Amsterdam
In the round
Dating from 1894, the grand circus theatre Carré is the magnificent setting for the 25th anniversary of the World Christmas Circus. This year’s award-winning international acts include the ‘clown of all clowns’ Fumagalli, and illusionist Hans Klok, as well as Chinese bicycle acrobatics and a spectacular flying trapeze act from North Korea. WORLD CHRISTMAS CIRCUS December 18 to January 3, 2010; Carré, Amstel 115-125; 0900 2525255 (NL only); www.theatercarre.nl
EVENTS
LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST December 2-28
De Nederlandse Opera perform Puccini’s 1910 ‘Wild West’ masterpiece, with set designs by Raimund Bauer.
Muziektheater, Amstel 3; +31 20 6255455; www.muziektheater.nl
MILLIONAIRE FAIR December 10-14
Be seen and be pampered at this luxury fair for the wealthy (December 10, by invitation only).
RAI, Europaplein 22; +31 20 5491212; www.millionairefair.com
PINK FILM DAYS December 11-20
The annual gay and lesbian film fest.
Various venues; www.rozefilmdagen.nl
COPPELIA December 11 to January 1, 2010
Het Nationale Ballet’s contemporary twist on Arthur Saint-Léon’s 1870 work.
Muziektheater, Amstel 3; +31 20 6255455; www.muziektheater.nl
WINTER PARADE December 16-26
A quirky theatre festival held on the site of a former gasworks.
Westergasfabriek (Gashouder), Haarlemmerweg 8-10; www.winterparade.nl
APASSIONATA December 25-27
The breathtaking show, Charm of Freedom, features shire-horses.
RAI, Europaplein 22; www.apassionata.nl
TANGOMAGIA December 26-30
Discover the intimacy and tradition of this seductive dance at a superb international tango festival.
Various locations; www.tangomagia.com
EXHIBITIONS
VAN GOGH’S LETTERS Until January 3, 2010
Over 120 rarely exhibited letters by and to Van Gogh. Also here, until January 24, is a retrospective of the Belgian artist Alfred Stevens, famed for his 19th-century paintings of the ‘beau monde’.
Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7; +31 20 5705200; www.vangoghmuseum.nl
HENDRICK AVERCAMP: THE LITTLE ICE AGE Until February 15, 2010
Fascinating, historic 17th-century winter landscapes by this Amsterdam-born painter.
Rijksmuseum, Jan Luykenstraat 1; +31 20 674700; www.rijksmuseum.nl
RESTAURANT
MARQUEE
This trendy new hot spot keeps dining simple: it offers a choice of either steak or lobster for its main course. Irish Angus fillet, USA Black Angus sirloin and USA Black Angus rib-eye steaks are delivered daily, as are fresh lobsters (and oysters). Vegetarians catered for if you book in advance.
Utrechtsestraat 30a, +31 20 3302569; www.restaurantmarquee.nl
GIGS
Marilyn Manson December 7, Heineken Music Hall
Marcus Miller December 7, Paradiso
Julian Marley December 9, Paradiso
Peaches December 10, Paradiso
New Model Army December 20, Melkweg
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis December 29, Melkweg
WEBSITES
www.dutchnews.nl
Daily Dutch news in English
www.specialbite.com
Cool and comprehensive restaurant reviews
www.underwateramsterdam.com
Events and info galore
www.amsterdam.info
Useful tourist information
www.lastminuteticketshop.nl
Half-price tickets to events
REMEMBER! This copy of Holland Herald is yours to take off the plane.
