Cultural Events

The list of events contained here is only a selection of the many activities, shows, expositions, etc. taking place in the Netherlands. Though we do not pretend to be complete, we do hope to offer you an interesting and varied selection which we will be updating on a regular basis.

For extensive current tourist information, we recommend you visit: www.IamExpat.nl/Lifestyle

Our Selection for the Winter Season  
 

Millionaire Fair
In recent years, the Miljonair Fair has gained a reputation as the most exclusive and leading "Luxury Event." Its launch in Amsterdam in 2002 laid the foundation for what would prove to be a resounding success. By the following year, the Fair had quadrupled in terms of size and visitor numbers. The Miljonair Fair is the perfect platform for the crème de la crème in the luxury segment, including art and antiques, classic and sports cars, yachts and sloops, traditional crafts and exclusive design, watches and jewelry, home entertainment, sound and vision, travel, hotels and resorts.
Date: December 8-12
Location: RAI, Amsterdam
For more information, please visit www.miljonairfair.nl/international

A Christmas Carol
Yes, when does a tradition start...? Back by popular demand, Ashley Ramsden returns for the fourth time from Great Britain to perform the famous story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The program embraces the original masterpiece, transporting audiences back to Victorian England and conjuring up the sinister back alleys, cobblestone streets, and ghostly apparitions that are the story’s hallmarks. In the past three years the audience, Dutch and non-Dutch alike, listened mesmerized to the story that is still relevant today in a world where there is a gulf in the distribution of wealth, influence and knowledge.
Dates: December 9, 10, 15, 17 and 21 December
Location: De Kombinatie, Concordia, and Theater Branoul, The Hague
For more information: www.theenglishtheatre.nl

Dancing on the Edge Festival
Established in 2006 and based in Amsterdam, presents and promotes contemporary Middle Eastern arts and culture with a focus on the performing arts, film, and multimedia-installations. During this year’s festival they will again present engaged pieces created from the inner urgency of artists determined to comment on the world around them. In light of the recent events it is clear that artists have not only been responding to situations through their artwork, but are actually real agents of change in their world. Many of the works presented this year were made before the revolutions or in countries that have remained relatively calm, but show that boundary-breaking thoughts and ideas were never far from the surface. The festival’s film program Critical Syrian Cinema - Roots of Revolution? also reflects this theme.
Dates: December 13-17
Location: Korzo Theater, The Hague
For more information: www.dancingontheedge.nl

The Nutcracker & The Mouse King
Going to see The Nutcracker with the whole family has been a tradition in other countries for many years. Now it is a tradition in the Netherlands as well.
Choreographers Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling created a Nutcracker for the children (and adults) of today. It is more dynamic and exciting, and less sweet than usual. They also chose to give a Dutch twist to their interpretation of the story, with skaters on the canals and a living room that transforms into a snowy forest.
Unlike the original story, the production by Eagling and Van Schayk (who also designed the delightful sets and costumes) does not take place on Christmas Eve in a German town, but during St. Nicholas celebrations in Amsterdam, around 1810.
The Nutcracker & the Mouse King is a highlight in the Dutch National Ballet's history in every aspect.
Date: December 15 - January 1, 2012
Location: Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam
For more information: www.het-muziektheater.nl

World Christmas Circus
Only the very best circus acts in the world take part in this program, which certainly does its name justice. The World Christmas Circus is internationally famous but it is actually much more than just a circus; it is one of the biggest and most beautiful circus festivals in the world, combining classic circus acts with new more theatrical acts! With, for example, three Monte Carlo Golden Clown (comparable to the Oscars) winners, Martin Lacy – also referred to as the Lion King, who will be bringing 16 lions to the theatre – and Pyong Yang National Circus’s flying trapeze. People flying up into the rafters of Carré, are always – literally – the high point of this classic family program – carried out this year by, among others, the group Sarach from Moscow. Fiery Cossacks will be charging around the arena on their horses and Eliza, from Russia, will dance her ballet act on a cord. Be sure not to miss the Fire of Flight with their sensational and beautiful acts up in the air!
Dates: December 22, 2011 – January 8, 2012
Location: Theater Carré, Amsterdam
For more information: www.theatercarre.nl

Residentie Orkest – New Year’s Concert
The new 2012 calendar year will be welcomed by a concert, conducted by Enrique Diemecke. This year, the focus will be on the American musical forces of Bernstein, Barber and Copland. A swinging start to a new year.
Date: January 6, 2012
Location: Dr. Anton Philipszaal, The Hague
For more information: www.residentieorkest.nl

Modefabriek 
Twice a year, the Amsterdam RAI becomes the bustling center of both the national and international fashion world. Founded in 1996 as a trendsetting experiment, Modefabriek has since become a two-day fashion event of international stature that cannot be missed. The success of the ultimate source of inspiration for every fashion professional lies in the progressive and high-quality character of the fair, in which innovation and creativity predominate. Modefabriek is more than a vast collection of brands under one roof; it is a showcase of new trends, international-renowned and avant-garde designer talents, culinary discoveries and innovative design.
Date: January 22-23
Location: Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam
For more information, please visit www.modefabriek.nl

International Film Festival Rotterdam
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is one of the biggest cultural events in the Netherlands, and thanks to its large, cinephile audience, one of the best-attended film events in the world! The IFFR is devoted to offering a platform to and actively supporting independent filmmaking from around the globe; a recognized international platform in Europe for launching new films and talent from Asia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. During 12 festival days, the International Film Festival Rotterdam offers a quality selection of independent, innovative and experimental cinema, video and media art.
Date: January 25 - February 5
Location: Various Locations, Rotterdam
For more information, please visit www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en

ABN AMRO Tennis Tournament
This year, the 39th edition of one of the world's biggest indoor tennis tournaments will be held between February 13 and 19, 2012. As in previous years, matches will be played in Ahoy Rotterdam. Robin Söderling will be defending his title yet again. Other competitors include Juan Martin del Potro. Tomas Berdych and Robin Haase.
Feel like something to eat or drink? Come along to Tennis Plaza, where you can relax while watching the tournament on large screens. This is also where the signing sessions and meet & greet events will be taking place. So you can even come and meet the players!
Dates: February 13-19, 2012
Location: Ahoy' Rotterdam
For more information visit: www.abnamrowtt.nl

Rotterdam Museum Night
On March 10, 2012, will be the eleventh Rotterdam Museum Night, from 8 P.M.- 2 A.M. Visiting museums and galleries by night is popular among the public due to the relaxed atmosphere, the special tours, the workshops and the performances. The passe-partout grants you entry to the dozens of participating museums and galleries in and around the city center. Aside from their fixed collections and exhibitions, they also organize special shows, events and other stimulating activities that make the temperatures rise. You will find the full program – which this year focuses on the theme SMAAK, or Taste – halfway January on the official website.
Date: March 10, 2012
Location: various locations in and around Rotterdam’s city center
For more information visit: www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl  

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