Christmas trees, Christmas gifts, and Christmas decorations, you can celebrate a Christmas that’s truly giving ‘joy to the world’.

The post I’m dreaming of a ‘green’ Christmas appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Amsterdam Halloween 2024

Join a Halloween Parade!
Amsterdam Mamas Spooktacular is back! On Sunday 27 October gather together in your best costumes and parade around Beatrixpark with fellow ghosts, goblins, wizards and superheroes! Information and tickets available through our website. For the littlest monsters, up to age 8.

Trick or Treat!
What could be more fun for kids than going door to door in costume, with a goodie bag, ringing the doorbell, shouting “Trick or treat!” and (hopefully) receiving candy?

Trick or treating is NOT tradition in the Netherlands so the trick or treating that happens is privately managed. There are neighbourhoods in Zuid, Buitenveldert and Steigereiland Noord in Ijburg that have active trick or treating. Here is a map of homes participating in trick or treating this year. Consider becoming a host home yourself! It is really fun to decorate the house and see all the creative costumes and happy children. Speaking of which…

Dress up and Decorate!
Whether you are hosting trick or treaters or your own Halloween party, here are some popular local businesses ready to supply you with all your Halloween gear:

• Kinderfeestwinkel: This children’s party store in De Pijp has everything you need for a Halloween party or any other party throughout the year. Warning: if your child adores big, flouncy, tutu style skirts you may not leave the store without one.
• Witbaard: Oodles of Halloween stuff – both scary and fun. Check out the huge collection of children’s costumes upstairs! Witbaard is also located close to Duikelman in case you need to visit an amazing culinary supply store for Halloween-themed cookie cutters or sharp knives for carving pumpkins.
• Louis Wittenburg, around since 1901, knows its business and is ready to supply all of the Halloween needs of our Centrum dwelling families.
• Dam in Oost has an incredible array of Halloween and many other holiday items. You can shop in-store or order online.

Carve a Pumpkin!
There are pumpkins in many grocery stores this time of year, as well as in garden centres. Don’t limit yourself to classic orange pumpkins – green, white, and yellow gourds add to the fun. Here are some ideas for beginners and more advanced carvers. Alternatively, for those who prefer not to have pumpkin flesh and seeds on the kitchen floors, consider joining a pumpkin carving workshop for children.

Get a Fright!

Halloween can be enjoyed out on the town as well.

For younger children, The Science Camp is hosting a Haunted House on Saturday 2 November. Adolescents or teens will be thrilled at the Amsterdam Dungeon which has extended hours on Saturday 26 October as well as Halloween itself. Reserve tickets now as they sell fast. Older teens (16+) can try to escape from the Amsterdam Catacombs – this escape room only minutes from Central Station will be sure to give chills and thrills.

Further afield is Walibi, a theme park about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. During the weeks up to and just after Halloween, Walibi hosts Fright Nights for children over 12 and Spooky Days for children up to 12.

Watch a Movie! My kids are either bored or terrified by the movies I remember from my (admittedly long ago) childhood. Thankfully, there are guides for kid-friendly Halloween movies and where they are streaming. Popcorn, costumes, and a good spooky movie—you’ve got this Halloween covered!

When the kids go to bed, all of you Dutch learners/scary movie aficionados might consider watching the Dutch film The Vanishing (available for rent on Apple TV) based on the story The Golden Egg by native Amsterdammer Tim Krabbé (brother of actor Jeroen Krabbé). It was made into a Hollywood film (with a very young Sandra Bullock) but the original is much scarier – Stanley Kubrick called it the scariest movie he’d ever seen. And it’s good practice for your Dutch!

Halloween Travel in Europe

For many people, Halloween 2024 falls in the middle of Herfstvakantie. If you’re heading out of Amsterdam, consider traveling to some spooky destinations throughout Europe. Amsterdam Mama’s contributor Mary Petiet compiled a list of spooky Halloween destinations all over Europe, including two from here in the Netherlands

The post Boo! appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

We will have 2 time slots for the parade to accommodate a larger group.
1st Parade : 10:30 – 11:30
2nd Parade : 11:30 – 12:30

We will gather at 15 mins before your chosen timeslot, in front of St. Nicolaaslyceum, Beethovenplein 2, 1077 WM Amsterdam. The parades will start at 10:30 &. 11:30 respectively. We will parade from the St. Nicolaaslyceum to Beatrix Park (by the paddle pool). After a fun-tastic parade, you and your little monsters can enjoy the playground (by the paddling pool in Beatrix Park), play with other families and join our activities.

