Even in its touristic "low season", Amsterdam still offers a full calendar of fantastic events and activities for visitors and locals alike -- from yearly events to memorable once-offs, and in all fields of interest: clubs, dance, fine art, popular and classical music, sports, and more. Here's a hand-picked list of the top 10 Amsterdam events for January 2011 -- and before you set off, be sure check out our perennial recommendations for Amsterdam travel in January.
Do you have any other recommendations for Amsterdam events in January 2011 or beyond? Tell me about them in the Amsterdam Travel forum!
- Gezeefd ('Silk-Screened'), 1970-1985 (December 15 - January 23) - Amsterdam institution De Melkweg (Milky Way) chronicles its 40 years on the live music scene with a retrospective of the first 15 years of its iconic, silk-screened event posters.
- Why Not! 2 (January 7-8) - Contemporary art space W139 presents this two-day dance improvisation festival, with performances set to live music as well as dance-inspired experimental film.
- Chamber Orchestra of Europe (January 12 and 15) - The acclaimed international chamber orchestra touches down in Amsterdam for two performances of their Beethoven cycle in January. Reserve seats at +31 (0)20 788 2000.
- Paradiso Choir Days (January 15 and 16) - The 24th edition of Paradiso's Choir Days welcomes 140 different choirs for nearly 24 hours' worth of choral performances. Tickets for sale at the door.
- Ajax vs. Feyenood (January 19) - The Netherlands' most notorious football rivalry will reach fever pitch on the 19th, when Amsterdam's Ajax and Rotterdam's Feyenoord face off at the Amsterdam ArenA. Tickets are available at the stadium and at Primera locations nationwide while supplies last.
- Mahler 7 with Pierre Boulez (January 20) - Celebrated French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez leads Mahler's masterful Seventh Symphony.
- Jumping Amsterdam (January 20-23) - This annual Dutch equestrian tournament is sure to please hippophiles with its bevy of handsome horses and skillful riders.
- Combattimento Consort Amsterdam: Ariadne auf Naxos (January 21) - Classical music meets classical myth in the Combattimento Consort's triple feature of Mozart and Bach orchestral works and Benda's Ariadne on Naxos, a musical melodrama.
- Flamenco Biennale (January 21-30) - Flamenco takes over the town with music and dance performances all over Amsterdam in late January.
- Amsterdam International Fashion Week (January 26-30) - Amsterdam's semi-annual fashion week is the top event on the capital's fashion calendar, and its "off-schedule" events ensure plenty to see and do even beyond the catwalk.
