Once again, the Gashouder will host the Parade's winter edition. And it's just like the actual Parade--theatre, dance, film, food, and also the Big Ball Bounce Orchestra. The wintry festivities conclude on 31 December, which is, understandably, a bit more expensive, just like everything that night. Gashouder, (Daily 17.30), 35/55
Film: Film Unmuted: New Sounds for Silent Films 06
A new film series in the Goethe instituut where silent films will be shown with a live soundtrack performed along with it. Goethe Instituut, (19 December 19.30), 5
Film night: Info/Film avond LGBT activisme in Latijns-Amerika
Rebeldia Rosa, the LGBT group of youth organisation Ojalα is hosting an info/film night on sexual diversity in Latin America. There will be live interviews with Latin LGBT activists, cocktails, Latin music, and the Uruguayan film XXY, which has won several international awards. Latijns Amerika Centrum, (19 December 19.3022.00), 2.50
Film/Music: Thaοs
The New York Metropolitan Opera's production of the Massenet opera, beamed live into Amsterdam's plushest cinema hall. Pathι Tuschinski, (20 December18.00), 32.50
Craft Fair: Christmas Craftymarkt
If you like the handmade goodies on Etsy, or just generally enjoy quirky hand-made art and items that are both fun and aesthetically pleasing, definitely check out this winter market with a difference--there'll be no Indian panpipe buskers in sight. Instead, upcoming designers, artists and generally creative folks will gather and sell items from jewellery and tablecloths to dolls and accessories. So sort out those final Christmas prezzies without resorting to AC/DC socks from H&M. Well, okay, get the rock n roll socks too. De Baarsjes, (20, 21 December 12.00-21.00),
Event: Midwinterfeest
Solstice activities, including a cultural market, ice rink, food, drink and stories. Yes stories. See www.ndsml.nl. NDSM-werf, (20-24 December 17.00-0.00), free
Photography: Fotoboekenmarathon
To underline the new found importance on photography books, Huis Marseille will host a marathon featuring more than 20 famous Dutch photographers that have recently published books. Huis Marseille, (21 December 11.00-18.00), 5
Event: Wed and Walk
Want to get married before Christmas? Got a spare 40 still kicking around your wallet? Then make a reservation at wed-and-walk.com and get married this Saturday. There's no hassle. The rings, dress, suits and bouquets have all been arranged--you just need that special someone. Not that you should necessarily spring a surprise on that special someone. Rather, it's more about skipping all the negatives--and family members if need be. Studio K, (21 December 13.00-20.00), 40
Poetry/Music: Carte Blanche: Kees 't Hart
The launch of a new series in de Balie in which writers and artists get the opportunity to make the night their own--first in line being Kees 't Hart. He's created a programme with writers he admires, each reading from their work. He himself will read one of his poems, and to close festivities, the eight-piece Frank Zappa cover band, Uncle Meat, will perform. De Balie, (21 December 15.00), 9
Performance: Boom's Christmas Show
Enjoy a comedy show and a festival holiday menu; all at the same time. Boom Chicago has created a festival holiday extravaganza that includes a multimedia comedy show, a three-course meal and an open bar (if you go for the most expensive ticket). Boom Chicago, (22-24, 26 December 18.30), 52.50-99.50
Event: Serve the City
Feel like giving back this Christmas? Serve the City has organised a number of volunteer projects that all take place on 23 December. These projects include entertaining elderly people, feeding the homeless or having dinner with a transgender woman. Well, that one's already taken but for the full list of options check out www.stcamsterdam.nl. Various locations, (23 December), free
The Comedy Christmas Dinner Show
Ah, so Boom Chicago and Comedy Cafe are doing... pretty much the same thing. However, the Comedy Cafe offers a four course meal, instead of three. And, of course, here the comedy is primarily in Dutch. Comedy Cafe, (25, 26 December 21.30), 27.50-69.50 until Friday 26 December
Festival: Tangomagia
For the love of tango, this six-day programme features workshops from international tango stars, demonstrations and live performances, marking the 11th edition of the festival. Venues this time include Loods 6, De Duif, Hotel Arena, Crea, Stayokay, Studio de Wit and Beurs van Berlage, and whether you're desperate to see a host of Argentine maestros strut their stuff or work the floor yourself, there's something for all tango lovers. See www.tangomagia.com. Various locations, (26-31 Dec at various times), various prices