What’s Halloween without candy?! Don’t forget to bring a mini-collection bag for the little ones to take home their trick-or-treat goodies.

Our wonderful partners WOW Family Centre Amsterdam will organise a spooky activity for the kids.

Want a snack or drink? You can always stop by at Park Kiosk BEA which will be especially open for Spooktacular!

Let’s Go! Dress up in your spookiest Halloween costumes, in fact you can even decorate your strollers, bikes or steps and join us for a fang-tastic time!

Limited tickets available, so don’t miss out !!

The post Amsterdam Mamas Spooktacular Parade 2024 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

While many people are putting finishing touches to their Christmas trees, hanging up lights, and buying presents, Jewish people are celebrating Chanukah (or Hanukkah), The Festival of Lights. It’s an eight-day holiday held on the Hebrew date of 25 Kislev, and because the Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates of Jewish holidays according to the Gregorian calendar change each year. This means that Chanukah can start at the end of November, or late December. Chanukah has been a Jewish holiday for thousands of years but has also been added to the list of ‘intangible Dutch Heritage’ holidays compiled by the Netherlands Center for Popular Culture and Intangible Heritage. In English there are two common ways of translating the word from the original Hebrew: Chanukah (the Ch sounds a bit like the Dutch g) or Hanukkah; either spelling is perfectly fine.

This year, 2020, Chanukah starts at sundown on Thursday December 10 and lasts until sundown on Friday December 18.

What Is Chahukah?

In the year 168 BCE, Jerusalem and the Jewish temple had been occupied by the Syrian Greeks, who had outlawed the practice of Judaism. The Maccabees were a small band of Jewish fighters who managed to defeat the Syrian Greeks and reclaim the Jewish temple they had occupied.

Once the temple had been reclaimed, the Maccabees relit the “eternal flame”. Although the one jar of oil that was found in the temple would normally only last for one day, in this case the flame continued to burn for eight days, which was the time it took to secure more oil to keep the flame burning. Hence the famous eight candles.

This is the miracle that is celebrated each year, along with the successful rededication of the temple. The word Chanukah means dedication, referring to the purification and rededication of the temple after the Greek occupation.

How We Celebrate

At the heart of the Chanukah celebration is the nightly lighting of the menorah or chanukiah, a candelabra that holds nine flames, and which is placed in a doorway or window so that people passing can see the lights and remember the story of Chanukah.

On each night of Chanukah, a candle is lit by the shammash (the helper candle), which is used to light the other candles from left to right. On the first night one candle is lit, on the second night, two are lit, and by the eighth night, all eight lights are kindled. Special blessings to thank G-d are said before the lighting, and traditional songs are sung afterwards.

Food and Fun!

Food plays a significant role in Jewish celebrations, and on Chanukah, favourite foods include those fried in oil to remember the miracle of the oil lasting eight days in the temple. These include latkes – pancakes made with potatoes – usually served with apple sauce and sour cream, and sufganiyot – round jam-filled doughnuts that have been deep fried in oil. The latter are extremely similar to oliebollen and show up at the same time of year.

If you want to try some of these traditional foods, here is a list of Kosher shops and restaurants in Amsterdam.

Adults and children also play dreidel, a game with a 4-sided spinning top. Everyone contributes something (chocolate coins, matchsticks etc) to a pot as game tokens, and depending on what letter the dreidel lands, one either takes from the pot or adds to it. When a single player has all the tokens, they are the winner for that round.

Chanukah is also a time for many for giving and receiving, and presents or gelt (money) are typically given.

Chag sameach to all those celebrating this year!

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WHO/WHAT IS SINTERKLAAS?

After King’s Day, Sinterklaas is the Netherlands’ most important celebration. Sint and his helper, called Piet (Pete), bring presents to all children on December 5 to celebrate his birthday. Read all about him here.

SINTERKLAAS INTOCHT (ARRIVAL) 2020!

Due to the coronavirus, the official National Sinterklaas intocht 2020 (arrival) will be held in a secret place to prevent a large mass of interested people getting drawn to the arrival. The big yearly celebration will be broadcast on television on Saturday, November 14th, 12PM on NPO Zapp/NPO 3.

The arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam will also be broadcast on television but just like the official National arrival, nobody will be allowed to be present at the arrival. The broadcast will be on Sunday, November 15th on AT5.

Starting November 9th more details will become available about the arrival of Sinterklaas from the official organisation, Sint in Amsterdam.

Please, DO NOT try to find out the secret locations for the Sinterklaas arrivals and attend them nor petition to make the arrivals open to the public. We are in a global pandemic and the coronavirus guidelines are clear, which makes it obvious that right now is not the time for large public events like the arrival of Sinterklaas.

KEEPING UP WITH SINTERKLAAS

Every year, kids can follow Sinterklaas’ progress on his annual travels to the Netherlands and the challenges upon arrival by watching the daily Sinterklaas Journaal on NTR/NPO Zapp.

WHAT’S UP WITH PIET?

Piet (Pete) is Sinterklaas’ companion and helper in Dutch and Belgian folklore.

Originally Piet (Pete) was called Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). However, in 2019 the official National Sinterklaas organisation decided to drop the blackface and have Sinterklaas only be accompanied by so-called Chimney Pieten. A move that was also followed by Het Sinterklaas Journaal and many celebrations in different municipalities in the Netherlands.

THE HORSE OF SINTERKLAAS

When Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands, he usually travels on his white horse. Over the years, this famous horse has changed and has had several names but since 1990, Sinterklaas’ horse was Amerigo. However, last year (2019), Amerigo retired after serving for over 30 years and Ozosnel made its debut during the official National Sinterklaas arrival of 2019. The name of Ozosnel was derived from the Sinterklaas song “Hoor de wind waait door de bomen” (“Hear the wind blowing through the trees”), in which the passage “Ja hij rijdt in donkere nachten op zijn paardje, oh zo snel” (“Yes,on dark nights, he rides on his horse, oh so fast”) is sung.

LETTER FROM SINTERKLAAS

As always, kids can send a letter to Sinterklaas and receive a reply from Sinterklaas. Weverkeshof is continuing the tradition this year, although Sinterklaashof itself will stay closed for the public.

To send a letter to Sinterklaas, please send letter by December 5th with a stamp to get a letter back. Please note if you want to receive a reply before Pakjesavond, your letter has to be received by December 1st. Here is the address:

Sinterklaashof

Postbus 368

5670 AJ Nuenen

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

The Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group administrators will make sure to post more links and information on when to put the shoe out (and how often), Santa Claus vs Sinterklaas, what presents to buy etc. We will also have our annual thread where you can share pictures of when you spotted Sinterklaas and/or of Sinterklaas’ celebrations. Pictures of Sinterklaas at school and how he arrived are always a HIT! However, be aware that pictures with controversial Zwarte Piet will have to be removed due to Facebook’s blackface rules.

Fijne Sinterklaas allemaal!

Photo Credit: Picture taken from the Dutch National Archives. November 21st, 1953: Sinterklaas arrival in Amsterdam. Prinses Margriet standing with Majestuoso, the horse of Sinterklaas.

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Last year in early November, the school parents’ Whatsapp group had an announcement: Each child (mine was five) had to go get a battery-operated lantern for school. It was called a ‘lampionstokje’. 

We had four days to get it.

Apparently you could get it “everywhere”.

So, dutifully (and last minute-ly), I rushed to look for, er, ‘one of those things’ for the child, not knowing what it was or why. I was told that Blokker had some pink ones—the child only thinks in pinks. Heaving a relieved sigh on finding a pink one, we were ready for the day. But I still did not know why. #newimporttoamsterdam

Now let’s learn together, for all the new imports to Amsterdam!

Who Is Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten (Saint Martin), according to one legend, is a Roman soldier who was approached by a beggar in the cold streets of what is now France. Martinus van Tours himself was not wealthy and all he had to keep himself warm that wintry day in November was the cape that was part of his soldier’s uniform. He gave this beggar a part of his own cape.

The story of Martin of Tours ‘went viral’ in the 1800s and so began a tradition, on 11 November, of children and beggars forming processions seeking alms and shelter from the bitter cold. Since the 1920s, every 11 November, all around Holland, children walk down the streets with their ‘lampion met lampionstokjes’ (lanterns and their stickholders). They knock on doors and call out for Sint Maarten. The Dutch now celebrate the sainted soldier’s act for at least two possible reasons:

Looking for the lost soldier: Some believe that soon after, the soldier Martinus van Tours disappeared. So now, the children echo the soldiers and people of past who walked down the streets looking for the lost soldier.

