Netherlands, sweeter the second time around.

It was 2017 when I first visited The Netherlands. If you want to get an idea where to go around, you can check my previous post here: https://prildelrosario.blogspot.com/2017/09/travel-2017-netherlands.html.

This past Christmas season, I decided to go back to visit my sister (who just recently migrated in Amsterdam) and to celebrate Christmas and New Year with her. With this, I came up with a list of things you can do if you find yourself traveling in The Netherlands during the December holiday season.

What to do in The Netherlands in December?

Get your coats on and go around the canals and streets of Amsterdam.
December is a cold month in Europe but don't let it stop you from exploring this beautiful country. Get out and brave the cold.
During the day, walk around Amsterdam Centraal. Check out the big Christmas tree at the Dam Square and the well-decorated streets and buildings.
At night, you can take the boat tour around the canals of Amsterdam. In this way, you can also see the Amsterdam Light Festival which is an art exhibition of light installations made by artists around the world. Boat tour rates starts from EUR10.

Enjoy the two days of Dutch Christmas
Dutch people celebrate Christmas on both Dec 25th and 26th which means more time to celebrate with family and friends. But take note that most of the establishments are closed during these days so make sure to plan your activities ahead.

Have fun at the Amsterdam Winter Paradise
Starting at EUR17, you can join Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs which is one of the biggest winter experience that you shouldn't miss in Amsterdam. Enjoy fun games, rides and activities inside the winter-inspired amusement park.
From ice skating to marshmallow roasting, you'll never run out of winter activities to enjoy. Don't worry, if you ever get hungry from all the activities, there are a lot of food stalls inside as well.

Stroll around the Dutch Christmas Markets
There are a lot of pop up Christmas markets in the Netherlands during the holiday season. One of which is the Ice Village which is a traditional Dutch Christmas Market at Museumplein.
Enjoy ice skating in front of Rijkmuseum and try all the Dutch snacks and treats from the vendors around the area.
If you have more time, get out of Amsterdam and check out the other Christmas Markets from other cities in the country. Maastricht Kerstmarkt is also a wonderful Christmas market experience you can check out.

Witness New Year's Eve Fireworks
If you are in The Netherlands for the New Year, you can watch fireworks display from large cities in the country. Most people go to rooftop bars to witness the fireworks in Amsterdam. If ever you plan to party, make sure to get some tickets ahead as most bars sell NYE party tickets weeks before the event.

That's it! Hope I gave you an idea on what to do in the Netherlands during the December holiday season. Remember, if you are a Philippine passport holder like me, you need a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands. Here's how I did it the first time -- https://prildelrosario.blogspot.com/2017/09/travel-2017-tips-getting-schengen-visa.html.