Amsterdam Events

It doesn't happen every year, but when it does it's legendary: if the canals freeze right, you can't miss the 'Eleven Cities Journey' (www.elfstedentocht.nl), a gruelling skating marathon through the countryside of Friesland, held in January. In March, Catholics walk along the Holy Way in the Silent Procession, which commemorates the Miracle of Amsterdam.

Queen's Day, on 30 April, is the day to be in Amsterdam - there's a free market, street parties, live music and lots of beer. National Windmill Day is in May and open garden days are held the same month. The Holland Festival (www.hollandfestival.nl), the country's biggest arts festival, runs throughout June, and in August (the busiest time of year for festivals) local theatre groups and orchestras perform free throughout the city.

In November Sinterklaas arrives by ship from Spain. Also in November, the Cannabis Cup (www.hightimes.com) celebrates the sacred herb. Sinterklaas, the traditional Dutch Christmas, is held on 6 December, although gifts are handed out the evening before. The standard-issue Christmas is also celebrated on the 25th.

For a great online guide to what's happening in Amsterdam during your trip, head to the I amsterdam portal (www.iamsterdam.com).