Right, let’s recap: here on Grown-up Travel Guide we’ve covered the Christmas markets of Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Rome and most recently London. From the English capital we’re going to jump back over the Channel to funky old Amsterdam, where as you might expect there’s a mix of both old-fashioned and contemporary markets in the festive season. Amsterdam is a beautiful place in the winter so what are you waiting for?

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – From the quirky to the traditional

Image obtained from Flickr.com under Creative Commons (c) Bernardo Contopoulos

City centre markets

In early November the two squares at each end of Leidsestraat -Leidseplein and Koningsplein become Christmas markets filled with stalls selling a wide range of goodies. Leidseplein is where you’ll find the ice rink and olliebollen (kind of a cross between a doughnut and a dumpling – sweet and lovely on a cold night) stands. Both markets become more Christmas-themed in December with additional activities taking place.

Open 2 November 2012 – 13 January 2013

Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Pop Up

There are several one-off events in Amsterdam during the run-up to Christmas. Here you can join local musicians, artists, foodies and their friends for pop-up Christmas market in the Jordaan. You can enjoy live music and sample home-made treats while browsing gifts and decorations. There’s also vintage clothing swap and plenty of Xmas fun and frolics.

Open 9 December 2012

Image obtained from Flickr.com under Creative Commons (c) Andreas Andrews

Flower market (Bloemenmarkt)

During December the Bloemenmarkt (the only floating flower market in the world) is the place where savvy locals pick up their Christmas trees. All shapes and sizes are on sale here and as a bonus, the Christmas Palace is located right beside the market. This is Amsterdam’s unique festive goodies emporium and is in fact open all year round – but of course this is the best time to visit.

Open 1 December 2012 – 23 December 2012

Christmas Flea Market

On Saturday 8 December, a special Christmas Flea Market organised by Dutch fashion and homewares brand Sissy Boy will be held on the Amstelveld in front of Café Nel. As well as great gift ideas from the arranger you can sift through antiques and collectibles, see the latest creations by local artists and designers, sample holiday treats, listen to live music and let the kids loose to join in the activities for the younger ones.

Open 8 December 2012

Organic eating

Again, Christmas is all about the food too and those shoppers looking for organic produce and other sustainable goods should aim for the two special winter editions of the Pure Markt. On Sunday 16 December head to Amstelpark, and on Sunday 23 December (for those last-minute shoppers) you’ll find the market in Park Frankendael. On both occasions you can visit 60 ‘green’ retailers and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Open 16 and 23 December 2012

Image (c) ferrytoholland.wordpress.com

Funky Xmas Market

Fast becoming a yuletide tradition in Amsterdam, the Funky Sunday Markets are back with a special Christmas edition. At the Funky Xmas Market at the Westergasfabriek you’ll find stalls selling cheerful decorations, a range of crafts and gifts and delicious food.  The Funky Xmas Market is on the weekend of 22 and 23 December and entrance is free.

Open 22-23 December 2012