This holiday season there's no shortage of festive events going on in Amsterdam. Christmas shows, markets, winter festivals, ice skating, even the circus has come to town. Get amongst the wintry fun. Christmas cheer. Amsterdammer's love for the word 'gezellig' (meaning: similar to 'cosy' but used in a broader sense) is used no more fittingly than over the holiday period, when the city's 'village' charm shines in fairy lights, snugs up in warm cafes and bars and brims with silly season spirit.

We've made a list (and checked it twice) of the top twelve things to do (one - for each day and in no particular order) in Amsterdam over the festive period.
Top Twelve Holiday Season Events

   1.      The Nutcracker at Schouwburg Amstelveen 20 December and Schouwburg Amsterdam, 22 - 23 December - The famous ballet set at Christmas time.
   2.      Boom Chicago Christmas Show at Boom Chicago, 21 - 26 December - Jesus lives, and so does Santa in Boom's world - it's a christmas crack-up.
   3.      World Christmas Circus 2009 at Theatre Carre, 18 December - 3 January - A modern circus featuring Hans Klok brings plenty of sequins to the festive season.
   4.      Winterparade at Westergasfabriek, 16 - 26 December - The winter version of the favourite festival full of live acts and performances.
   5.      Ice Skating at Leidseplein, 6 November - 10 January - Get your skates on and enjoy the Leidesplein rink then unwind with a hot meal and a drink at one of the nearby cafes.
   6.      Pink Christmas - City-wide, 17 - 27 December - 'Don we now, our gay apparel.' Pink Christmas finds celebrations around the city for the gay community.
  7.      It's a Wonderful Life at Filmhuis Cavia, 17 & 18 December - The Christmas classic starring James Stewart is always a feel-good, holiday winner.
   8.      Winter Classics from Classic FM Live! at Heineken Music Hall,  22 & 23 December - Classical music and Christmas classics for the winter months.
   9.      Amstel Big Band - Christmas Special at Bethanienklooster, 19 December - Jingle bells and holiday horns with special guest vocalist Mathilde Marlon.
  10.      Buddy Volly's Funky Christmas at Paradiso, 24 December - Santa's already made his list so why not be naughty with Buddy Volly as you twist away Christmas Eve.
  11.      Holiday on Ice at RAI, 4 - 13 December - The traditional skating troupe tell the story of ancient spirits from Stonehenge to Native American tales and Asian mysticism.
  12.      Funky X-mas Markets at Westergasfabriek, 13 December - Market shopping is a great way to find the ideal gift. There will be music, craft stalls, an ice rink and even an Icelandic troll for the kids.

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