Celebrating generosity: Simply put, the Dutch are commemorating his act of generosity and humanity.

Honoured during mass: Today, St Martin is regarded as friend of the children and patron of the poor. The date is significant in the Catholic church calendar as it marks the end of autumn and begins the fasting period of Advent.

Note: A helpful member of the Facebook Amsterdam Mamas has schooled me: this day commemorates St Martin’s burial on 11 Nov 397. It is a religious holiday, celebrated in many European countries, including the Eastern European nations. St Maarten’s Day also marks the start of the Advent fasting period of which goes right up until 6 January. This period begins on the eleventh of the eleventh month of the year, at eleven minutes past eleven in the morning.

Celebrating Sint Maarten’s Day Today

IN 2020, BECAUSE OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, THERE IS NO PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF SINT MAARTEN’S DAY: NO PROCESSION, NO DOOR TO DOOR, NO BONFIRES.

The Natuur Speeleiland in Haarlem is planning an outdoor event for young children, Sint Maarten and the Snoepfabriek, on 11 November at 17:00. Tickets purchased here.

Please check their website/FB page to be sure event will be happening.

Today, like Halloween, much of the original meaning is lost. It is now a popular event, largely celebrated by children. All over Holland, children put on their winter coats and hats and go out in groups, carrying their lanterns. And they go up to a door, knock on the door, and much like carolling, they start singing a Sint Maarten’s song. In return, they get candy. And then they go to the next house. And sing. And get candy. Of course, this is more popular in the areas in Netherlands where you have streets and streets of houses, rather than apartment blocks.

In schools, it is a popular tradition for the younger children to take their lanterns and go around to the different classes and sing their songs.

It is also popular to have bonfires in the evening and sit around to enjoy a warm drink and laughter.

Songs about Sint Maarten

If you’re like me and you’re have yet to master the Dutch language, you might be slightly perplexed when your child comes home and starts singing something you don’t quite get. You assume they’re about the alphabet or a monkey eating a banana, but if this is early November, they’re most likely singing one of a few Sint Maarten ditties.

11 November (click to hear)

Elf november is de dag 
Dat mijn lichtje, dat mijn lichtje.
Elf November is de dag
Dat mijn lichtije branden mag!

 Sinte, Sinte Maarten (click to hear)

Sinte, sinte Maarten – 
De koeien hebben starten!
De meisjes hebben rokjes aan!

De jongens hebben sokjes aan!

Daar komt sinte Maarten aan!

Lampion met Lampionstokjes

At the very basic, this is a clear plastic shade that is held up by a holder/stick that has a bulb at the end where the shade is hung and a battery compartment at the other end. Many schools have art sessions to dress these inexpensive plastic shades up.

Now you can indeed purchase one of these things ‘anywhere’. The following places in Amsterdam are prepared for Sint Maarten:

Blokker

Hema

Lampionwebshop

Lampion Lampionnen

Action

The more exerienced may attempt to make their own lanterns, but please use an electric candle or Sint Maarten’s could get confused with Bonfire Night (UK)!

All photo credits: Audrey Coggins

The post The New Amsterdam Import: Sint Maarten’s Day? appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Halloween, or ‘Hallowed Eve’, falls on 31 October, the night before the Roman Catholic Holy Day of All Saints Day. Originally of Celtic origin, Halloween has transcended countries and cultures; the opportunity to dress up in costume and give frights big and small to other revelers has global appeal.

Amsterdam Halloween 2020

Get a Fright! There are almost no Halloween activities open to the public this year, on account of the public health measures to control the spread of the Coronavirus. However, The Amsterdam Dungeon is marking Halloween with extended hours from 27-30 October and is open for tours until 2 AM Halloween Night. Reserve tickets for their favorite time of year with an extra scary seance show!

Dress up and Decorate! Large gatherings are out this year, but whether it’s your own family or safely-sized small group, costumes and decorations can make Halloween weekend feel very festive. Here are some of our favorite local businesses ready to supply you with all your Halloween gear:

• Kinderfeestwinkel: This children’s party store in De Pijp has everything you need for a Halloween party or any other party throughout the year. Warning: if your child adores big, flouncy, tutu style skirts you may not leave the store without one.
• Witbaard: Oodles of Halloween stuff – both scary and fun. Check out the huge collection of children’s costumes upstairs! Witbaard is also located close to Duikelman  in case you need to visit an amazing culinary supply store for Halloween-themed cookie cutters or sharp knives for carving pumpkins.
• Louis Wittenburg, around since 1901, knows its business and is ready to supply all of the Halloween needs of our Centrum dwelling families and visitors.
• Dam in Oost has an incredible array of Halloween and many other holiday items. You can shop in-store or order online.

