Winter in Amsterdam

Winter in London is centered around Christmas. Music, adverts and decorations can be found from mid October, if not before. Everywhere you look, you are urged to buy food, buy presents and buy clothes for Christmas. There isn't much else to do, really, just shopping, the cinema and, well, maybe brave the countryside for a walk if the weather permits. This is my experience, so please forgive me if your life is full of winter fun which I have not yet discovered.

So how do things differ in Amsterdam, compared to London? 

1. Less Consumerism

Firstly, there is the coming of Sinterklaas in mid-November. His presence doesn't mark the start of crazy merchandise buying as the gifts favoured are home-made and low key. The festival climaxes on 6th November. See Sinterklaas for more information. 

2. Ice Skating Rinks

There are lots of ice skating rinks! They're brilliant as kids love them and it's a lot of fun to skate. 

Ice skating rink at the Gelderlandplein

Ice skating at the Museumplein

3. The General Good Feeling

This may sound like a cliche, but with the sparkly lights everywhere, the cafes and pubs and general friendliness without the 'sell, sell, sell' vibe. 

4. Cycling whatever the weather

Being outside more than you would be doing normally and doing a bit more exercise is great for lifting your mood and getting vital vitamin D during the winter months.

5. Christmas Markets

I've heard great things about the Christmas Markets. We've only visited two, so I can't claim expert status on this one. The first one was great as it was predominantly food. Freshly fried chips out of a fryer on a bike, amazing tarts made from preserved raspberries, real American cupcakes (bit out of place, but still popular with the kids), oysters and a champagne bar. There was a lot to see, smell and stimulate all the senses. There was also a solar powered merry-go-round blaring out Portishead, which was a novelty. 
The second market we went to was in a 'Castle'. It was nothing like the castles we've visited in France or England. More like a large-ish house. See below picture.

The market was a bit dissappointing too. There was an ice skating rink, a bouncy castle and a merry-go-round. There were a few interesting stalls, but most were selling clothes, candles, tat. Not much home made craft or food. 

Maybe they're more impressive in Germany.