On Saturday, November 17, Ice*Amsterdam will open an ice rink to the public at Amsterdam’s Museumplein, marking the start of this year’s seasonal festivities. To accompany it, there will be a Christmas market named “Ice Village”, which will open from the December 14 to December 26 (but will be closed on Christmas day). Furthermore, citizens of Amsterdam will also get a visit from Sinterklaas on Friday, November 30. The company’s 25-year-old marketing manager, Rick Kieboom, thinks it will be “one of the most beautiful ice rinks in the Netherlands.” In its sixth operation under the company, there is a special emphasis on connecting with Amsterdam’s locals this year.

Additionally, Ice*Amsterdam will open a restaurant, “Brasserie Winters”, by the rink for skaters to come in and enjoy lunch, snacks or cheese fondue. The “Ice Village” will offer a wide variety of home goods, gifts, Christmas decorations, clothing, and food and drinks for sale from food trucks and cabins. The ice rink itself will feature a replica of the ‘‘Magere Brug’’ and is advertised as being a perfect spot to enjoy hot chocolate and take scenic holiday photos by the Rijksmuseum. Kieboom hopes it will be “a meeting point for the people in the neighborhood.” To this effect, collaborations with newspapers will encourage residents to enjoy the festivities and Ice*Amsterdam will offer skating lessons, activities, and events throughout the season. Kieboom explains that it is “very important to [them] for it to be the perfect winter event for the locals”, but also emphasizes that tourists are welcome and encouraged to participate as well.

Entrance to the ice rink will cost 5 euro and ice rink skate rental for 2 hours will cost 11 euro. Moreover, there will be an option of buying 10 tickets for a discount price and an entrance to the Christmas market “Ice Village” will be free.

The ice rink will be open until February 3. Organizers advise caution while skating especially between 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., when they will be carrying out daily maintenance on the rink.