Watch a Movie! My kids are either bored or terrified by the movies I remember from my (admittedly long ago) childhood. Thankfully, here is link to current family-friendly fare on Netflix. Popcorn, costumes, and a good spooky movie—you’ve got this Halloween covered!

When the kids go to bed, all of you Dutch learners/scary movie aficionados might consider watching the Dutch film The Vanishing (available for rent on Apple TV) based on the story The Golden Egg by native Amsterdammer Tim Krabbé (brother of actor Jeroen Krabbé). It was made into a Hollywood film (with a very young Sandra Bullock) but the original is much scarier. And it’s good practice for your Dutch!

Spooky within Amsterdam

With names like Blood Street (Bloedstraat) and Spook Alley (Spooksteeg), pragmatic Amsterdam has its share of haunts.

The blood of condemned prisoners is said to have flowed through Blood Street as it drained into the canal, and Spook Alley is the eternal home of the ghost of Helena, who killed her sister in a fit of jealousy. Nearby Dam Square is known after dark as home to the spirits of victims of the witch trials, while the nearby Amsterdam Dungeon, itself built over a medieval cemetery, offers a chilling exhibit of the city’s darker past.

To get the most of Amsterdam’s haunted past, visitors can join a local ghost tour (e.g., The Ghost Walk of Amsterdam), and the Amsterdam Dungeon has a variety of frightening but fun Halloween activities.

A prison from 1580 to 2007, Blokhuispoort has seen its fair share of horrifying incidents — and the victims of those traumas continue to haunt the fortress today.

In the 17th century, people were tortured and publically executed here, and in the 19th and into the 20th centuries, it housed a sick ward with tuberculosis patients. Take a tour through the building, now a museum, to hear the stories of the tragic spirits who continue to roam its dimly lit halls.

Ghost Stories from Netherlands

Read about Aunty Cor, the Jordaan fortune teller who could take revenge on evildoers by conjuring up figures in the flames, or Rixt who lured ships to their doom to steal their bounty until she found her own child in the wreckage, or walled-in nuns, or ghost ships off the Dutch coast … if you are seeking chills they are all here: haunted castles, witches and ghosts.

Halloween Travel in Europe

For people who enjoy getting chills down their spines, Amsterdam Mama’s regular contributor Mary Petiet compiled a list of spooky Halloween destinations all over Europe, including two from here in the Netherlands:

 Main banner credit: Audrey Coggins

The post Halloween in Amsterdam 2020 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Editor’s Note: All public celebrations of Diwali and Durga Puja have been cancelled because of the Novel Corinavirus and private gatherings are restricted. See here for latest measures.

What Is Diwali?

By Tasneem Hatimbhai

The story goes that when Lord Rama completed his fourteen years of exile and returned home with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after defeating the Demon Ravana, the people of Ayodhya lit hundreds of lamps to mark his path home and jubilantly welcome their King.

Thus, Diwali marks the victory of good over evil. For me, as for many others, Light, the central symbol of this festival, symbolizes victory over our demons, both external and internal.

In present times, Diwali is a celebration of the Hindu New Year. It’s a time of cleansing, of putting aside the old and making way for the new – a wonderful period of celebration with family and friends. New clothes, delicious food, love, and laughter make Diwali a time of year to look forward to, no matter where you are!

Diwali is celebrated widely in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the whole diaspora where people from these countries have settled. Each family and community has their own special way of celebrating. There isn’t one standard modus operandi. Since the Hindus follow a lunar calendar, the festival date changes each year in the corresponding Western Gregorian calendar.

How Is Diwali Celebrated?

On the first day of Diwali, called Dhanteras, families will be “spring cleaning” their homes. The word “Dhan” means wealth and “teras” refers to a particular date. This day is about celebrating prosperity. Most people try to buy something new for their home; gold jewelry, or a little gold memento is best, but even a household object like a pan or set of spoons is considered auspicious. There are several more traditions that mark the day … and one of them is gambling! Card parties are rampant as friends and family get together in the weeks leading up to Diwali to play “teen patti” or Flush. Many hundreds (of rupees) are made and lost, but it’s (mostly) always in good spirit!

