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- 1-15 Dec: Oh, the weather outside... (#27)
1-15 Dec: Oh, the weather outside... (#27)
Alex Siega
December 01, 2025 • Read time: 8 minutes
Happy December, everyone!
The holiday period is upon us — and it can be tough time of year especially for expats living away from their families, friends, and traditions. Wherever you’ll be and whatever you celebrate, may the warmth of Amsterdam’s community and holiday cheer find its way to you this month ❤️
Museumplein’s Christmas market opens this week!
🗓️ What’s happening around town
Looking for something fun to do with your little one? Here's a selection of upcoming activities and events for babies, toddlers, and their parents. Want more? See all events on our Community Calendar.
APP & Friends
Fourth Trimester Program: Jan 2026 cohort
Sign up until 31 Dec — Online
For the newest of newborns and their parents 🥹 Our 3 month cohort starting Jan 2026 has expert-led discussions and curated socials in local baby-friendly hotspots to help folks transition into new parenthood with confidence.
🎺 Call for Good Dad Club hosts!
Sat 13 Dec @ 10:00-11:30 — Oud WestGood Dad Club needs a host for their December meetup at the Groot Melkhuis in Vondelpark! If you’re interested in showing up — literally all that’s required 😄 — reply to this email or reach out to @adaptingtolove on Instagram. For other dads, come with your little ones to connect with other fathers and their families.
Give back this holiday season ✨
Gifts for Everyone: Donate used toys
Until 6 Dec — Collection points in Centrum, West, Noord, and Zuid
Give a second life to gently used toys this holiday season! The campaign is collecting clean, complete, and intact toys and games suitable for children aged 0–10. (No soft toys or clothes!)
Reversed Advent with Serve the City
18-19 Dec — Collection points in Centrum, Nieuw-West, and Noord
A good opportunity to teach the little ones about giving 🫶🏻 Instead of taking something out each day for Advent, you fill a Christmas box with essentials and treats ready to donate to an Amsterdam family in need.
Zimmerhoeve 1000 Friends Campaign
Until 31 Dec — Oud West
The beloved Zimmerhoeve community farm needs financial support to continue serving the neighborhood. Their 1000 Friends campaign aims to gather 1000 contributions to keep the farm running. If you live in the area, please consider visiting & donating — as little as €1 a month! I bring my toddler here all the time, it’s such a neighborhood gem.
West
Free children’s winter clothes pickup
Wed 3 Dec @ 14:00-16:00 — Osdorp
If you need some warm clothes for your child this winter, head to the free pickup run by Sharing with Kids. For donations, contact them directly 👆️
Sun 7 Dec @ 19:00-21:30 — Oud West
The Fatherhood Circle provides a space to find depth and connection with other dads, a sense of brotherhood, and genuine support. It includes meditation and discussions centering fathers’ unique experiences in new parenthood.
East
Afternoon Puppet Theater with Erik van Ophem
Sun 7 Dec @ 12:00-12:30 — Czaar Peterbuurt
Erik van Ophem is performing a free puppet show for all ages at the cozy Café Czaar: a perfect way to insert a little magic into a casual Sunday afternoon.
Sun 14 Dec @ 10:00-18:00 — Bijlmer
Meet fellow internationals at this fun-filled day at Ballorig, where your kids can play at their giant indoor playground while you connect with other expat parents. Special discount through IamExpat at the link above.
Noord
13-14 & 20-21 Dec @ 13:00 — Van der Pek
Find the best sustainable Christmas gifts at De Ceuvel's Christmas market! Stroll under the beautiful lights, sip on babyccinos and Glühwein by a warm fire, and taste homemade vegan snert (pea soup).
Sun 14 Dec @ 15:30-18:00 — Tuindorp Oostzaan
Celebrate Christmas in the neighborhood with music and singing, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree at 17:30. Entry is free, but seating is limited, so reserve your spot via the website.
Center
Christmas Market & Ice Skating at Museumplein
4-28 Dec — Museumplein
Christmas is on and the ice rink is open at Museumplein! 45 Christmas stalls, a giant ice rink, and various places to eat and drink make this market the ideal location for a Christmas experience to remember. Of course, it can always be combined with a museum to warm up with your little ones 😄
Thu 4 Dec @ 10:30-11:30 — Jordaan
Charlene is hosting a Sinterklaas Dutch children’s book reading this week at Amsterdam’s oldest children’s bookstore on the Rozengracht. Join for the reading and pick up a cute holiday book while you’re there.
Sun 5 Oct @ 10:00-11:00 — Grachtengordel
Join the next Montessori walk to explore the City Center's gables and Dutch architecture with your little ones. It’ll start at Frederiksplein 38 and include a walk, halfway meditation and book reading, and will finish near a playground. The walk will happen in any weather, so dress warmly and feel free to bring snacks to share!
South
Van Woustraat’s Sinterklaas coloring page activity
Wed 3 Dec — Rivierenbuurt
Celebrate the arrival of Sinterklaas with a fun coloring page activity! Pick up a colouring page at participating shops on Van Woustraat. Once your little one has created a beautiful masterpiece, drop it off at Bettina Bakt and they will receive a delicious treat from Sinterklaas as a reward.
Wed 3 Dec @ 10:00 & 14:30 — Rivierenbuurt
Robbeburg is hosting a Sinterklaas-themed Musical Morning Playgroup at 10:00 and Art Club Playgroup at 14:30. These activities are a great way for babies and toddlers to enjoy creative and musical fun in an expat-friendly environment.
A Quiet Place on the Page: Journaling as Self-Care for Parents
Thu 4 Dec 2025 @ 19:00-20:30 — De Pijp
Take a moment for yourself at this reflective journaling workshop designed for busy parents. Explore how writing can serve as self-care, helping you reconnect with your identity while sharing experiences in a cozy environment.
GroovaRoo Babywearing Dance: Christmas special
Fri 5 Dec @ 10:30-11:30 — De Pijp
Get your holiday groove on with your baby. No experience is necessary; it’s all about connection over perfection. It's also a great way to meet other parents in a safe, cozy space with coffee after class.
Sat 13 Dec @ 9:30, 11:15, 14:00, 15:45 — Rivierenbuurt
Celebrate the season with Christmas-themed crafts and a visit from Santa himself; kids can share their wish lists and receive a special gift straight from Santa’s sack. Photographer Sim Sawyers will be onsite to take photos with Santa, too!
Sat 13 Dec @ 12:00-17:00 - Rivierenbuurt
Experience the vibrant spirit of Latin America at this festive, free Christmas market. With authentic food, music, crafts, and a piñata for the kids 🪅
Did you find an activity today? Consider donating to support our work and keep this newsletter free for the community.
Until next time,
Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)