It’s getting to be that time of year where it’s impossible to stay inside. With all the Christmas shopping, dinners, and end of year cocktail parties, my social calendar is packed for December. Not that I’m complaining because I like all of it. December is one of my favourite months of the year. I’m also going to a lot of spectacular events this months that are bound to enhance that holiday spirit! I would like to give you a heads up so you can also mark your calendar and score a ticket before they’re sold out. Here are the 7 events I’m attending and wouldn’t want to hold out on you. Will I see you there?
Merry Jazzmess: Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw with Jose James Christmas concert
If you usually spend the winter holed up inside listening to jazz albums, then this is your big break. The JOC created new big band arrangements of the music of José James for the Merry Jazzmess concert. You will be surprised by the compositions of the soloist José James that are rearranged by chief conductor Dennis Mackrel for this concert. Besides the popular Christmas songs, such as the Christmas Song by Mel Thormé and Let it Snow, he is also performing songs from his latest album yesterday I had the blues. The album is a tribute to singer Billie Holiday.
José James and the JOC will be enlightening us at several venues.
Monday 7 December: Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
Tuesday 8 December: de Doelen, Rotterdam
Wednesday 9 December: Cinemec, Nijmegen
Thursday 10 December: Zuiderstrandtheater, Den Haag
Friday 11 December: Muziekgebouw Frits Philips, Eindhoven
Tickets and info: http://www.jazzorchestra.nl/
The largest Swan Lake Ballet of the world
The largest Swan Lake in the world, originated from Shanghai, China will be spreading its wings for the first time this Christmas season On the initiative of Stardust Theatre, producer of this impressive ballet festival, English choreographer Derek Deane has a beautiful version of Swan Lake rehearsed with the Shanghai Ballet! Instead of 16 swans, 48 swans shine in this production. The Netherlands has the European premiere of this impressive and epic ballet. The production will show in different cities, from 17 December 2015 till 17 January 2016. For tickets: Stardust Theatre
Amsterdam Light Festival
No longer do we have to dread the dark winter months in Amsterdam. Thanks to Amsterdam Light Festival, Amsterdam is transformed every year into a true city of lights with the help of contemporary (inter)national light artists. During this annual festival for young and old, both the residents of Amsterdam and the city’s many visitors are treated to a spectacle of light. At the same time, the festival offers talented (young) light artists a platform to present their latest work.
Amsterdam Light Festival consists of two main routes. The boat route, Water Colors, offers a unique view of the city from the perspective of Amsterdam’s famous waterways. Or the walking route , Illuminade, that winds its way through the culturally rich neighborhoods Weesper and Plantage in Amsterdam East. The walking route is free when done by yourself, but there are also guided walks.
This year, the 55-day festival is dedicated to theme ‘Friendship’ and can be visited from 28 November 2015 to 17 January 2016! For more information or boat tickets: Amsterdam Light Festival
Nutcracker and the Mouse King ballet
In this family production of The Nutcracker and the mouse king, choreographers Wayne Eagling and Toer van Schayk adapted the age-old story to meet today’s theatre demands. The scene changes are magical and the ballet is more exciting and dynamic, and less sugary than earlier versions of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Impressive group scenes are interspersed with technically brilliant solos. Slowly but surely, the audience is drawn into a magical world, where reality and imagination blend together. The Dutch National Ballet annually performs a family production in December making it accessible to children as well. There are special afternoon performances to meet the requirements of a younger audience.
Nationale opera & ballet, Amsterdam. 11 December 2015, till January 1, 2016
More information and tickets: http://www.operaballet.nl/
Delft night of lights
Lichtjesavond (night of lights) is the annual tradition of lighting the Christmas tree and giving light to the dark days of Delft. For many citizens of Delft and the surrounding area it is a familiar concept: the city is boasting with illuminated Christmas stalls, hot chocolate, illuminated facades of canal houses, and musicians. Last year Lichtjesavond was given a whole new look with a stunning 3D light show at the City Hall. Prepare again for a magical evening! See my blog posts about previous years here: 2011, 2012, 2013
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 in the old city center from 16:00 to 22:00 hrs More info: http://www.evenementenbureaudelft.nl/
Masters of Luxury Event
The Masters of luxury event is the leading European luxury event. The fair showcases the most exclusive and high end wanna haves. From fashion, to cars, and from home decor to travel. It is the place to shop, get inspired and discover new and unique things. Naturally there are also many culinary delights and entertainment.
10 – 14 December 2015 – Check the website for tickets, the programme, and the dresscodes! http://www.lxry.nl/
Sissy Boy Christmas market
Christmas markets abound in December but the Sissy Boy Christmas Market is different. It’s not like all the others selling those quintessential wooden decorations and classic knick knacks with a typical Austrian of German vibe. No, the Sissy Boy market is cool and hip with vintage accessories as well as hip new brands, beautiful tablescapes to get inspired, live music, and yummy food and drinks. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
December 12, 2015 – Amstelveld & de Duif, Nel Amstelveld – Amsterdam, 10-17 hrs
More info: Sissy Boy
About Post Author