On the second day of Diwali, you will find many homes with little diyas (earthen lamps, filled with oil and a cotton wick) lit at their doorsteps. Traditionally, the women and children of the home decorate the entrance with special, colourful designs of mangoes, flowers and peacocks. The patterns are called rangoli. This day is also called Choti Diwali or “Small Diwali”. The Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are said to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day.

On the third day, Diwali, families gather together for Lakshmi Pooja, a prayer to the Goddess Lakshmi, who is known to be the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Offices conduct a special prayer to bless their business. Books of accounts, or computers, get a special red tikka and bonuses and sweets are distributed to the staff. This is also the day for sharing and eating copious quantities of ladoos, halwas, and all sorts of other sweet and savoury treats. A typical scene would be kids dressed up in their finery running around lighting fireworks, the sky ablaze with light and colour, and the streets alive with the sounds of laughter and celebration. This day also happens to be the darkest day of the month – the new moon day. Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day as well.

New Year is normally celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali. This day is marked by friends and relatives visiting each other with presents and sharing more sweets and endless cups of chai. Freshly cleaned homes are open to many visitors and the day is a blur of greetings, hugs, chats, and treats.

The fifth and final day of Diwali is called Bhai Duj and it’s a special day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, brothers visit their married sisters and they share a special ceremony, always followed by a grand meal.

It’s not easy leaving family, friends, traditions, and celebrations behind when you move to a new country. However, a festival like Diwali propels and compels you to find a way to celebrate. Amsterdam is now home to many families that celebrate Diwali. We have been lucky enough to find good friends who invite us to their homes and the community itself has grown large enough to support and organise many festivities across different locations in Amsterdam and The Netherlands.

Where to Celebrate Diwali?

By Amrita Suri​

Nothing makes one miss home more than the memory of festivals celebrated with family and friends, the expansive spread of food, and frequent exchange of gifts. Living away from family and friends one has grown up with can be difficult at the best of times, but it’s especially tough during the festive season that is soon to begin. As an Indian living abroad I’ve missed celebrating Diwali with my family the most. Luckily, we can still celebrate Diwali with friends here in the Netherlands.

Saturday 7 November, from 14:00 onwards you can join the Diwali Festival Amstelveen online from the comfort of your home, free of charge. Link to the festival here.

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Other than these Diwali celebrations, there are many Hindu temples in The Netherlands where one can go to offer prayers on festivals and other occasions.

Like Diwali, Durga Puja also depicts the triumph of good over evil as it commemorates the victory of goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. The festival begins on the same day as Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine.

What is Durga Puja?

By Amrita Suri​

Another major festival celebrated at this time of the year is Durga Puja. Celebrated predominantly in the western states of India – West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand – Durga Puja is observed to honour Goddess Durga. Like Diwali, Durga Puja also depicts the triumph of good over evil as it commemorates the victory of goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. The festival begins on the same day as Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine.

Traditionally, Durga Puja is a 10 day long festival beginning with Mahalaya which marks the advent of Durga in her battle against Mahishasura.

On the sixth day, Sasthi, when the goddess descends on the earth with her four children – Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati – the major celebrations begin, starting with elaborately decorating idols of Durga in temples and pandals.

On the seventh day, Saptami, the idol is bathed in water to invoke life and religious texts describing the scene of the goddess entering into war with Mahishasura are recited.

The eighth day, Maha Ashtami, is considered the most important day as the minute this day ends and the ninth day, Mahanavami, begins is said to be the time when Durga defeated Mahishasura in war.

On the ninth day, Mahanavami, Durga’s victory is celebrated with fire oblation rituals and more chanting of religious texts.

The tenth and final day, Vijaya Dashami, starts with”Sindoor Khela– (smearing of vermillion). Married women smear sindoor (vermillion) first on the goddess’s forehead and feet and then on each other. In Hinduism, sindoor is considered to be an ornament of married women and the ritual signifies wishes for a long and happy married life. The celebrations culminate with large ceremonious processions that carry the clay idols of Durga to a river or sea for immersion. As the clay dissolves in the water, the goddess is thought to return to her home Mount Kailash, to her husband Lord Shiva, and to the cosmos. Upon returning from the immersion, people distribute sweets and presents among friends and family.

