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- 3-17 Nov: Amsterdam aglow (#25)
3-17 Nov: Amsterdam aglow (#25)
Alex Siega
November 03, 2025 • Read time: 8 minutes
Happy November, y’all!
Big news: APP’s submission to West Budget (West Begroot) for a city-funded parent support group is live! 🎉🎉🎉 If you live in Amsterdam West, please vote for us by choosing Kring voor Ouderwelzijn (Circle for Parent Wellbeing) as one of your favorite projects. With enough votes, we’ll be able to host a monthly circle for English-speaking parents experiencing overwhelm and burnout with beverages, cookies, and childcare — all completely free 🙏🏻 Thanks in advance for your support; we’re really proud of this one 🥹
And if you’re willing to spread a few flyers in family-friendly hotspots around your neighborhood, please reach out! West Begroot sent me hundreds to pass out 🫣 (They clearly didn’t get the “overwhelmed parent” memo in their generosity…)
Sint Maarten on Tuesday 11 Nov!
🌟 Dutch Holidays: Sint Maarten & Sinterklaas
On Tuesday 11 November, children across the country celebrate Sint Maarten by parading through the streets: dressed up, carrying handmade lanterns, singing cheerful songs, and knocking on doors for sweets. It’s a cozy evening that makes the city glow.
There are a few special events to celebrate:
Sint Maarten Vondelpark Parade
Tue 11 Nov @ 17:45 — Vondelpark
I went to the Vondelpark Sint Maarten Lantern Parade last year and it was truly magical: live fanfare and lots of light and laughter. This year I’m bringing many friends, too — maybe I’ll see you there! ☺️ It starts at 18:00 at Koninginneweg 1, but you’re encouraged to get there 15 minutes early to join the procession on time.
Tue 11 Nov @ 18:45 — Indische Buurt
The Super Sint Maarten parade fills Indische Buurt with light, music and color. Departing from Ambonplein at 18:45, it features handmade lanterns, glowing sculptures, Pretvormer’s parade animals and live music from local bands.
Tue 11 Nov @ 18:30-19:30 — Amsterdamse Bos
An enchanting evening walk especially for children – bring your lanterns! Forest Ranger Kim will guide families through the dark and tell stories and exciting facts about nature. And of course, there will be candy to be had.
And then comes Sinterklaas…
The arrival of Sinterklaas (Sinterklaas Intocht)
Sun 16 Nov @ 10:00 — Grachtengordel
Celebrate the arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam with a grand parade — I mean grand — as he sails into the city then leads a procession from Waterlooplein to Leidseplein. Check the map for timings of where he’ll be throughout the city.
Bambi by Theater Terra (8 Nov)
🗓️ 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.
West
Kom Buurten: Neighborhood volunteer week
8-15 Nov — Kinkerbuurt
A great opportunity for civic engagement while also parenting! A bunch of city organizations have come together to organize a whole week of good deeds in Oud West. For example, on Saturday morning (8 Nov), there’s a neighborhood clean up: perfect to do while strolling with your little one ❤️
Sun 9 Nov @ 11:00 — Kinkerbuurt
Farmer Koos hosts this “musical picnic adventure” to search for lost carrots underground. Singing, dancing, and cuddly moles included. Pro tip: Right next door is an epic playground and a children’s farm 🫡
Bar Bario’s Baby & Kids Clothing Swap
Sat 15 Nov @ 14:00 — Oud West
The 2nd Annual Baby & Kids Clothing Swap at Bar Bario brings the neighborhood together to exchange gently-used clothes, toys and more. Especially friendly to queer families 🏳️🌈
Sun 16 Nov @ 19:00 — De Baarsjes
A place for fathers and fathers-to-be to share experiences through meditation, honest conversation and group reflection on topics like relationships, balance and personal growth. Recommended by a dad I know!
South
Wed 5 Nov @ 10:30-12:30 — De Pijp
A warm, informal gathering for expectant and new parents to connect, ask questions, and share experiences about feeding and early parenthood. Led by IBCLC lactation consultant Andrea Hamlett, a reviewer of APP’s Fourth Trimester Program.
Wed 12 Nov-10 Dec @ 12:15 (Weekly) — De Pijp
The “weekly getaway” that provides parents and their newborns with inspiration, tools, and practical tips to strengthen their connection through movement. It’s over 5 sessions, so a great way to meet other parents in the early days!
Sophrology & Pregnancy workshop
Wed 12 Nov @ 18:30-20:00 — De Pijp
For the pregnant moms out there in their second or third trimester, Delphine is leading a sophrology workshop that uses breathwork, meditation, and visualization to increase your confidence and connection to your baby.
Robbeburg Volunteer Interest Open House
Thu 13 Nov @ 15:30-17:00 — Rivierenbuurt
Curious about volunteering at Robbeburg? Meet current and former volunteers and learn about the perks involved while your little one enjoys free play in the playroom during the event. As a volunteer-run non-profit, their community thrives thanks to the time and care of dedicated parents 🫶🏻
East
Children Enter Free at Artis (0-12y)
Sat-Sun 8-9 Nov — Plantage
Children up to 12 years old receive free entry to ARTIS for the weekend, in celebration of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. The offer includes access to ARTIS-Park, ARTIS-Micropia and ARTIS-Groote Museum, and features special free activities just for kids. Heads up: You still have to pay as adults 😉
Center
Sat 8 Nov @ 16:00 — Jordaan
A puppet-loving toddler’s dream. Theater Terra is taking their large-scale puppetry to the stage with the classic tale about our favorite deer. After the show, you can take a photo with the characters during the meet & greet in the foyer.
Stories in all languages (3+y)
Sun 9 Nov @ 11:00 (Monthly) — Oosterdok
Every second Sunday of the month, the OBA’s youth department hosts multilingual storytime, where children aged 3 and up can enjoy tales told in different languages. A fun and welcoming way to celebrate the many voices of Amsterdam.
The Princess, the Knight and the Little Dragon (1-4y)
Wed 12 Nov @ 10.30-11:10 – Grachtengordel
Last chance for this performance at the Toverknol! In this children’s play, a knight, a princess, and a troll head out to vanquish a dangerous dragon wreaking havoc in the kingdom. Who will reach the dragon first?
Thu 13 Nov @ 11:00-12:00 — Jordaan
We love Tash at APP, and she’s hosting a lovely morning tea time for parents and their toddlers! Tea, biscuits, and pinkies up all included in the experience.
Want to share an event with our community? Email [email protected] to get in touch.
Until next time,
Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)