Winter Fun

It feels really cold. We've already had our first snow in Amsterdam. Sinterklaas went back to Spain. Christmas trees and decorations are now out in full force. School holidays begin next week! If you are in Amsterdam for the festive season, here are a few ideas of places to go:

Take a walk and check out the first ever Amsterdam Light Festival which is being held between 7th December 2012 until 20th January 2013, see www.amsterdamlightfestival.com for the full programme.

From 11am - 5pm on Sunday 16th December 2012 at the Amstelpark and 23rd December at Park Frankendael, the Pure (Winter) Market has food, drinks, handicrafts and a merry-go-round swing for the children: www.puremarkt.nl

From 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, 22nd, and Sunday, 23rd December 2012, visit the Xmas Weekend Market at Westergasfabriek with unique gift ideas and 'funky' surroundings: www.sundaymarket.nl

From 6th December 2012 - 2nd January 2013, the first Indoor Winter Fair is being held at the IJ-Hallen, T.T. Neveritaweg 15, 1033 WB, in Amsterdam Noord, with circus and fairground attractions, shows and music. For the full programme visit: www.winterkermisamsterdam.nl.

For a full guide to ice-skating in Amsterdam see: www.iamsterdam.com.

• There is an ice rink at the Leidseplein until 13th January 2013, open daily from 10am until at least 11pm. Entry costs €2.50 plus skates are available for hire. www.kermisplaza.nl

• The mini ice rink on the Museumplein will remain until 14th February 2013 and is open from 10am to 8pm. Entry costs €2 for children and €3 for over 12's plus skate hire (if you didn't bring your own).