Where to Celebrate Durga Puja

By Amrita Suri​

This year Durga Puja will be celebrated from 22 – 26 October. If you want to be a part of the celebrations, here’s where you can join in:

• Zuid Holland: Durga Puja will be organized by Kallol – an association of the Indian Bengali community in the Netherlands.
• Amstelveen:  Normally there are at least two events to mark Durga Puja, but not this year, because of coronavirus. Here are the links to the organizations that host them:

1. Anandadhara – a non-profit organisation that offers a common cultural platform to people from the Bengali community in the Netherlands
2. Hoichoi

However you choose to celebrate these beautiful traditions, may it be a happy time for you and yours.

The post Diwali and Durga Puja in the Netherlands 2020 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

1. Follow the Lights at the Amsterdam Licht Festival

As night falls, so Amsterdam lights up with an array of artistic illuminations located around the Nieuwe Herengracht. And with the early evenings, even the children can take part. To add to the magic, enjoy the light tour by boat. The festival runs from mid-December to the first week of January. 

2. Take a Vintage Santa Tram Ride

One of Amsterdam Mamas’ most popular events. Take a vintage tram ride through town, hear some carol singing, have your face painted, and get your picture taken with Santa. Plus festive food of course! Tickets sell out fast.

3. Sing Along to Disney on Ice

See your children’s favourite cartoon characters come to life as they glide across the ice and sing along to the much-loved songs. This year, performances will not be in Amsterdam but at the Ahoy Theatre in Rotterdam and the Jaarsbeurs in Utrecht 

4. Go to a Super-Sized Christmas Show

World Christmas Circus – Featuring talent from all over the world, this show is one of the most celebrated of its type. Trapeze artists, plumed horses, diabolos and hoops – this circus has it all. At the Theater Carré, just east of the centre.

The Christmas Show – Dancing, singing, and special effects bring the story of Cinderella (Assepoester en het Kerstbal) to live. This is family entertainment on a big scale. In Dutch, but still a big eye-full of fun for non-native speakers. At the Ziggo Dome, south east of the city.

5. Pick out a Christmas Tree

Choosing and decorating the family tree brings kids such joy. A fun way to enjoy this ritual is at a tree adoption centre. Check out our list of providers to find a tree near you.

6. Marvel at Ice Sculptures

Get festive overload at the ice sculpture exhibition in Zwolle, an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. Once the kids have finished staring open-mouthed at the works of ice art, let them whizz down the ice slide or take them to the festively-decorated café for a hot chocolate while you reheat with a mulled wine. Just remember to wrap up warm!

7. Take to the Slopes

What’s Christmas without snow? Pretend you’re in the mountains at Snow Planet, a short drive north west of Amsterdam. Here you can ski on indoor slopes with real snow. There’s even a great Sintfestijn just for kids aged 4-12 years on November 27th with fun activities, a medal and diploma and… a visit from Sint and his Piets! If you don’t feel like entertaining at home on December 25, you can book Christmas Day brunch or dinner there too.

8. Shop at a Christmas Market

For maximum festive impact, Christmas markets are hard to beat. Here are a few of our favourites:

Pure Wintermarkt – With its focus on gourmet food this is a good choice for grazers and lovers of all things delicious. The Winter Edition markets are located at Park Frankendael on 24 November and 22 December.

Kerstmarkt Haarlem – Hugely popular event with a 19th Century theme, spread over two days. Traditional Christmas food and drink, choirs, and hundreds of stalls. Public transport recommended.

Read more about our favourite Christmas markets in the Netherlands and beyond. 

9. Go Ice Skating

This classic Dutch winter pastime is great exercise for the kids and lots of fun. The most picturesque location is the Ice Village on the Museumplein but there are plenty of other rinks around town. And when you’ve hung up your skates, grab some fresh oliebollen at the nearby stalls and warm your belly as you make your way home.

10. The Amsterdam Winterparadise

If you want to enjoy a variety of festivities in one place, then the RAI Amsterdam offers  ‘the ultimate winter experience’, which includes ice skating, tube-slides, Christmas cinema, cross-country skiing, a giant ferris wheel, live music, and of course plenty to eat and drink.

The article has been updated for 2018.

The post 10 Festive Holiday Activities for Kids In and Around Amsterdam appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.